WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO MY CLUB

[daveymac]

Bring back Rafa…admit we were wrong….we were wrong.

 

 

SHANKS MUST BE TURNING IN HIS GRAVE.

 

 

Sometimes when you make a big blunder, you have to stand up and admit you have f***ed up and you were wrong. Our board, players and fans have made a horrendous f*** up.

 

"THEY WERE WRONG"

 

Its not to late to rectify it. Yes it will cost us, but it will be the best transfer the new owners will ever make.

 

 

Its time that those still loyal to Rafa spoke up and before anyone says to me its not RAFA FC , no its not, but it is no longer the club with principles that I was brought up with. These people within the club who conspired to get rid of the gaffer have blackened the good name of LFC and they should be hung out to dry. LFC no longer resembles the club that Shankly built and its high time we got rid of the people hiding behind that image. They shame the memory of the great man and they shame the club we all love.

[Virgil Stallcup]

Did Shankly have the quality reputation before he arrived at LFC? The results were positive at Huddersfield. But nothing was there to suggest that he was on the way to building an absolute monster at Liverpool.

 

What was obvious about Shankly at the time of his arrival:

 

1. Tremendous, inspirational leadership skills.

 

2. An ability to identify, recruit, and develop talent.

 

3. Strong tactical skills.

 

After Hodgson, what is needed is not necessarily a manager with Continental experience and the trophies to match. We've had that with Houllier, Rafa, and now RH. But it hasn't given us the elite level consistency across the board that LFC had with the Bootroom. It has also led to an alarming lack of attention to internal youth development.

 

I think what is needed (should RH receive his notice) is something different. The best man for the job may not be plying his trade at Marseilles or Milan. He may well be toughing it out in England or Scotland with nothing on his side but his energy, drive, and ability to teach and inspire a squad he inherited to winning football.

 

We don't need someone who expects the place to be fixed up before he arrives. We need someone to set the foundation for dominance domestically and internationally. We need someone like Shankly, someone with experience working and succeeding in rough situations hungry for a shot at an elite club with elite support top to bottom.

[daveymac]

Did Shankly have the quality reputation before he arrived at LFC? The results were positive at Huddersfield. But nothing was there to suggest that he was on the way to building an absolute monster at Liverpool.

 

What was obvious about Shankly at the time of his arrival:

 

1. Tremendous, inspirational leadership skills.

 

2. An ability to identify, recruit, and develop talent.

 

3. Strong tactical skills.

 

After Hodgson, what is needed is not necessarily a manager with Continental experience and the trophies to match. We've had that with Houllier, Rafa, and now RH. But it hasn't given us the elite level consistency across the board that LFC had with the Bootroom. It has also led to an alarming lack of attention to internal youth development.

 

I think what is needed (should RH receive his notice) is something different. The best man for the job may not be plying his trade at Marseilles or Milan. He may well be toughing it out in England or Scotland with nothing on his side but his energy, drive, and ability to teach and inspire a squad he inherited to winning football.

 

We don't need someone who expects the place to be fixed up before he arrives. We need someone to set the foundation for dominance domestically and internationally. We need someone like Shankly, someone with experience working and succeeding in rough situations hungry for a shot at an elite club with elite support top to bottom.

 

We had someone who was building for the future. Rafa completely re vamped the youth set up at Anfield. The academy was a separate entity before Rafa came along and integrated it into the senior system. He made powerful enemies among ex players who didn't like the fact that their mate was given the boot. The academy manager didn't even talk to the first team manager before Rafa arrived. It was utter madness to replace Rafa.

 

Rafa was the nearest thing to Shankly that we have had and had the same mentality. He was a winner. When he arrived at Anfield I warned that the press would not like him as he kept his cards close to his chest and It proved to be the case. The only people who wanted Rafa out were people who were s*** scared of him. The Manchester based press knew he was on the right road to not only return LFC to the top but that he would overtake their darling United and they didn't like that. Rafa had the measure of Ferguson at United and they knew it. That was when the concerted effort to remove him began and they managed to turn the heads of a few senior players that were coming to the end of their contracts. It was a co-ordinated assassination and it has brought nothing but shame on the club.

