Liverpool FC Forum

[bigmick]

It confirms much of what has been said about Benitez over the years, but that aside I don't think this is the way to do things nor do I think the timing could have been much worse as far as the team is concerned. Too many people at Liverpool are more bothered about themselves than they are the club, and that goes for the manager and half the players. Shocking really.

[bunglemark2]

FFS, Mick, when it comes to club vs. country, 99 times out of 100 the country will win out. I don't blame Riera for mouthing off about Benitez, cos I reckon Rafa is a complete autocrat. The guy believes he is the Messiah and that his opinion is beyond question - WRONG ! He has got it wrong on so many occasions this year and in the past, that I fully agree with Riera in airing his opinion. Why not ? Maybe now it's out in the press, Rafa will listen ? Or more likely, he'll give him the cold shoulder and sulk.
Rafa comes across more like a spoilt child than anything...

[metalhead]

maybe if he'd actually stood out or done anything of note when he's had the chances this season he'd be getting played more often.

anyway i'm sick of this "rafa's got poor man management" nonsense. these same methods worked brilliantly last season so what's changed now. he's not there to be best mates with people, he's there to manage. i doubt ancelotti is matey matey with anybody at chelsea either. he comes across just as cold as rafa to me.

this is where the number 2 should be doing a job in terms of keeping a rapport within the squad and sammy lee is obviously not doing his job properly.

Spot on st.mick mate, he hasn't done anything fantastic to justify such rant. I like riera, he is a good player to have and give balance to the team, but his rant is not justified. Plus he wants what's best for him and that's going to the WC

[Scottbot]

Being blown out of proportion a bit for me. Riera has been frozen out for a while now, the one game he did play recently (can't remember who it was against) he was awful. Players often have a whinge to the press when they're not playing, especially in a World cup year, it's nothing new. And it doesn't matter what level we're talking about, I've got college football academy players who don't particularly like (or talk to me) because I don't select them, they whinge to their mates and the other lecturers/coaches. Sometimes they ask why they are not selected, or what they need to do to get into the sides but it is difficult to tell someone they are simply not good enough.

This doesn't tell us anything we don't already know about Rafa, we know he's not the arm around the shoulder type and I don't think he ever will be. I can't see it being particularly disruptive. Babel has had a whinge a few times in the past, Yossi had a few words with the press early last season and funnily enough, both players seem pretty happy now because they are playing.

[shawnk]

Any footballer would wish to play for their country in the World Cup. It's any footballer's dream to play in one.

[Yossi_Benaloon]

I dont think Riera has lived up to his reputation this season so am not surprised he has not been getting used quite as often as in the last campaign, especially when he has been hit with a succession of niggling injuries. With some of the comments he has come up with it sounds like someone who is throwing his toys around for not getting his own way. If he is really unhappy and wants first team football then let him go to Russia on loan i say, otherwise it shows he is using the media to try and get what he wants.

[mramo]

Go Reira Go

No. Riera shouldnt go. Its Rafa that should go.

[shawnk]

I dont think Riera has lived up to his reputation this season so am not surprised he has not been getting used quite as often as in the last campaign, especially when he has been hit with a succession of niggling injuries. With some of the comments he has come up with it sounds like someone who is throwing his toys around for not getting his own way. If he is really unhappy and wants first team football then let him go to Russia on loan i say, otherwise it shows he is using the media to try and get what he wants.

I dont think he's using the media to try and get what he wants as doing so would just frustrate the manager and chances of getting selected would just become slimmer.

Think he's probably trying to let people know he's available for sale as he has given up working with Rafa.

[NANNY RED]

FFS, Mick, when it comes to club vs. country, 99 times out of 100 the country will win out. I don't blame Riera for mouthing off about Benitez, cos I reckon Rafa is a complete autocrat. The guy believes he is the Messiah and that his opinion is beyond question - WRONG ! He has got it wrong on so many occasions this year and in the past, that I fully agree with Riera in airing his opinion. Why not ? Maybe now it's out in the press, Rafa will listen ? Or more likely, he'll give him the cold shoulder and sulk.
Rafa comes across more like a spoilt child than anything...

But its Riera thats opened his mouth here not Rafa, if hes not happy stick in a tranfer request behind closed doors ,then when you get your move come out and slate him. Hes not done himself any favours here by openly slating Rafa while hes still on the pay roll. Bit of an idiot to give this interview be honest, an hes the one making himself look like a small child, i wanna play or ill tell them what a bad man you are .

An Scott i think it was against Ureia that he was ,

[stmichael]

Being blown out of proportion a bit for me. Riera has been frozen out for a while now, the one game he did play recently (can't remember who it was against) he was awful. Players often have a whinge to the press when they're not playing, especially in a World cup year, it's nothing new. And it doesn't matter what level we're talking about, I've got college football academy players who don't particularly like (or talk to me) because I don't select them, they whinge to their mates and the other lecturers/coaches. Sometimes they ask why they are not selected, or what they need to do to get into the sides but it is difficult to tell someone they are simply not good enough.

This doesn't tell us anything we don't already know about Rafa, we know he's not the arm around the shoulder type and I don't think he ever will be. I can't see it being particularly disruptive. Babel has had a whinge a few times in the past, Yossi had a few words with the press early last season and funnily enough, both players seem pretty happy now because they are playing.

Good post. I agree entirely.

I don't know why anybody is surprised these day when footballers come out and spout their mouths off to the press. They all do it. The only issue I have with this is the timing. It is truly idiotic on the eve of two massive games.

