Rafa's Interview with The Times: Part 2

[Ryan]

From The Times November 18, 2009

Rafael Benitez: when door was shut on Gareth Barry


Tony Evans, Football Editor


On Saturday afternoon, just before 12.45, a big-spending manager will take his seat in the dugout at Anfield aware that his side are desperate for a victory to ease the mounting pressure. Defeat will bring an avalanche of criticism. Yes, Mark Hughes could be in for a torrid afternoon if his Manchester City side are beaten by Liverpool.

Rafael Benítez knows that a win is essential, too.

Both managers have raised expectations for their clubs this year. Hughes lifted hopes with a £140 million spending spree. His Liverpool counterpart inspired his team to a flying finish to the previous Barclays Premier League season, when they fell just short of delivering the title to Anfield for the first time since 1990.

City are in sixth place in the table, a point above Liverpool. Both managers could come to rue their poor start to the season but will Benítez have bigger regrets on Saturday? There, in the sky blue of City, will be Gareth Barry, the man coveted by the Liverpool manager last year. Barry was key to a new-look side at Anfield, one that never took shape after the midfield player stayed at Aston Villa, then moved to City in the summer.

Would Liverpool have won the league last season if Barry had signed? It is a question that Benítez must have mulled over a thousand times. He gives a deep sigh, so heavy that it is audible when the tape is played back.

“You never know,†he said slowly. “Football is a funny game. The plan was for Barry to play on the left and feed the ball to Robbie Keane, who would play up front with Fernando Torres. This blueprint had to be scrapped. The collateral damage was Keane, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur before the Barry deal had been done.

“When we wanted to sign Barry, we were sure we were signing a good player with a very good mentality and the quality to play in the Premier League. The priority was Barry, then Keane.â€

Against a chaotic backdrop of politicking and finger-pointing at Anfield, Benítez’s priorities were ignored. Keane was the collateral damage but there were wider disappointments for the manager.

“We were looking to the future because we knew we needed three or four English players in the squad [for the Champions League],†Benítez said. “We knew there were rule changes and we needed English players and we were trying to get there early.

“The only way to do that was to sell [foreign] players and bring money in to sign English players. But the main thing about Barry is that he can play in three positions. To sign Barry would have been a very good addition for the team.â€

Those who believed Benítez to be innately negative were surprised this season when he signed Glen Johnson as an attacking full back, but the manager has been looking for positive contributions from his defence for a long time. Here, too, he saw Barry as an option. “If you wanted to be more offensive, you could use Barry as a left full back and he would still be controlling the game because he’s good with the ball,†Benítez said. “He could play as a winger. Not a winger just to beat players but one with good delivery, good crosses, good possession.

“That was the idea. Everything was perfect. Good player, good mentality and English.â€

The plan had gone awry and a new system was needed to put in its place. Using Steven Gerrard as a second striker compromised Keane’s role. Benítez acted decisively, sending Keane back to White Hart Lane after a mere six months at Anfield.

Would the Ireland striker have been a success in tandem with Barry? “Keane was a very good signing and everybody knew that he was a goal threat,†Benítez said. “He did not settle down in our team for different reasons and we needed to do something, so we did it quickly. With other players around it would have been easier for Keane. We played a different way.â€

In trying to build his sides, Benítez attempts to balance the conflicting demands of domestic and continental football. The manager’s critics claim that he is more concerned with Europe, but Benítez sees his success in the Champions League as a natural consequence of his ability as a tactician. “Europe and England are totally different styles of football,†he said. “You can manage tactically better in Europe. You have plan against plan and you can adjust teams depending on your position.

“In England it is direct football all the time. It is more difficult. There are no tactics to deal with a goalkick from the ‘keeper or a punt that goes half the pitch. The only way is to challenge for the first ball, win the second ball. That is a massive difference in terms of tactics.

“The tempo is higher in England because it’s more direct football. It’s difficult to control. The English teams that have quality and strong and physical players are difficult to play against.

“Teams like Chelsea who are big, strong and also have quality can cope in the league and the Champions League.

“Manchester United are the same. They have Fletcher and Carrick, big, strong players, and they also have Rooney and Berbatov, who play with quality. The balance is not easy. You can find this balance spending some money.

“If you want to win here, you need stronger and quicker players. The stronger and quicker players who have quality cost money.â€

Ron Gourlay, the chief executive at Stamford Bridge, said that it would take two European Cups in the next five years for Chelsea to become a big club. Benítez has delivered one to Anfield and reached another final.