 

You say we need someone who can work under tight constraint, well Rafa was doing just that all the time he was at Anfield, and was wining and his team was breaking records both domestically and in Europe.. Look at the facts not what the Manchester press would have you believe. Look at the LFC record books and see what Rafa and his team did in the time he was there. The same players that cant kick a barn door now were breaking every record set up under Shankly and Paisley. That was down to the fact that Rafa was the best tactical brain in the game and still is.The facts speak for themselves. When he managed to get his first choice players they were good ones, he didn't always get the players he needed or wanted and had to sell players to get money to get quality players and if it had not been for Rafa standing up to Hicks, we would have no quality players. They intended to sell them and pocket the cash. Rafa was a stumbling block to the plan and had to go. The real football fans among us realise what we have lost and are not happy with it. If the new owners are clever they will Undo the biggest mistake we as a club have ever made and get Rafa back on board. He has unfinished business in Liverpool.

[Virgil Stallcup]

We had someone who was building for the future. Rafa completely re vamped the youth set up at Anfield. The academy was a separate entity before Rafa came along and integrated it into the senior system. He made powerful enemies among ex players who didn't like the fact that their mate was given the boot. The academy manager didn't even talk to the first team manager before Rafa arrived. It was utter madness to replace Rafa.

 

If Rafa were working wonders with the Academy, then we would've seen tangible results showing up now. Look at Everton for comparison. Do we anyone close to Rodwell or Coleman ready now to make a contribution to the starting squad?

 

 

Rafa was the nearest thing to Shankly that we have had and had the same mentality. He was a winner. When he arrived at Anfield I warned that the press would not like him as he kept his cards close to his chest and It proved to be the case. The only people who wanted Rafa out were people who were s*** scared of him.

 

He was a good manager. But he wasn't in Shankly's class, especially in terms of league competition and personnel development.

 

Shankly could set up an organization internally to build home-based Liverpool talent. He had an excellent scouting network helping him identify young players at other clubs who could add to what he was building. He could win trophies domestically and internationally. Shanks wasn't a one-trick pony.

 

The Manchester based press knew he was on the right road to not only return LFC to the top but that he would overtake their darling United and they didn't like that. Rafa had the measure of Ferguson at United and they knew it. That was when the concerted effort to remove him began and they managed to turn the heads of a few senior players that were coming to the end of their contracts. It was a co-ordinated assassination and it has brought nothing but shame on the club.

 

Manchester press had nothing to do with it. H&G, however, did put the wheels in motion on the entire series of events.

 

Benitez wasn't going to turn this club around where it needed to be turned around first and foremost: in getting league results. He is a high-maintenance manager who needs constant support and funding from his superiors. In that environment, he can succeed. In the environment he was in, the results were inconsistent.

 

To me, you can't be one kind of manager in Europe and another kind of manager in England. Liverpool should demand more than that. LFC have had better than that and shouldn't settle because of some belief that RB is the best we can get. I'm not convinced he is the greatest thing since Shankly and Paisley. Good manager? Yes. Accomplished European cup manager. Certainly. But I want someone who also cares about getting the job done when it is cup time against Northwich Victoria or the 8:30 match against Stoke.

 

You say we need someone who can work under tight constraint, well Rafa was doing just that all the time he was at Anfield, and was wining and his team was breaking records both domestically and in Europe.. Look at the facts not what the Manchester press would have you believe. Look at the LFC record books and see what Rafa and his team did in the time he was there. The same players that cant kick a barn door now were breaking every record set up under Shankly and Paisley. That was down to the fact that Rafa was the best tactical brain in the game and still is.The facts speak for themselves. When he managed to get his first choice players they were good ones, he didn't always get the players he needed or wanted and had to sell players to get money to get quality players and if it had not been for Rafa standing up to Hicks, we would have no quality players. They intended to sell them and pocket the cash. Rafa was a stumbling block to the plan and had to go. The real football fans among us realise what we have lost and are not happy with it. If the new owners are clever they will Undo the biggest mistake we as a club have ever made and get Rafa back on board. He has unfinished business in Liverpool.

 

To sit there and say he broke records domestically, considering the legacy of Liverpool Football Club, beggars belief. He was not on the level of the greats we've had before because his approach was inconsistent.

 

He wasn't going to get the job done domestically. Perhaps with someone like NESV backing him, he may have reached that level. This is why I would be willing to see him back, but only after a period of time has passed where we have moved well beyond the events and characters surrounding the whole H&G saga. Liverpool need to move on. Rafa does as well.

