by Thommo's perm » Thu Nov 11, 2010 11:21 pm
Those with short memories will not remember the end of the Houllier days. Acrimony, frustration, disillusionment, anger. And yes, we really did finish 4th and qualified for the CL. Yet he had to go because he couldnt win the league.
In comes the enigmatic signor Benitez and inherits GH's squad, good and bad, adds a couple of gringos and sets out on a european mission. The holy grail, the lost ark, the golden fleece. A fairy tale which could never come true. Could it?
SCS makes a valid and decent point except its irrelevant because the circumstances are different. Moores was in charge and we were blissfully happy and content that although we hadnt won the league for years we would be champions soon. Especially with Benitez the conquistador at the helm. Yes GYBS he did have his doubters and critics, but most were like the Saint and made up to be rid of "the frenchman".
So we let his inadequacies in the league slide. We looked the other way because we had the makings of a miracle on our hands with each round of the CL. "De de der de der derr de derr" we sang louder and louder at each game and we got carried away with the emotion and excitement of what might be happening. Our league form was secondary. So much so that we didnt notice that it wasnt even as good as it was with le frog. But hey. Fu'ck it coz were going to Istanbul to win big ears for the fifth time and we get to keep it. The legend of Benitez was born. The reality of his inability to win the supposed "greatest prize in english football" our "bread and butter" was pushed aside and while we gorged on milans humiliation and our greatness.
The season after we would finally win the prem to add to our 18 titles and of course our fifth (count them ) european cup. We won the fa cup (just) and Benitez was up there with Shanks and Bob. Never mind, we would win the prem the next year. No we didnt. Or the year after. Or the year after....
We changed. We became less interested in the prem and more interested in the yanks. Who were, dont forget, the real reason Rafa never won the title. He left under a cloud for his new job as coach of the european and Italian champs. Smashing. But the hole left was enormous. Never in my life have I seen our club in such turmoil for all the reasons we know all about.
In steps gentle Roy the journeyman. Right into the hornets nest, the devils lair. The cauldron of hate, bile and nastiness that engulfed the once Camelot-like LFC. Talk about Paradise Lost.
It is pretty pointless comparing Benitez to Hodgson on just about any level. Different men, different times, different circumstances. He was already on a loser before he started due to the way the last manager (the legend) left. Hodgson needed to be a miracle worker to make any headway with the fans. His statements didnt help, nor did those who screamed hysterically (sos take note) at his naive utterances. Then add the apathy of the players and the mischeviousness of the media and you see what a mountain Hodgson had to climb.
But credit to the man that he has mostly learned from his mistakes and took us to within touching distance of fifth within 12 games. Of course we could go on (please dont) about how it was his fault we were down at the bottom in the first place. But we seem to be creeping up the table and hopefully the panic is over.
GYBS you are seriously having a laugh if you are saying that every manager since Shankly has not had respect. Totally the opposite. EVERY manager has had total respect (maybe with some reservations and misgivings) as soon as they took the role of manager of LFC. Every one except the current one
One thing remains true out of all of this. For better or worse, through design or accident, and whether we like it or not Roy is the manager of LFC, OUR club, and by rights should be given respect until he doesnt deserve it.
Not the other way round...