One less Spaniard at Liverpool

Hello all,

It's been a while since I've been able to get on footie banter - my apologies, I don't have as much free time anymore and the past month has been mad

So anyway - lets look at the burning question of the day: When will Rafa bugger off?

Skybet have a reasonable 5/6 by the end of the season and let's be honest, he's got to go - FA cup at the first hurdle, Champions League at the first hurdle, struggling to get fourth in the league - this is all not good

I admit, one bad season does not mean it's the end and after last season I can understand some optimism, but clearly something has gone wrong, it's been four years without a trophy now, at least Arsenal are having a go and stick to Wenger's principles, Rafa just seems to float along making ridiculous decisions

You could defend him with the old 'Hicks and Gillett crippling the club' line - but their investment this year has been far more than United's and look at the disparity, Rafa has bought in both Johnson and Aquilani for nigh on 40 million, and now Maxi - O'Neill and 'Arry have done better with less, United are pushing first with no back four and are heavily reliant on Rooney and a Welsh OAP - so although money is pretty tight I don't think there's much excuse there, I simply can't see what Rafa is trying to build and haven't done for several years

In short, Liverpool are stagnant and I can't see how Rafa is going to mount a challenge on the league next season, nor any cups - so I think his time is up, the Pool are going nowhere fast

I think it's a sad state of affairs when clearly the owners couldn't give two hoots about Liverpool's performance and just want all the merchandise and tv cash

Personally I still think Rafa is a decent manager, maybe he's just lost his impetus through lack of support or what-not, although I don't think I'd pay for him through the nose like Juventus might

And so, as I said in December - bye-bye, Rafa (sorry for basically repeating myself, but it's the big issue right now I feel - it's that or the Glazers...)

Next up: who the bloody hell replaces him?

Rafa Poll Closes

Last week we put up a poll after Liverpools 2-1 defeat to Reading.  Well the poll is closed, here's how you answered.

1. Should Liverpool sack Rafa Benitez?

Yes = 60%
No = 40%

2. Will Liverpool achieve a top four finish this season if Rafa remains in charge?

Yes = 20%
No = 80%

Rafa Poll

Following on from Liverpool's 2-1 loss in extra time to Reading tonight in the FA Cup the big questions once again loom large.  Should Liverpool sack Rafa? Will Liverpool finish in the top four with Rafa still in charge?

Let us know what you think.

Click here to take survey

Rafa Gets Maxi

Rafa Benitez has secured the signature of Maxi Rodriguez on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid.  The 29-year-old player signed a three-and-a-half year deal after Atletico who are languishing in 11th place in La Liga deemed Rodriguez surplus to requirements and with his contract set to expire in the summer, and with no offers on the table the club seem to have felt that the players prospects for first team football in Madrid so bleak that it was better for them to get him off the wage bill.

This is another gamble from Rafa, but this one at least has not involved a sizable transfer fee.  Rodriguez, if he settles quickly and can adapt to the fast pace and tough tackling of the Premier League could prove a useful utility forward, who can play on either wing or provide cover for, or, alongside Torres.  Either way, he give Benitez some options.

Time will tell if Rodriguez proves a good signing, but I have my doubts that this signing will be the one that will bring Liverpool a top four finish and win back the increasingly deflated fans... If he bags a last minute winner in his first couple of games there could be some hype, but in my mind Rafa has brought in a squad player to fill in for the departure of another after Veronin's move to Moscow.

Arshavin At Anfield

I Agree, Rafa Should Go

Last week Tarquin asked if it was time for Benitez to go. I agree, in fact I think the time is past due and that Liverpool are heading for tough times unless they make a change before the January transfer window opens.

I also agree with Tarquin that Harry Redknapp and Martin O’Neil would be replacements that could do more with the team than Rafa has, and could build a genuine title challenging squad in a relatively short spell of a couple of seasons. But in my mind the man who has to replace Rafa is Jose Mourinho, because not only his Chelsea Team tactics would suit Liverpool very well, he is a winner, and Liverpool needs a winner at the helm.

I did float an alternative earlier in the year about another alternative; I still do not think this is an unreasonable suggestion, especially since the man in question is currently in the employment of Liverpool FC. That would be Kenny Dalglish, who also happens to be the last Liverpool manager to have won the league with them. But this was back in February, when Benitez was under fire, and had not signed his new five year deal. If Benitez is to go, Liverpool will have to open the cheque book just to pay him off; they might as well clear enough funds to pay off Inter for Mourinho as well who I think has the pedigree to guarantee at least one Premier League title.