However, would he consider his time at Liverpool a failure if he failed to deliver a title? “Anyone who knows me knows that I want to win every trophy, every game,†he said. “But if you ask me what I prefer, I will say the Premier League.

“If I do not win the title, I’m sure I’d be so disappointed maybe I would have this feeling [of failure],†he said. “But in football you have to compete against other teams. In the Premier League, you see clubs with big, big money, big stadiums. It’s easier if you have money to spend. But we have to deal with the money we have and cannot judge other teams.â€

For this season, expectations may need to be lowered. Progression in the Champions League looks unlikely and a title challenge would need a run of form of heroic proportions. How would Benítez feel about slumming it in the Europa League? “It’s not easy to accept the situation,†he said. “But it’s not the end of the world. We must keep going. We’ll approach it with the right mentality and try to win.â€

For now, getting the season back on track is simply a matter of seeing off City.

“For me it’s three points in the next game,†he said. “It’s the best way to be closer [to the top]. I have confidence that the team is better than people think, the squad is better than people think. If we win one or two games, we will gain confidence and you will see the players playing better.â€

What Benítez said about his strikers

Peter Crouch He is a fantastic boy and very clever, but he knew that Torres was the first choice and it would be more difficult for him.

Craig Bellamy He was different. He is a different kind of striker. He was in the position that Gerrard took, a second striker. Craig is a winner. With his mentality, to be on the bench is not an issue.

Michael Owen I couldn’t change his mind about going to Real. Two years later we had a conversation about the possibility of returning but he decided to go to Newcastle. He scores goals. This time round, I had a better goalscorer.

Spain v England is nightmare final scenario

One man unaffected by the excitement of the run-up to the World Cup is Rafael Benítez. Rather than looking forward to a festival of football in South Africa next year, the Liverpool manager is filled with dread.

“I’m really worried about a final between Spain and England,†he said. “All my players will be in it.â€

The comment is said half in jest but there are some real concerns. Liverpool are suffering from the knock-on effects of a South African tournament, after Spain took part in the Confederations Cup during the summer.

“We are paying for the Confederations Cup,†he said. “The Spanish players came back late. If Spain- England is the final next year, it will be more difficult for us to prepare for the season.â€

The timing of international matches is also an annoyance for Benítez. It will be better, he suggests, when the move is made from the present Wednesday and Saturday fixtures to 24 hours earlier.

“It will be better if international games are played on Tuesday and Friday,†he said. “It makes a big difference for all the top sides who have 10, 15 players involved in international football.

“Sometimes they arrive back on Friday so it’s really difficult because you cannot train with them. Then you have to play on Saturday morning sometimes. It is something that has to change. There are too many international games.â€

Can Benítez imagine himself managing a national side? “I get asked that ahe time in Spain,†he said. “Maybe in the future. I am happy here and like the day-to-day involvement. I prefer to stay here.â€

What if the job meant that he was able to stay here? England? He laughed. “Maybe,†he said. “If I improve my English.â€

 

[Ryan]

Oh, there's more...

The Times November 17, 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson is finally forced to face facts ten months after Rafael Benitez attack
Tony Evans


One of the stunning moments of last season came in January when Rafael Benítez launched his attack on Sir Alex Ferguson.

Liverpool needed to win away to Stoke City to go top of the Barclays Premier League and before the game Benítez produced a list of things that irritated him about the Manchester United manager’s actions, focusing on the Scot’s complaints about fixtures and his perceived bullying of referees.

It became known as “Rafa’s Rantâ€, despite the calmness of delivery and considered preparation. Liverpool drew with Stoke and it was widely considered to be a failed attempt to take on Ferguson in mind games.

Fast forward ten months and Ferguson appears to be on the retreat in his battle with referees, and the FA has handed the United manager an unprecedented touchline ban after his post-match complaints about Alan Wiley’s fitness.

Does Benítez allow himself a wry smile of satisfaction? “No,†he said. “I thought it was the best way to put things across and that people would see something that everybody knew and maybe no one could say. I said it. I was talking about facts.

“Now the situation is different, but you still see things that you could say . . .†He stops, laughs and changes tack. “It’s better to leave it and focus on my team and try to improve our performance. That’s the best way to help my team.â€

Like Ferguson, Benítez has strong views on referees. “I’ve supported them,†he said. “It is really difficult to be a referee, so I have to support them.†How? “With technology and by trying not to create too much controversy after games.â€

Benítez, of course, was warned by the FA last month for a mild brush with the officials. The Liverpool manager had been asked about Phil Dowd’s performance in the match against Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the season.