[daveymac]

If Rafa were working wonders with the Academy, then we would've seen tangible results showing up now. Look at Everton for comparison. Do we anyone close to Rodwell or Coleman ready now to make a contribution to the starting squad?

 

 

 

 

He was a good manager. But he wasn't in Shankly's class, especially in terms of league competition and personnel development.

 

Shankly could set up an organization internally to build home-based Liverpool talent. He had an excellent scouting network helping him identify young players at other clubs who could add to what he was building. He could win trophies domestically and internationally. Shanks wasn't a one-trick pony.

 

 

 

Manchester press had nothing to do with it. H&G, however, did put the wheels in motion on the entire series of events.

 

Benitez wasn't going to turn this club around where it needed to be turned around first and foremost: in getting league results. He is a high-maintenance manager who needs constant support and funding from his superiors. In that environment, he can succeed. In the environment he was in, the results were inconsistent.

 

To me, you can't be one kind of manager in Europe and another kind of manager in England. Liverpool should demand more than that. LFC have had better than that and shouldn't settle because of some belief that RB is the best we can get. I'm not convinced he is the greatest thing since Shankly and Paisley. Good manager? Yes. Accomplished European cup manager. Certainly. But I want someone who also cares about getting the job done when it is cup time against Northwich Victoria or the 8:30 match against Stoke.

 

 

 

To sit there and say he broke records domestically, considering the legacy of Liverpool Football Club, beggars belief. He was not on the level of the greats we've had before because his approach was inconsistent.

 

He wasn't going to get the job done domestically. Perhaps with someone like NESV backing him, he may have reached that level. This is why I would be willing to see him back, but only after a period of time has passed where we have moved well beyond the events and characters surrounding the whole H&G saga. Liverpool need to move on. Rafa does as well.

 

I suggest you dig out the record books and have a good look mate. You will get a surprise. We have a a saying in Scotland, : You cant make a silk purse from a sous ear" but Rafa was doing just that. He had mediocre players playing above themselves and it was due to him and only him that we managed to stay in contention with the big boys.

 

Rafa and the owners we have now would be a match made in heaven, they are both winners. If you manage to find a manager that knows more than Rafa does about football you will be doing very well. I wont be holding my breath though.

[sheffieldcelt]

felt sorry for rafa, a good coach, won champs lge and forced for having 1 bad season

[daveymac]

felt sorry for rafa' date=' a good coach, won champs lge and forced for having 1 bad season[/quote']

 

Purslow and a couple of senior players stabbed Rafa in the back. When non footballing suits get involved in the football side of things you are on the slippy slope to disaster. Managers should be left to manage and the suits take care of the money.

 

There can only be one boss in charge of the footballing side and players are paid to play football. When players start to think they are bigger than the club and know better than the manager, its time they were moved on. Before we can go forward, the new manager will have to have a good clear out. Pain now for gain later. I will not be popular among some of our fans for saying this but it is a sad fact of life. YNWA.

[Redguard]

I think that we will see less of Purslow from now on.

 

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow quits job ..................

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/9111239.stm

[daveymac]

felt sorry for rafa' date=' a good coach, won champs lge and forced for having 1 bad season[/quote']

 

 

Rafael Benitez

 

Date of Birth

 

16 Apr 1960

 

Birthplace

 

Madrid

 

Games

 

350

 

Games Won

 

194

 

Games Drawn

 

77

 

Games Lost

 

79

Staff Honours

 

Champions League 2005

 

Super Cup 2005

 

FA Cup 2006

 

Charity Shield 2006

 

Profile

 

 

He was hailed as our Spanish messiah, a genial tactician who restored our reputation as one of Europe's biggest clubs and led us to one of the greatest triumphs in our history.

 

But after a six year reign of cup glory and league frustration Rafael Benitez Maudes' hopes of leading Liverpool to a record-breaking 19th League Championship were brought to an end following a disappointing 2009-10 campaign.

 

The Spaniard's first year in England had climaxed like a fairytale, one that was capped by a European achievement that will ensure his tenure will be immortalised and cherished in the annals of Anfield history.

 

For while even the late, great Bill Shankly took time to establish Liverpool as a force, Benitez made an almost immediate impact, shrugging off the disappointment of a fifth place finish in the Premiership to defy the odds and lead the Reds to a fifth European Cup success.

