Rafa Benítez (now unemployed)

[Wilson]

Pr move to turn the fans against him, gives them chances to roll out the "we tried" line.

 

Never change you bunch of cunts.

 

So the club are desperate to spend the transfer war chest but can't if Rafa doesn't commit to the club ?

 

This Bishop bloke knows his stuff and it won't be long before the boo boys turn on Rafa,

 

Thing is they already are turning.

 

Ashley's fucked him over constantly. I'm fuckin dreading him going to a well run club and seeing what he actually does again.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

There is no sign that the version of Rafa we have is particularly good at all. Style of football, results, improving players all big negatives.

 

Fuck off

[David Edgar]

I really hope Rafa does not sign the one year contract extension.  I don't care much for another year of palliative care.

[Hhtoon]

Player improvement is an issue. In fact I'd say regression is more commonplace, with Kenedy, Murphy and Merino the standouts. Was hoping more from Muto as well as thought he looked promising.

 

I do think he has the team as a whole performing greater than the sum of their parts, certainly last year. Just seems a little drained from the last 2 years and looks like it is having an impact this year.

 

Would hope any new owners would fight to keep him though, and think we'd see a different Rafa to the current.

[themanupstairs]

Well that makes it his style of play you daft wallop.

 

 

No it doesn't. That is the simplest way of looking at things, with absolutely no depth of reasoning at all.

 

He's right man. Rafa's Liverpool teams thrashed the likes of Real Madrid and Man Utd playing turgid defensive hoofball. You know nothing m8

[themanupstairs]

There is no sign that the version of Rafa we have is particularly good at all. Style of football, results, improving players all big negatives.

 

Joselu. Stoke City reserve. 5M. JOSELU. Wake the fuck up.

[Yorkie]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

[morla84]

It'd make it a slightly harder decision to not renew at the end of the season if he signed, at the moment it's the last thing I want to do.

[Greg]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

 

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

[Robster]

There is no sign that the version of Rafa we have is particularly good at all. Style of football, results, improving players all big negatives.

 

[Yorkie]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

 

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

 

[TRon]

I would have thought seeing the younger reserves stepping up would make the penny drop for at least some of the doubters. Woodman looked like a 15 yr old kid thrown into a game of grown ups. If that's the standard of our back up, we can hardly complain if we don't beat teams like Blackburn.

[Hhtoon]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

 

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

 

I suspect players don't think like that, more along the lines that the better they play the more likely a move to a bigger club/contract.

They must be incredibly self-motivated to get where they are.

If you're unable team who sell all their best players then maybe, but not sure if the summer was as negative as that.

[Greg]

I would have thought seeing the younger reserves stepping up would make the penny drop for at least some of the doubters. Woodman looked like a 15 yr old kid thrown into a game of grown ups. If that's the standard of our back up, we can hardly complain if we don't beat teams like Blackburn.

 

No he didn't.

[Greg]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

 

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

 

I suspect players don't think like that, more along the lines that the better they play the more likely a move to a bigger club/contract.

They must be incredibly self-motivated to get where they are.

If you're unable team who sell all their best players then maybe, but not sure if the summer was as negative as that.

 

 

They will not consciously think like that but it will have a big impact on them. Collective desire and motivation and momentum are massive in football. Shouldn't be underestimated the impact it has where there's not much to play for beyond what you've already achieved when that in itself is not exactly something special. 

[TRon]

I would have thought seeing the younger reserves stepping up would make the penny drop for at least some of the doubters. Woodman looked like a 15 yr old kid thrown into a game of grown ups. If that's the standard of our back up, we can hardly complain if we don't beat teams like Blackburn.

 

No he didn't.

 

I only saw the highlights so probably not qualified to give a proper judgement, but he struggled badly on the crosses in those highlights. In one he was absolutely nowhere, didn't even get close to the ball and left an empty net up for grabs.

[Greg]

I would have thought seeing the younger reserves stepping up would make the penny drop for at least some of the doubters. Woodman looked like a 15 yr old kid thrown into a game of grown ups. If that's the standard of our back up, we can hardly complain if we don't beat teams like Blackburn.

 

No he didn't.

 

I only saw the highlights so probably not qualified to give a proper judgement, but he struggled badly on the crosses in those highlights. In one he was absolutely nowhere, didn't even get close to the ball and left an empty net up for grabs.

 

Most 'keepers other than those at the very top would struggle being targeted like that. He's clearly a very talented young lad that needs to be out on loan learning how to deal with things like this.

 

Like a 15 year kid thrown in with the adults ffs.

[Raconteur]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

 

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

 

I suspect players don't think like that, more along the lines that the better they play the more likely a move to a bigger club/contract.

They must be incredibly self-motivated to get where they are.

If you're unable team who sell all their best players then maybe, but not sure if the summer was as negative as that.