His response was to take out his glasses and study them, implying the referee could borrow them. It was a rare blemish on Benítez’s record. “We are managers and you cannot guarantee you will not be in a situation where you have to complain,†he said.

What sort of technology would Benítez like to see used? “One thing would be television for disciplinary issues — bad tackles, aggression,†he said. “It would help referees because the players would know they are being watched and be more careful.â€

One bugbear is the offside rule, which he believes has become too complex and too open to interpretation. “If we do not change this rule, we will have problems every game,†he said. “Before, if a player was offside, everybody knew. Now it depends on position, interfering with play. You could see this with the goal by Chelsea against Manchester United. You can talk about it for a onth and still have different opinions. If they don’t change the rule, it will be a mess.â€

 

[keniget]

We've heard a lot of talk about Rafa wanting Barry for that left-hand side in the past and now there it is from the horses mouth and I still refuse to believe it.

 

[Farkmaster]

Either way, if we had him right now, he'd be immensely useful either on the left or in the center.

 

[Rosco]

Rafa is the Premiership's equivalent of Jedward. A talentless chancer who's only still in the game because of the support of a bunch of deluded fuckwits who think he could be great.

Gareth Barry on the left is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever seen. But then again this is the man who dropped Didi Hamann for Harry Kewell.

 

[keniget]

Heh, you're pretty bored with the footy forum these days, eh Ross?

 

[Rosco]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=37249.msg990939#msg990939 date=1258504630]
Heh, you're pretty bored with the footy forum these days, eh Ross?
[/quote]

I'm bored with Rafa, which in itself feeds into my complete lack of entusiasm for the footie forum. The sooner he's gone the better.


EDIT: The analogy works well though doesn't it ?

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Rosco link=topic=37249.msg990935#msg990935 date=1258504311]
Rafa is the Premiership's equivalent of Jedward. A talentless chancer who's only still in the game because of the support of a bunch of deluded fuckwits who think he could be great.

Gareth Barry on the left is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever seen. But then again this is the man who dropped Didi Hamann for Harry Kewell.
[/quote]

You're becoming incredibly boring. Look at the state of the latter part of your post. You're so desperate to find fault in him that you're nitpicking at selection decisions from a Champions League final THAT HE FUCKING WON.

 

[themn]

[quote author=Rosco link=topic=37249.msg990935#msg990935 date=1258504311]
Rafa is the Premiership's equivalent of Jedward. A talentless chancer who's only still in the game because of the support of a bunch of deluded fuckwits who think he could be great.

Gareth Barry on the left is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever seen. But then again this is the man who dropped Didi Hamann for Harry Kewell.
[/quote]

Pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffft !

 

[Dreambeliever]

[quote author=Rosco link=topic=37249.msg990935#msg990935 date=1258504311]
Rafa is the Premiership's equivalent of Jedward. A talentless chancer who's only still in the game because of the support of a bunch of deluded fuckwits who think he could be great.

Gareth Barry on the left is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever seen. But then again this is the man who dropped Didi Hamann for Harry Kewell.
[/quote]

Rafa is not that bad but Barry on the left is up there with Dossena Degan Voronin and Keane as some of his worst ideas.

 

[Dirty Sanchez]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37249.msg990951#msg990951 date=1258505311]
[quote author=Rosco link=topic=37249.msg990935#msg990935 date=1258504311]
Rafa is the Premiership's equivalent of Jedward. A talentless chancer who's only still in the game because of the support of a bunch of deluded fuckwits who think he could be great.

Gareth Barry on the left is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever seen. But then again this is the man who dropped Didi Hamann for Harry Kewell.
[/quote]

You're becoming incredibly boring. Look at the state of the latter part of your post. You're so desperate to find fault in him that you're nitpicking at selection decisions from a Champions League final THAT HE FUCKING WON.
[/quote]

I think that one of the stupidest ideas that I've seen is the day someone decided to give Ross a computer and some typing lessons.

 

[Glock21]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37249.msg990911#msg990911 date=1258502769]

From The Times November 18, 2009

Rafael Benitez: when door was shut on Gareth Barry


Tony Evans, Football Editor


On Saturday afternoon, just before 12.45, a big-spending manager will take his seat in the dugout at Anfield aware that his side are desperate for a victory to ease the mounting pressure. Defeat will bring an avalanche of criticism. Yes, Mark Hughes could be in for a torrid afternoon if his Manchester City side are beaten by Liverpool.

Rafael Benítez knows that a win is essential, too.