 

To say his legend can be summed up in six minutes would be to belittle his other achievements, but those few precious moments that followed half-time on Wednesday, May 25, 2005, were undoubtedly the most important.

 

A wave of optimism carried Liverpool into Rafa's second season and although the Reds secured a Super Cup win over CSKA Moscow, a fixture pile-up as a result of a series of Champions League qualifiers and inconsistent Premiership performances saw them struggle early on.

 

A run of one defeat in 18 matches, in which they set a new club record of 11 consecutive clean sheets, got the Reds back on track, culminating in a third place finish which at the time saw us notch up our highest points tally since the inauguration of the Premier League.

 

There was also another final to look forward to and, with more than a little sense of d?j? vu, the Reds overcame West Ham on penalties to claim the FA Cup and a third trophy under Rafa in just two seasons.

 

The Spaniard had certainly shown he had the Midas touch, following on from his success at Valencia where he had a developed a reputation as one of Europe's finest coaches.

 

However, the media still doubted his understanding of the English game overall, as the frustration of yet another disappointing start in the Premiership in 06-07 was in stark contrast to the confident swagger the side had begun to display in the Champions League.

 

European Champions Barcelona stood in the way in the knockout stage, but Rafa and co produced one of the performances of the season to clinch a famous 2-1 win in the Nou Camp and lay the foundations for progress to the next round.

 

After overcoming PSV and Chelsea respectively, the final in Athens would be another repeat, but this time AC Milan gained revenge for 2005.

 

The arrival of Fernando Torres for a record fee was a firm statement of intent ahead of 07-08, and with his strongest group of players since taking charge, Benitez made his best ever start in the Barclays Premier League.

 

The Reds marched to a run of 14 league matches unbeaten but saw their title hopes derailed by a series of disappointing draws.

 

A shock FA Cup defeat at home to Barnsley heaped further pressure on the Reds before an impressive Champions League victory over Inter Milan proved the catalyst for an end of season surge.

 

A 4-2 triumph in an all-English quarter-final second-leg at home to Arsenal had supporters dreaming of a third European final in four seasons, but this time it would be Chelsea's turn to advance to Moscow.

 

A second year without a trophy raised the pressure again, but if it hadn't been for injuries to Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, a partnership that had terrorised defences home and abroad, the Reds could easily have finished the season as the 2009 champions after losing just two league matches.

 

Highlights would include league doubles over both Manchester United and Chelsea, with the 4-1 mauling of Alex Ferguson's men at Old Trafford a particularly sweet moment for fans, players and coaching staff alike.

 

The Red Devils would go on to close out the championship but Liverpool kept winning right until the end with 10 victories from our last 11 league matches. It ensured we finished the campaign by setting a new personal Barclays Premier League best, with 86 points.

 

Expectation was higher than ever heading into 2009-10, but all was not well in the Liverpool camp.

 

Xabi Alonso's on-off transfer to Real Madrid was the major theme of a disappointing pre-season schedule. The opening day defeat at Tottenham proved to be a sign of things to come and once again the injuries to Torres and Gerrard would have a huge bearing on results.

 

By November any thoughts of a title challenge were over and a group stage exit from the Champions League threatened to completely derail the season.

 

Rumours of disharmony within the squad did little to raise the team's morale and a shock FA Cup replay defeat at home to Championship strugglers, Reading saw many within the media speculating that Rafa's future was in question.

 

Any hope of finishing the season with a trophy were ended by Diego Forlan's crucial away goal in the Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, while a 2-0 reversal against Chelsea in the final home match of the campaign quashed our chances of a top four finish.

 

The goalless draw at relegated Hull City would not only prove to be the final game of a disappointing campaign, but would also be Rafa's swansong as the club opted to part ways with the Spaniard less than four weeks later after a season that saw his side lose 19 games.

 

 

 

WE WANT OUR GAFFER BACK, I HOPE YOU ARE LISTENING, WHOEVER IS IN CHARGE OF THE NEW SET UP. ( THE REAL LFC FANS ARE NOT HAPPY )

 

 

Rafa was stabbed in the back and that is not the Liverpool way. YNWA.

[daveymac]

I think that we will see less of Purslow from now on.

 

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow quits job ..................

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/9111239.stm

 

 

GOOD RIDDANCE TO THE BACK STABBING BASTARD. HE WILL NOT BE MOURNED OR MISSED.