 

 

They will not consciously think like that but it will have a big impact on them. Collective desire and motivation and momentum are massive in football. Shouldn't be underestimated the impact it has where there's not much to play for beyond what you've already achieved when that in itself is not exactly something special. 

 

The fact that these workers know their outstanding boss is leaving, likely to be replaced with someone much less skilled, would surely have most people concerned about the future, no matter what industry you’re in.

[Guest covmag]

Sign a one year extension and I will give you some money. 

 

Isn’t that standard fair though? It’s been on offer all the time just longer? Another bullshit story that Rafa clearly would never go for.

 

Wish he’d just leave , Ashley can’t be beat.

[Greg]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

 

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

 

I suspect players don't think like that, more along the lines that the better they play the more likely a move to a bigger club/contract.

They must be incredibly self-motivated to get where they are.

If you're unable team who sell all their best players then maybe, but not sure if the summer was as negative as that.

 

 

They will not consciously think like that but it will have a big impact on them. Collective desire and motivation and momentum are massive in football. Shouldn't be underestimated the impact it has where there's not much to play for beyond what you've already achieved when that in itself is not exactly something special. 

 

The fact that these workers know their outstanding boss is leaving, likely to be replaced with someone much less skilled, would surely have most people concerned about the future, no matter what industry you’re in.

 

Absolutely.

[TRon]

It's not that bad, I was going to say 12yr old kid but thought it was a bit much.

[Robster]

The fact that these workers know their outstanding boss is leaving, likely to be replaced with someone much less skilled, would surely have most people concerned about the future, no matter what industry you’re in.

Absolutely.

It's reason I think we'll go down.

[Hhtoon]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

 

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

 

I suspect players don't think like that, more along the lines that the better they play the more likely a move to a bigger club/contract.

They must be incredibly self-motivated to get where they are.

If you're unable team who sell all their best players then maybe, but not sure if the summer was as negative as that.

 

 

They will not consciously think like that but it will have a big impact on them. Collective desire and motivation and momentum are massive in football. Shouldn't be underestimated the impact it has where there's not much to play for beyond what you've already achieved when that in itself is not exactly something special.

 

You could say the same about 12-14 clubs in the premiership. Nor do you hear of any players clamouring for a move (Hayden aside which is non football related). They might be behind the scenes I suppose but suspect with agents it would be pretty obious.

Suspect a lot of our players know their limit and are satisfied at the moment. If Rafa leaves that might change of course...

[Hhtoon]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

 

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

 

I suspect players don't think like that, more along the lines that the better they play the more likely a move to a bigger club/contract.

They must be incredibly self-motivated to get where they are.

If you're unable team who sell all their best players then maybe, but not sure if the summer was as negative as that.

 

 

They will not consciously think like that but it will have a big impact on them. Collective desire and motivation and momentum are massive in football. Shouldn't be underestimated the impact it has where there's not much to play for beyond what you've already achieved when that in itself is not exactly something special. 

 

The fact that these workers know their outstanding boss is leaving, likely to be replaced with someone much less skilled, would surely have most people concerned about the future, no matter what industry you’re in.

 

Absolutely.

 

Footballers know they are one bad performance from being dropped and a string of bad results leads to a new manager. They won't be thinking past the next 5 months. Half the squad will probably be thinking a new manager gives then the opportunity to get a 1st team place.

 

But whatever, you might be right. Guess we'll see when the whole squad hand in transfer request in the next 3 weeks or summer.

[Yorkie]

If it was June 2018 right now we'd rightly be saying that virtually everyone to a man has improved enormously since Rafa first came in. Diame was on another level, Shelvey was consistently good, Perez always dangerous, Gayle found a way to look like a forward fit for the league, Dummett was doing well, Yedlin better, Ritchie also (at least compared with his form in the first half of last season). Even the likes of Joselu were coming off the bench and doing a job. Why they've regressed/stagnated/burned-out is another discussion but to insinuate that Rafa can't improve players is an insult to the man and this squad, who for two years basically did a tremendous job.

 

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

 

I suspect players don't think like that, more along the lines that the better they play the more likely a move to a bigger club/contract.

They must be incredibly self-motivated to get where they are.

If you're unable team who sell all their best players then maybe, but not sure if the summer was as negative as that.

 

 

They will not consciously think like that but it will have a big impact on them. Collective desire and motivation and momentum are massive in football. Shouldn't be underestimated the impact it has where there's not much to play for beyond what you've already achieved when that in itself is not exactly something special. 

 

The fact that these workers know their outstanding boss is leaving, likely to be replaced with someone much less skilled, would surely have most people concerned about the future, no matter what industry you’re in.

 

True, but that doesn't explain Lascelles' sudden downturn in form. He had no idea Benitez was leaving so what's his excuse?