Either way, I really do feel if Liverpool persist with Rafa, they will have to sack him later in the year and will regret not acting sooner.

Speaking to a couple of Liverpool fans Saturday night in the pub, they seemed despondent even though United had just been done at home to Villa. They want Rafa out of the door, with Lucas following quickly behind. The sale of Alonso and the absence of a strike partner and back up to Torres despite exit of three decent strikers in Crouch, Bellamy and Keane who were all purchased by Rafa also feature highly on their list of grievances; the failure to look at Michael Owen was not mentioned which I latterly assumed to be a self-imposed mental block placed on the Man Utd Striker. Finally, their hopes now rest on success or failure of unfit acquisition Alberto Aquilani. If the Italian fails to shine this will be the final straw for Benitez in the eyes of the fans.

The fact is, Tottenham, Man City and Villa all can stake a stronger claim for fourth place than Liverpool and Everton could also be a factor in the race later in the season. Liverpool have already lost six from sixteen in the league and drawn a further three. On present form they would finish in the fifty to fifty-five point bracket, which may not be good enough for Europa League qualification, let alone Champions League qualification. And if that happens, Gerrard and Torres would almost certainly have to be sold so keep the clubs finances in order and lower the wage bill, leaving Reina and Carragher as stars in an ordinary team. Liverpool fans and Board Members will need to act soon, because the January Transfer Window will be needed by whoever the replacement is because there are more than a few average players that might need to make way.

Time for Benitez to go?

As former Champions League champions Liverpool further compound their misery by losing yet another group game at home, while languishing down in seventh in the league at the same time, 12 points off the pace (and it's not even Christmas), is it not time to seriously consider that Rafa's time is up?

I don't mean sack him right now and go fetch the biggest name the yank owners can find, but surely the time has come to look for new blood? Where are Liverpool going? What is Rafa doing to boost their chances?

All he has done this year is swap Alonso for the untested (and injured) Aquilani and brought in a decent right-back, that was never enough to take the league (for those that remember I asked if it was worth a punt on them winning the title a while ago, that was about profitable odds, I didn't think they would, although I didn't expect it would be this bad) - there comes a point where you have to admit that very little is going on at Liverpool, this is now potentially the fourth year without a trophy and with no sign of improvement on the horizon surely the head honchos have to think that Rafa is a spent force, even after last year's decent performance

Both Martin O'Neill and 'Arry are proving better at building a side capable of cracking the top four, imagine what they could do with Liverpool's funds, not to mention Gerrard and Torres, while Rafa relies on mediocrities like Lucas, Babel and N'gog they have built solid sides, with more English players to boot

I think the gratitude for the Champions League victory should be wearing a bit thin now, and while I don't think Rafa should be given a hasty, ungracious booting I think it's time for Liverpool to realise that their ship is currently rudderless and the manager is out of ideas

Babel On The Move?

It would not really be a shock if Ryan Babel were to move on from Liverpool, but the promising young talent has spoken with The Sun and says that he wants to discuss his future with Rafa, and if he is not content that he will get more football, he will move on.

In his first season, Babel opened a few eyes, and put in a few good performances.  Clearly he was a raw talent, but he showed great promise.  However, in his second season, he could barely get a game with Dirk Kuyt a fixture on the right flank.

The stand out comment though was this:

"I have tried to talk to the manager but it isn't of any use. I couldn't really do anything with the feedback Benitez gave me.

"We have agreed to look at my situation during the winter. If there's no improvement then, I want to play somewhere else"

Babel should have no problem finding a new club and a starting place, and if he digs his heals in and forces the move could be one of the best players to go on the market in the January window.  Not all Liverpool fans have warmed to Babel, so there will not be too many that will miss him, though he has the potential to become a big player on the European stage, and he may come back one day and haunt Liverpool.
Babel will miss tonight's game against Debrecen through injury.

David NGog Penalty Decision Video

Here is the footage for those who did not get to see it.

Not For Liverpool Fans..

From: Republik of Mancunia

Old Classics: Can Liverpool win the league?

I thought I'd break this old chestnut out because Phil McNulty, who is never right, has tipped Liverpool for the league this year

I believe the smart money is still on Chelsea - and I still think they are the correct choice as favourites, but favourites don't necessarily have to win

As Chelsea showed at the weekend, they are capable of slip-ups, and they are not as complete as they were under Mourinho in my opinion, so it's up to United and Liverpool to keep the pressure up (I'm writing off Arsenal again - it's worked the past five times...)