Both managers have raised expectations for their clubs this year. Hughes lifted hopes with a £140 million spending spree. His Liverpool counterpart inspired his team to a flying finish to the previous Barclays Premier League season, when they fell just short of delivering the title to Anfield for the first time since 1990.

City are in sixth place in the table, a point above Liverpool. Both managers could come to rue their poor start to the season but will Benítez have bigger regrets on Saturday? There, in the sky blue of City, will be Gareth Barry, the man coveted by the Liverpool manager last year. Barry was key to a new-look side at Anfield, one that never took shape after the midfield player stayed at Aston Villa, then moved to City in the summer.

Would Liverpool have won the league last season if Barry had signed? It is a question that Benítez must have mulled over a thousand times. He gives a deep sigh, so heavy that it is audible when the tape is played back.

“You never know,†he said slowly. “Football is a funny game. The plan was for Barry to play on the left and feed the ball to Robbie Keane, who would play up front with Fernando Torres. This blueprint had to be scrapped. The collateral damage was Keane, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur before the Barry deal had been done.

“When we wanted to sign Barry, we were sure we were signing a good player with a very good mentality and the quality to play in the Premier League. The priority was Barry, then Keane.â€

Against a chaotic backdrop of politicking and finger-pointing at Anfield, Benítez’s priorities were ignored. Keane was the collateral damage but there were wider disappointments for the manager.

“We were looking to the future because we knew we needed three or four English players in the squad [for the Champions League],†Benítez said. “We knew there were rule changes and we needed English players and we were trying to get there early.

“The only way to do that was to sell [foreign] players and bring money in to sign English players. But the main thing about Barry is that he can play in three positions. To sign Barry would have been a very good addition for the team.â€

Those who believed Benítez to be innately negative were surprised this season when he signed Glen Johnson as an attacking full back, but the manager has been looking for positive contributions from his defence for a long time. Here, too, he saw Barry as an option. “If you wanted to be more offensive, you could use Barry as a left full back and he would still be controlling the game because he’s good with the ball,†Benítez said. “He could play as a winger. Not a winger just to beat players but one with good delivery, good crosses, good possession.

“That was the idea. Everything was perfect. Good player, good mentality and English.â€

The plan had gone awry and a new system was needed to put in its place. Using Steven Gerrard as a second striker compromised Keane’s role. Benítez acted decisively, sending Keane back to White Hart Lane after a mere six months at Anfield.

Would the Ireland striker have been a success in tandem with Barry? “Keane was a very good signing and everybody knew that he was a goal threat,†Benítez said. “He did not settle down in our team for different reasons and we needed to do something, so we did it quickly. With other players around it would have been easier for Keane. We played a different way.â€

In trying to build his sides, Benítez attempts to balance the conflicting demands of domestic and continental football. The manager’s critics claim that he is more concerned with Europe, but Benítez sees his success in the Champions League as a natural consequence of his ability as a tactician. “Europe and England are totally different styles of football,†he said. “You can manage tactically better in Europe. You have plan against plan and you can adjust teams depending on your position.

“In England it is direct football all the time. It is more difficult. There are no tactics to deal with a goalkick from the ‘keeper or a punt that goes half the pitch. The only way is to challenge for the first ball, win the second ball. That is a massive difference in terms of tactics.

“The tempo is higher in England because it’s more direct football. It’s difficult to control. The English teams that have quality and strong and physical players are difficult to play against.

“Teams like Chelsea who are big, strong and also have quality can cope in the league and the Champions League.

“Manchester United are the same. They have Fletcher and Carrick, big, strong players, and they also have Rooney and Berbatov, who play with quality. The balance is not easy. You can find this balance spending some money.

“If you want to win here, you need stronger and quicker players. The stronger and quicker players who have quality cost money.â€

Ron Gourlay, the chief executive at Stamford Bridge, said that it would take two European Cups in the next five years for Chelsea to become a big club. Benítez has delivered one to Anfield and reached another final.

However, would he consider his time at Liverpool a failure if he failed to deliver a title? “Anyone who knows me knows that I want to win every trophy, every game,†he said. “But if you ask me what I prefer, I will say the Premier League.

“If I do not win the title, I’m sure I’d be so disappointed maybe I would have this feeling [of failure],†he said. “But in football you have to compete against other teams. In the Premier League, you see clubs with big, big money, big stadiums. It’s easier if you have money to spend. But we have to deal with the money we have and cannot judge other teams.â€

For this season, expectations may need to be lowered. Progression in the Champions League looks unlikely and a title challenge would need a run of form of heroic proportions. How would Benítez feel about slumming it in the Europa League? “It’s not easy to accept the situation,†he said. “But it’s not the end of the world. We must keep going. We’ll approach it with the right mentality and try to win.â€

For now, getting the season back on track is simply a matter of seeing off City.

