by god_bless_john_houlding » Sun Jul 15, 2007 1:15 am
I on many threads here have called for Rafa's head and not for his lack of action in the transfer market, more the opposite, I think Rafa has brought in too many bad buys. This year I think he has brought in good/world class players and although that has assured me slightly we are going forwards, it hasn't made me 100% confident.
I've called for Rafa's head for another reason this one being his choices and tactics in major finals. 2005 Istanbul-although we won he picked an unfit Harry Kewell and unless Steve Finnan had got injured Rafa wouldn't of changed to a 3-5-2. 2006 FA Cup final-again we won yet another unfit Harry Kewell was picked. 2007 Athens- it was obvious to everybody that Peter Crouch had to start, then at half time we were unfortunate to go in behind so we should of brought Crouch on then but no Rafa waits till 10 mins to go we're 2-0 down, what can Crouch do in that time? He caused more havoc in those 10 minutes than Kuyt did all game (and Kuyt got a goal from a Crouch knock down). So Rafa's decisions and tactics baffle me in major finals.
But the biggest reason I've been calling for Rafa's head is simply our league form. I was fortunate enough to grow up in the late 60s/early 70s. I saw us conquere England and Europe on a regular basis. Winning the league became a way of living for the players of Liverpool in those days, so I expect it's harder for me than most to accept we're not at that level anymore. But 3 years now Rafa has been here and we still haven't came close. With new investments this has got to be the year we at least mount a challenge and if we do, all my fears over Rafa will be completely erased. If we are still 15 or more points behind the eventual champions, Rafa has got to go for me.
On the other hand I would like to thank Rafa for bringing the European Cup back home to Anfield. Also I'd like to thank Rafa for signing Reina, Alonso and Agger. So obviously I have doubts about Rafa (even now despite 2005) but it is mainly because of what I grew up watching, whilst I stood on the KOP.
1) You'll Never Walk Alone
2) pass and move is the Liverpool groove
3) FIRST WILL ALWAYS BE FIRST AND SECOND WILL ALWAYS BE NOTHING.
4) If Torres has scored 60 league goals for Liverpool by the start of the 2011/12 season, I'll say he's better than Owen.