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?