“For me it’s three points in the next game,†he said. “It’s the best way to be closer [to the top]. I have confidence that the team is better than people think, the squad is better than people think. If we win one or two games, we will gain confidence and you will see the players playing better.â€

What Benítez said about his strikers

Peter Crouch He is a fantastic boy and very clever, but he knew that Torres was the first choice and it would be more difficult for him.

Craig Bellamy He was different. He is a different kind of striker. He was in the position that Gerrard took, a second striker. Craig is a winner. With his mentality, to be on the bench is not an issue.

Michael Owen I couldn’t change his mind about going to Real. Two years later we had a conversation about the possibility of returning but he decided to go to Newcastle. He scores goals. This time round, I had a better goalscorer.

Spain v England is nightmare final scenario

One man unaffected by the excitement of the run-up to the World Cup is Rafael Benítez. Rather than looking forward to a festival of football in South Africa next year, the Liverpool manager is filled with dread.

“I’m really worried about a final between Spain and England,†he said. “All my players will be in it.â€

The comment is said half in jest but there are some real concerns. Liverpool are suffering from the knock-on effects of a South African tournament, after Spain took part in the Confederations Cup during the summer.

“We are paying for the Confederations Cup,†he said. “The Spanish players came back late. If Spain- England is the final next year, it will be more difficult for us to prepare for the season.â€

The timing of international matches is also an annoyance for Benítez. It will be better, he suggests, when the move is made from the present Wednesday and Saturday fixtures to 24 hours earlier.

“It will be better if international games are played on Tuesday and Friday,†he said. “It makes a big difference for all the top sides who have 10, 15 players involved in international football.

“Sometimes they arrive back on Friday so it’s really difficult because you cannot train with them. Then you have to play on Saturday morning sometimes. It is something that has to change. There are too many international games.â€

Can Benítez imagine himself managing a national side? “I get asked that all the time in Spain,†he said. “Maybe in the future. I am happy here and like the day-to-day involvement. I prefer to stay here.â€

What if the job meant that he was able to stay here? England? He laughed. “Maybe,†he said. “If I improve my English.â€

[/quote]

Oh dear!

Excuses, excuses and more excuses! Fucking hell! And he had prepare for next seasons excuses already! That's how advance Rafael is!

Money, money and money! Idiot!

And Gareth no pace Barry on the left?? So he lost the plot a while ago so.

Since we needed to sign English players why didn't he make move for Sturridge? Delph? Naughton? £10million would have signed the 3 of them. 3 future England internationals!!

Rafael thinks there are only 11 living English players and that you have to buy an NT player for them to be authentic English. Thus the daft pursuit of the average Gareth fucking Barry and the horrendous purchase of the average Glen fucking Johnson.

and this shit about Keane, when Rafa signed Keane he said he had plans to play upfront and on the right because apparently Keane could play on the right! The last time Robbie Keane played on the right was when he was at Wolves!


He really is just a complete muppet. He has to go.

RAFAEL OUT!

 

[Ryan]

Glen Johnson is "average". Fantastic.

And Robbie Keane's played on the wing for both Spurs and Leeds glock.

 

[dossena]

I lolled at the thought of Barry playing on the left for us last year.

However, I saw him play very effectively on the left for Man City, when they had De Jong and Ireland in the centre and Wright Phillips on the right.

But then he might've played as a 'fake' left mid, in the same way like that Ramires guy who played sorta on the right hand side for Brazil.

I don't know anymore really, I liked it better when it was 4-4-2, or 3-5-2.

 

[Y1]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37249.msg991015#msg991015 date=1258513048]
Glen Johnson is "average". Fantastic.

And Robbie Keane's played on the wing for both Spurs and Leeds glock.
[/quote]

Ryan, you are on a mission to correct the incorrigible? Good luck.

 

[KopKing]

[quote author=Glock link=topic=37249.msg991014#msg991014 date=1258512900]

[/quote]

Oh dear!

Excuses, excuses and more excuses! Fucking hell! And he had prepare for next seasons excuses already! That's how advance Rafael is!

Money, money and money! Idiot!

And Gareth no pace Barry on the left?? So he lost the plot a while ago so.

Since we needed to sign English players why didn't he make move for Sturridge? Delph? Naughton? £10million would have signed the 3 of them. 3 future England internationals!!