So anyway, Liverpool - the loss of Alonso would seem to indicate that they are a weaker side, the appearance of a decent right-back doesn't replace his contribution adequately, and Aquilani is still yet to surface, and so I think when it comes to the big four they are unlikely to be able to repeat last year's doubles over United and Chelsea

But last year, despite beating the two top sides quite comprehensively, they still lost, while United won the league despite only beating Chelsea at home, and taking only five points out of a potential eighteen off the other top three, while Liverpool took fourteen

The answer is simple - we all know it, even though they only lost two games all season, Liverpool threw away points in draws - eleven compared to United's six

And these were not just decent draws with Everton at home or Aston Villa away - they were games like Stoke and Hull at home - last year they played Stoke early on, and drew 0-0 - this year they played them in the second week...and won 4-0, just under a year ago they played Hull at home and drew 2-2 - this season they won 6-1

It was commonly said that they lacked a cutting edge that prevented them finishing off visiting teams like Fulham, City and West Ham (whom they all beat away), as well as Stoke and Hull - that's ten points sent packing

Now with a bit more width thanks to Johnson, and a hopefully fully-fit Torres, they should have enough edge to secure those extra two points they kept dropping last year

I suppose the question now is whether they have the quality to beat the top sides again?

Are Liverpool worth it?

I would like some opinions - are Liverpool worth it at 5/1 to win the league?

I ask because I feel this is reasonably good odds - even if it is unlikely that Liverpool will finally win the league surely a team that finished only 4 points off the pace last year is better than a 5/1 shot?

In that sense the bet is valuable, I am of course wary that the odds may get longer in a few months - I think they slipped to 13/1 at some point last year, but I'm just interested to see if people think 5/1 is a fair price

Alonso Hands In Transfer Request

Sky Sports is reporting that Xabi Alonso has handed in a transfer request following weeks of speculation about his future.

Liverpool have told Real Madrid that they want £30m for Alonso, but Real will not meet that valuation; however Alonso's transfer request will likely move Liverpool a little on the price.

Yesterday Álvaro Arbeloa moved to Real Madrid signing a five-year deal with Liverpool receiving a £3.5m fee. Now that that business is concluded Real will be certain to open negotiations for Alonso.

Liverpool's pre-season plans will now hinge upon how this saga plays out. Glen Johnson is the only notable new-comer to Anfield and with Mascherano, Babel Dossena all linked with the exit door, Benitez has a tough time ahead ensuring he has a squad willing and capable of challenging for the Premier League in the forthcoming season.

Alonso To Leave Liverpool?

The Times is saying that Rafa Benitez will permit Xabi Alonso to leave Liverpool if he hands in a transfer request. They report that Alonso has stated to Benitez that he would like to leave but has not handed in a transfer request.

As such it is now unlikely that Alonso will be on Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia which may allow for the transfer to be completed with time to re-invest the transfer fee which could eclipse £30m if Real are still tempted.

Alonso was in good form for Liverpool last season and his absence will be felt in midfield especially having lost out to Man City who swooped early for Gareth Barry.

Monday Questions

Wow, what a big weekend of football!

After an action packed weekend I am now asking myself the following questions.

1. Have Man Utd re-asserted themselves as favourites in the Premier League race? United were second best for a lot of the game, and with a number of key players absent it looked like United were going to lose a third game on the trot. Yet in the last 10 minutes they came alive sparked by a Ronaldo goal; who his first-half goal aside had not really gotten into the game. A story book ending followed with a fantastic goal from youngster Macheda followed. This comeback seems to have nullified the momentum Liverpool achieved by winning last minute at Fulham.

2. Middlesbrough lost heavily, again. Will Steve Gibson keep faith with Gareth Southgate in the Championship? Not many chairmen would have kept faith with the declining progress of recent years, yet Steve Gibson has done what so many openly cry out for, he gave a young English manager a chance, and then stuck by him. Southgate slashed the wage bill and got rid of the big names that were there for the massive salaries. Others then got better offers, or just got old. Southgate is left with a young team lacking any players with Premier League veteran status. Having gone with a youth policy would it be better to stick with Southgate in hope for a quick return to the Premier League, or go with a new manager who might be less keen on sticking with the young guns?

