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.

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.

Rafa Benitez Is The First Manager To Be....

... Admit it, you thought this was going to say sacked!

That's how the news readers were leading in on this story last night, and I thought that Rafa had got the chop.

Nope, turns out he is the first to be warned about his conduct under new FA powers.

I can't remember a Premier League season where we had had no managerial sackings by October.

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.

Barry Moves To City

I have to say I was a little surprised to see the news that Gareth Barry has moved to Man City today for a £12m fee. Apparently Barry was able to command a £92,000 weekly wage in return for his services. The early transfer will give Martin O'Neil the full window to shop for a replacement.

I think that most people, myself included assumed that Gareth Barry was off to Liverpool this summer after last summers pleas for Champions League football and considering the overtures from Liverpool in seeking to reach a deal worth around £18m. So it is a very good piece of business from Man City and Mark Hughes and a first class signing.

In fact I am not sure what happened to Liverpool or Barry's desire to go there, but that may drastically alter Rafa Benitez's summer transfer plans.

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.

Is Today The Day Liverpool's Title Challenge Died

An Alonso own-goal and a second from Tuncay saw Middlesbrough earn a much needed 3 points today against Liverpool. It is Middlesbrough first win since their victory over Aston Villa on 9th November.

Liverpool remain 7 points behind Man United who did not play in the Premier League today, because of the Carling Cup Final tomorrow. Liverpool have now also played an extra game and lost second place to Chelsea took who are on an equal 55 points after their 2-1 win over Wigan.

Middlesbrough do seem to save their best performances for the games against the top teams.

Liverpool's title challenge seems to have petered out, before March. With Torres side lines, there is a lack of credibility about Liverpool's attacking options.

Has Liverpool's title challenge been ended today by Middlesbrough or can they still push United all the way? Will Liverpool finish above Chelsea and Aston Villa now? Will this affect Benitez's contract negotiations?

Benitez - "I Will Not Quit"

Rafa has insisted that he is not going to walk away from the Liverpool job and talks are continuing over a new contract.

Bookmakers yesterday stopped taking bets on Benitez's future just a few hours before Liverpool went out and beat Real Madrid 1-0.

Benitez is thought to want greater control over the transfer policy at the club and the warring owners are reluctant to allow that to happen. However, Benitez says the lawyers have been talking and that he feels the problems will be overcome.

We will have to take Benitez at his word. However, I have spent some time today considering who I would want in charge if I were a Liverpool fan, and Jose may fit the bill. However, if not why not make, what would be an extremely popular move for this man?

Torres Out For "Some Games"

Liverpool have confirmed that Fernando Torres will miss "some games" after sustaining an injury to his ankle. Torres sustained the injury in the first half of last nights game with Real Madrid, but on doctors advise Benitez left the striker on the field and started him for the second half. Torres hobbled off on 61 minutes.

Torres will miss the Middlesbrough game this weekend, and it is unclear at this point when he will return.

Liverpool are light now in the striking department having sold Robbie Keane in January. Ryan Babel was brought on to cover last night, and Rafa also has David N'Gog, Dirk Kuyt and Nabil El Zhar who can play up front, though I suspect this will not fill Liverpool fans with confidence, though it might Middlesbroughs defenders.

Rafa "Now, We Must Beat United To Win League"

The first hint that Liverpool feel their title chances are slipping away has surprisingly come from manager Rafa Benitez. The Manager has said that he feels Liverpool now need to win the tie at Old Trafford on March 14th to be in with a change of winning the league now.

Benitez is again the talk of Liverpool as he has still not agreed a new contract despite a reputed £4m salary being on offer, and greater control on transfer policy and youth development. It is said that Benitez has now rejected Liverpool's offer for a 5th time. Benitez is thought to have concerns about the speed of availability of transfer funds from waring American partners Tom Hicks and George Gillette Jr.

If Manchester United do win the Premier League this season they will equal Liverpool's record of 18 top flight trophies. The league has always been the most sought trophy by Liverpool fans and many are vocally upset that the club has gone so long without winning.

Friday Transfer News

Hull have concluded the signing of Jimmy Bullard for £5m on a four and a half year contract.

Villa have signed Emile Heskey for £3.5m from Wigan. Heskey was out of contract in the summer and looked doubtful to stay at Wigan.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has said that he is no where near close to signing Chelsea's Carlo Cudicini; but did not deny his interest.

Big Sam has re-stated his determination to keep hold of Roque Santa Cruz. He also said that a loan deal for Eidur Gudjohnsen is looking unlikely.

Rafa Benitez has said he is not looking to sign any one before the end of the January window.

Keegan Interview

I asked "Did Rafa not see what happened to Kevin Keegan and Newcastle all those years ago?"

Well, just in case the answer is no.......

Rafa's Tactics

Rafa Benitez almost since he walked through the door at Liverpool has had his on-field tactics frequently questioned. Some ex-Liverpool players have very openly and strongly criticised Benitez for his faith in his rotation policy.

Today however, I have to question his off field tactics. Benitez, seem to be a quiet manager, he is not in the news every week like Sir Alex Ferguson is, and like Jose Mourinho was during his time at Chelsea.

But I am not sure what Rafa's recent digs at Sir Alex Ferguson were supposed to have achieved? I would have thought that being top of the league, a preemptive verbal attack across the bows of the third placed team would be a little distracting to the squad, when the focus surely should have been to focus on your own teams efforts. Did Rafa not see what happened to Kevin Keegan and Newcastle all those years ago?

Has the attack worked? Well lets look at the weekends results....

Stoke 0 - 0 Liverpool
Man Utd 3 - 0 Chelsea

It is my assertion that Rafa has unnecessarily added to the pressure of a team that are unaccustomed to being top of the Premier League in the second half of the season, and that have not convincingly challenged for the league title in nearly two decades. Am I wrong?