Rafael thinks there are only 11 living English players and that you have to buy an NT player for them to be authentic English. Thus the daft pursuit of the average Gareth fucking Barry and the horrendous purchase of the average Glen fucking Johnson.

and this shit about Keane, when Rafa signed Keane he said he had plans to play upfront and on the right because apparently Keane could play on the right! The last time Robbie Keane played on the right was when he was at Wolves!


He really is just a complete muppet. He has to go.

RAFAEL OUT!
[/quote]

Over the last 5 years, the league has gone to the two teams with the highest transfer spending and wage bill, thats a fact. It's all about money. Rafa has spent £15.5m net a season. He's punching way, way above his weight. I believe theres not a manager in world football who could do better with the same resources.

 

[Delinquent]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37249.msg990911#msg990911 date=1258502769]
““Football is a funny game. The plan was for Barry to play on the left and feed the ball to Robbie Keane, who would play up front with Fernando Torres. This blueprint had to be scrapped.
[/quote]

Well thank fuck for that. This was always my concern with the Barry signing. That is, that Benitez would move him back to a position that he was largely ineffective in, rather than keeping him in the position that had seen him called up to the England squad.

Lucky escape that. For Barry and us.

 

[mr_moo]

[quote author=Glock link=topic=37249.msg991014#msg991014 date=1258512900]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37249.msg990911#msg990911 date=1258502769]

From The Times November 18, 2009

Rafael Benitez: when door was shut on Gareth Barry


Tony Evans, Football Editor


On Saturday afternoon, just before 12.45, a big-spending manager will take his seat in the dugout at Anfield aware that his side are desperate for a victory to ease the mounting pressure. Defeat will bring an avalanche of criticism. Yes, Mark Hughes could be in for a torrid afternoon if his Manchester City side are beaten by Liverpool.

Rafael Benítez knows that a win is essential, too.

Both managers have raised expectations for their clubs this year. Hughes lifted hopes with a £140 million spending spree. His Liverpool counterpart inspired his team to a flying finish to the previous Barclays Premier League season, when they fell just short of delivering the title to Anfield for the first time since 1990.

City are in sixth place in the table, a point above Liverpool. Both managers could come to rue their poor start to the season but will Benítez have bigger regrets on Saturday? There, in the sky blue of City, will be Gareth Barry, the man coveted by the Liverpool manager last year. Barry was key to a new-look side at Anfield, one that never took shape after the midfield player stayed at Aston Villa, then moved to City in the summer.

Would Liverpool have won the league last season if Barry had signed? It is a question that Benítez must have mulled over a thousand times. He gives a deep sigh, so heavy that it is audible when the tape is played back.

“You never know,†he said slowly. “Football is a funny game. The plan was for Barry to play on the left and feed the ball to Robbie Keane, who would play up front with Fernando Torres. This blueprint had to be scrapped. The collateral damage was Keane, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur before the Barry deal had been done.

“When we wanted to sign Barry, we were sure we were signing a good player with a very good mentality and the quality to play in the Premier League. The priority was Barry, then Keane.â€

Against a chaotic backdrop of politicking and finger-pointing at Anfield, Benítez’s priorities were ignored. Keane was the collateral damage but there were wider disappointments for the manager.

“We were looking to the future because we knew we needed three or four English players in the squad [for the Champions League],†Benítez said. “We knew there were rule changes and we needed English players and we were trying to get there early.

“The only way to do that was to sell [foreign] players and bring money in to sign English players. But the main thing about Barry is that he can play in three positions. To sign Barry would have been a very good addition for the team.â€

Those who believed Benítez to be innately negative were surprised this season when he signed Glen Johnson as an attacking full back, but the manager has been looking for positive contributions from his defence for a long time. Here, too, he saw Barry as an option. “If you wanted to be more offensive, you could use Barry as a left full back and he would still be controlling the game because he’s good with the ball,†Benítez said. “He could play as a winger. Not a winger just to beat players but one with good delivery, good crosses, good possession.

“That was the idea. Everything was perfect. Good player, good mentality and English.â€

The plan had gone awry and a new system was needed to put in its place. Using Steven Gerrard as a second striker compromised Keane’s role. Benítez acted decisively, sending Keane back to White Hart Lane after a mere six months at Anfield.