3. What the hell has happened to Aston Villa? It has happened again, a team looked like they were going to break into that top four yet in the run in. In December Terry Venebles said Villa should not count themselves out of the title race, but by April I can't remember the last time they won a game of Football.... Was it before Emile Heskey joined? There is hope, in periods yesterday they looked good value for an Old Trafford victory. However, the gap between them and Arsenal now looks a little daunting, and if fourth spot evades them they best player will be moving to Liverpool, or possibly Chelsea in the summer. Where 3rd looked likely not so long ago, it looks like Villa will likely now finish 6th.

4. What the hell has happened to Hull City? In a worse free-fall than Villa they have only won two games since Christmas. I tipped Stoke to go down, but Stoke now look the strongest of the teams promoted last year. Will Hull join West Brom and Boro in the drop zone?

Man Utd Meltdown?

Have Man Utd gone into meltdown?

United lost their second game in a row in the Premier League today losing 2-0 away to Fulham. United finished with 9 men as Scholes was sent off early on and Wayne Rooney got a second yellow card late on. Not only did that cost United today, but they now join Vidic on the suspended list.

United will need to act fast to reverse their luck, with Liverpool breathing down their necks, Liverpool can go within a point of Man United with a win against Aston Villa. Chelsea will be stewing over their failure to capitalise losing 1-0 to Tottenham.

It is starting to look like it might be written in the stars for Liverpool to come back and win this seasons title.

Rafa Signs New Contract At Liverpool

It has taken many months, the loss of the Chief Executive and some fairly public debates, but Rafa Benitez has signed a new deal with Liverpool and which runs until 2014. Benitez arrived in 2004, so potentially his reign will run for a decade, if he sees out this current deal.

The media is reporting that the removal of Rick Parry as chief executive, an agreement to be paid in Euros rather than Sterling and a release clause if the club is purchased and he does not like the new owners have all been put in place at Rafa's urging and fulfills his requirements for staying on.

Benitez has told the Clubs Official Website:

"My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal," said Rafa. "I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool.

"The club is greatly respected around the world due to its incredible history and tremendous heritage. It is my aim to uphold those values and help create a new chapter in our history.

"Throughout this process, I would like to thank the owners for their hard work in finalising the deal. All of us at the club want the same thing, which is to be successful by winning major trophies."

Attention will quickly turn to Liverpool's long run without a league title, and demands for Rafa to deliver. Should Man Utd equal Liverpool's record of 18 League triumphs by winning the Premier League this season the pressure for a serious title challenge next season will be the most intense in the clubs history.

Premier League Title Race Opens Up

It was a big weekend in the Premier League with a solid victory for Liverpool at Old Trafford stunning the Man Utd faithful and with Chelsea winning against Man City.

Man Utd retain a 4 point buffer and a game in hand. United have lost big games in Championship run-ins before and held on to win, last season they lost to Chelsea but held on to clinch the title on the final day. Their performance in the next few games will be telling, with any signs of a let up will be seized upon.

Liverpool were good value for their win. Torres made Player of the Season candidate Nemanja Vidic look slow, and Goalkeeping giant Edwin Van der Saar looked ordinary.

The Battle for fourth has gotten more interesting with Arsenal moving back up into the Champions League spots for the first time since December, and Aston Villa losing at home to Tottenham. Everton's Victory moved them to within 4 points of Champions League football as well.

Walcott Warns Rivals

Theo Walcott has sounded a warning to rivals that Arsenal are going to end the season strongly.

Walcott says that defeat for Arsenal last night against Roma would have been disastrous, but that "The dressing room after we won was like we had won the World Cup".

He added, ""We have got a lot of players coming back towards the end of the season."

"We seem to have had our bad spell. Now hopefully we can have a good spell and push for those Champions League spots."

Walcott will have has Aston Villa in mind when issuing his rallying call who are now just three points ahead of Arsenal in fourth.

Arsenal play Blackburn at home on Saturday and Villa play Tottenham at home on Sunday. The race for the Champions League may intensify as it is Second and Third placed teams Chelsea and Liverpool who have the toughest tests this weekend.

Liverpool face a lunchtime kick off at Old Trafford, and Chelsea host unpredictable Man City on Sunday.

How Much For Liverpool FC?

A Kuwaiti consortium have announced that their negotiations to but Liverpool FC are not going well, because George Gillette and Tom Hicks want £500m. The club currently has approx £300m of debts that will need to be re-financed in July.

With £500m needed to buy the club and £300m in debts, Liverpools co-owners value the club at a high £800m. This is almost certainly an unattainable sum so there will be tense negotiations ahead.

How much do you think Liverpool FC are worth?