I meann ffs if the manager isn't talking to you, he's probably busy doing something else. If you have an issue you'd like to raise with the manager, then ask. Use your mouth for something productive, not destructive.

This is where I've grown in admiration for Babel in the past month or so. He was shouting his mouth off and seemed more interested in other things other than playing football. Now he's got a chance and taking it and has been one of our best players in recent weeks. The truth is when Riera has got a chance he hasn't been good enough.

[account deleted by request]

Being blown out of proportion a bit for me. Riera has been frozen out for a while now, the one game he did play recently (can't remember who it was against) he was awful. Players often have a whinge to the press when they're not playing, especially in a World cup year, it's nothing new. And it doesn't matter what level we're talking about, I've got college football academy players who don't particularly like (or talk to me) because I don't select them, they whinge to their mates and the other lecturers/coaches. Sometimes they ask why they are not selected, or what they need to do to get into the sides but it is difficult to tell someone they are simply not good enough.

This doesn't tell us anything we don't already know about Rafa, we know he's not the arm around the shoulder type and I don't think he ever will be. I can't see it being particularly disruptive. Babel has had a whinge a few times in the past, Yossi had a few words with the press early last season and funnily enough, both players seem pretty happy now because they are playing.

By Chris Bascombe, 30/01/2010

YOSSI BENAYOUN is set to quit Liverpool after becoming disillusioned with life at Anfield.

The Israeli international had a £7million move to Dynamo Moscow blocked in midweek.


But he will seek a summer transfer unless there are changes at the club before the end of the season.


Benayoun signed a new contract extension in July, tying him to the Reds until 2013.


But his relationship with manager Rafa Benitez has become increasingly strained after he was left out of several high-profile fixtures. The midfielder, 29, is currently recovering from a broken rib.


He was given permission to find a new club last season when Dynamo first declared an interest.


But after an agreement was reached, Liverpool changed their mind and said the midfielder was no longer for sale.


That coincided with Benayoun showing sparkling form as the Reds challenged for the title.


Dynamo's renewed bid is a sign Benayoun is still open to offers, although the Anfield outfit insist he is not up for grabs.



--------------------------------

Far as I am aware Scott, Benny has said he wants to go at the end of the season mate.

[Kerry07]

Rafa is the worst man manager in the game.. and if he can drive out a placid individual in Alonso with diabolical treatment over wanting to see his kid being born.. he can do it to anyone.

You are a chess piece to Rafa... not a person. He doesnt do emotions, warmth, arm around the shoulder, or communicate with people unless its black and white tactics.

Thats why yes men are his favourites, obedient footsoldiers... the kuyts/lucas of this world who don't give any backchat, as opposed to talented outspoken individuals such as Bellamy. Its also why Pako left.. as Rafa is a control freak who doesnt listen to anyone. He has no tact, hes a cold, distant individual and anyone who has read his biography about how his dad couldnt get him to open up as a kid will understand more.

In simple analysis hes an oddball weirdo. He doesn't celebrate goals, (he's incapable)... in "interviews" he doesn't answer the question asked and uses standard learned responses.. "we were controlling the game"...(in his monotone voice) on signing a player.. "he has a good mentality". He couldn't joust with Whiskey nose off the cuff so he got out a sheet of "Fachts".

The football we play reflects his grey persona... its functional as Riera states.

[andy_g]

anyway i'm sick of this "rafa's got poor man management" nonsense. these same methods worked brilliantly last season so what's changed now.

we have 100% less alonso

[Fauxy]

I can see why Riera is havin a crack at rafa because he hasnt mentioned Riera in months and he doesnt really seem to have good man management skills.

But saying all this to the press is probably a bad idea..

[bunglemark2]

FFS, Mick, when it comes to club vs. country, 99 times out of 100 the country will win out. I don't blame Riera for mouthing off about Benitez, cos I reckon Rafa is a complete autocrat. The guy believes he is the Messiah and that his opinion is beyond question - WRONG ! He has got it wrong on so many occasions this year and in the past, that I fully agree with Riera in airing his opinion. Why not ? Maybe now it's out in the press, Rafa will listen ? Or more likely, he'll give him the cold shoulder and sulk.
Rafa comes across more like a spoilt child than anything...

But its Riera thats opened his mouth here not Rafa, if hes not happy stick in a tranfer request behind closed doors ,then when you get your move come out and slate him. Hes not done himself any favours here by openly slating Rafa while hes still on the pay roll. Bit of an idiot to give this interview be honest, an hes the one making himself look like a small child, i wanna play or ill tell them what a bad man you are .

An Scott i think it was against Ureia that he was ,

I disagree Nan....far too many players have been majorly pi$$ed off by Rafa and his dysfunctional methods.
There was :
the fiasco over where Gerrard should be playing on the pitch;
the cr@p over Robbie Keane - on the bench, subbed after 60+ minutes every game, played out of position, dropped after he scores a couple of goals in favour of Eggnog;
playing Carra/Masch at right back;
the fiasco over handling Alonso and ultimately losing perhaps the best player at the club - consistency, I mean - in recent seasons;
insisting on playing Lucas and Kuyt - even when they are playing absolutely shocking football - at the expense of others;
farming out Nemeth - who at least knows where the goal is !! - and not playing Pacheco;

it goes on and on....

The man's methods are pure madness and the club is suffering ON the pitch as a result. The financial chaos is a separate beast completely...