Would the Ireland striker have been a success in tandem with Barry? “Keane was a very good signing and everybody knew that he was a goal threat,†Benítez said. “He did not settle down in our team for different reasons and we needed to do something, so we did it quickly. With other players around it would have been easier for Keane. We played a different way.â€

In trying to build his sides, Benítez attempts to balance the conflicting demands of domestic and continental football. The manager’s critics claim that he is more concerned with Europe, but Benítez sees his success in the Champions League as a natural consequence of his ability as a tactician. “Europe and England are totally different styles of football,†he said. “You can manage tactically better in Europe. You have plan against plan and you can adjust teams depending on your position.

“In England it is direct football all the time. It is more difficult. There are no tactics to deal with a goalkick from the ‘keeper or a punt that goes half the pitch. The only way is to challenge for the first ball, win the second ball. That is a massive difference in terms of tactics.

“The tempo is higher in England because it’s more direct football. It’s difficult to control. The English teams that have quality and strong and physical players are difficult to play against.

“Teams like Chelsea who are big, strong and also have quality can cope in the league and the Champions League.

“Manchester United are the same. They have Fletcher and Carrick, big, strong players, and they also have Rooney and Berbatov, who play with quality. The balance is not easy. You can find this balance spending some money.

“If you want to win here, you need stronger and quicker players. The stronger and quicker players who have quality cost money.â€

Ron Gourlay, the chief executive at Stamford Bridge, said that it would take two European Cups in the next five years for Chelsea to become a big club. Benítez has delivered one to Anfield and reached another final.

However, would he consider his time at Liverpool a failure if he failed to deliver a title? “Anyone who knows me knows that I want to win every trophy, every game,†he said. “But if you ask me what I prefer, I will say the Premier League.

“If I do not win the title, I’m sure I’d be so disappointed maybe I would have this feeling [of failure],†he said. “But in football you have to compete against other teams. In the Premier League, you see clubs with big, big money, big stadiums. It’s easier if you have money to spend. But we have to deal with the money we have and cannot judge other teams.â€

For this season, expectations may need to be lowered. Progression in the Champions League looks unlikely and a title challenge would need a run of form of heroic proportions. How would Benítez feel about slumming it in the Europa League? “It’s not easy to accept the situation,†he said. “But it’s not the end of the world. We must keep going. We’ll approach it with the right mentality and try to win.â€

For now, getting the season back on track is simply a matter of seeing off City.

“For me it’s three points in the next game,†he said. “It’s the best way to be closer [to the top]. I have confidence that the team is better than people think, the squad is better than people think. If we win one or two games, we will gain confidence and you will see the players playing better.â€

What Benítez said about his strikers

Peter Crouch He is a fantastic boy and very clever, but he knew that Torres was the first choice and it would be more difficult for him.

Craig Bellamy He was different. He is a different kind of striker. He was in the position that Gerrard took, a second striker. Craig is a winner. With his mentality, to be on the bench is not an issue.

Michael Owen I couldn’t change his mind about going to Real. Two years later we had a conversation about the possibility of returning but he decided to go to Newcastle. He scores goals. This time round, I had a better goalscorer.

Spain v England is nightmare final scenario

One man unaffected by the excitement of the run-up to the World Cup is Rafael Benítez. Rather than looking forward to a festival of football in South Africa next year, the Liverpool manager is filled with dread.

“I’m really worried about a final between Spain and England,†he said. “All my players will be in it.â€

The comment is said half in jest but there are some real concerns. Liverpool are suffering from the knock-on effects of a South African tournament, after Spain took part in the Confederations Cup during the summer.

“We are paying for the Confederations Cup,†he said. “The Spanish players came back late. If Spain- England is the final next year, it will be more difficult for us to prepare for the season.â€

The timing of international matches is also an annoyance for Benítez. It will be better, he suggests, when the move is made from the present Wednesday and Saturday fixtures to 24 hours earlier.

“It will be better if international games are played on Tuesday and Friday,†he said. “It makes a big difference for all the top sides who have 10, 15 players involved in international football.

“Sometimes they arrive back on Friday so it’s really difficult because you cannot train with them. Then you have to play on Saturday morning sometimes. It is something that has to change. There are too many international games.â€

Can Benítez imagine himself managing a national side? “I get asked that all the time in Spain,†he said. “Maybe in the future. I am happy here and like the day-to-day involvement. I prefer to stay here.â€

What if the job meant that he was able to stay here? England? He laughed. “Maybe,†he said. “If I improve my English.â€

[/quote]

Oh dear!

Excuses, excuses and more excuses! Fucking hell! And he had prepare for next seasons excuses already! That's how advance Rafael is!

Money, money and money! Idiot!

And Gareth no pace Barry on the left?? So he lost the plot a while ago so.

Since we needed to sign English players why didn't he make move for Sturridge? Delph? Naughton? £10million would have signed the 3 of them. 3 future England internationals!!

Rafael thinks there are only 11 living English players and that you have to buy an NT player for them to be authentic English. Thus the daft pursuit of the average Gareth fucking Barry and the horrendous purchase of the average Glen fucking Johnson.

and this shit about Keane, when Rafa signed Keane he said he had plans to play upfront and on the right because apparently Keane could play on the right! The last time Robbie Keane played on the right was when he was at Wolves!


He really is just a complete muppet. He has to go.

RAFAEL OUT!
[/quote]

Dear oh dear Glock, you really do know fuck all about football don't you? Johnson has and more than likely will be our best right back for years.

God you're infuriating. I guess someone has to be the class idiot though!

 

[Farkmaster]

[quote author=KopKing link=topic=37249.msg991064#msg991064 date=1258529865]
Over the last 5 years, the league has gone to the two teams with the highest transfer spending and wage bill, thats a fact. It's all about money. Rafa has spent £15.5m net a season. He's punching way, way above his weight. I believe theres not a manager in world football who could do better with the same resources.
[/quote]

Wenger is doing far better, but the idea that under the same conditions there's an obvious improvement just sitting out there for me vastly underrates Rafa's ability, as well as the difficulty of the project.

 

[keniget]

do people really have to quote the whole thing again. Its so lazy and inconsiderate.

 

[rage]

even rafa4pm would agree that playing barry on the left would have been a stupid idea.

one question i have is if barry was to play on the left who'd play in the middle with alonso gone?

take all the audible deep breaths you want rafa - the reason we got so close last season was having alonso dictate our play and playing gerrard behind torres.

get rid of the fool. the sooner the better.

 

[mr_moo]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=37249.msg991074#msg991074 date=1258532349]
do people really have to quote the whole thing again. Its so lazy and inconsiderate.
[/quote]

How's it inconsiderate and lazy? I simply clicked the quote button and then selected the text I wanted to highlight.

 

[Stulikesdrums]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=37249.msg991074#msg991074 date=1258532349]
do people really have to quote the whole thing again. Its so lazy and inconsiderate.
[/quote]
...is fucking right. Why the fuck is the whole interview being quoted again?

 

[Stulikesdrums]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37249.msg990911#msg990911 date=1258502769]
“If you wanted to be more offensive, you could use Barry as a left full back and he would still be controlling the game because he’s good with the ball,†Benítez said. “He could play as a winger. Not a winger just to beat players but one with good delivery, good crosses, good possession.
[/quote]

It really is no surprise that Barry jumped at joining City.
Moving to us would have fucked up his England career.

Barry as a winger? What a joke.

 

[mr_moo]

[quote author=Stu link=topic=37249.msg991086#msg991086 date=1258534204]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=37249.msg991074#msg991074 date=1258532349]
do people really have to quote the whole thing again. Its so lazy and inconsiderate.
[/quote]
...is fucking right. Why the fuck is the whole interview being quoted again?
[/quote]

fuck off, it was a mistake. i simply pressed quote and then highlighted the section I wanted to explain my point. I didn't realise there's a rule stating that you should not repost the whole section again.

 

[Garmy]

[quote author=mr_moo link=topic=37249.msg991090#msg991090 date=1258534575]
[quote author=Stu link=topic=37249.msg991086#msg991086 date=1258534204]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=37249.msg991074#msg991074 date=1258532349]
do people really have to quote the whole thing again. Its so lazy and inconsiderate.
[/quote]
...is fucking right. Why the fuck is the whole interview being quoted again?
[/quote]

fuck off, it was a mistake. i simply pressed quote and then highlighted the section I wanted to explain my point. I didn't realise there's a rule stating that you should not repost the whole section again.
[/quote]
Easy 🙂 We're not supposed to disturb the natives.

 

[gkmacca]

On Saturday afternoon, just before 12.45, a big-spending manager will take his seat in the dugout at Anfield aware that his side are desperate for a victory to ease the mounting pressure. Defeat will bring an avalanche of criticism. Yes, Mark Hughes could be in for a torrid afternoon if his Manchester City side are beaten by Liverpool.

That's such a laboured 'thinks it's clever while it's actually just a stupid cliche' opening paragraph I'm surprised Bascombe didn't write it. It's something you'd expect from a 19 year-old media studies student who'd proudly say, 'See what I did there?'

I only comment on it because, thanks to Glock and his witless minions, it's not worth discussing football in this thread.

 

[keniget]

[quote author=mr_moo link=topic=37249.msg991080#msg991080 date=1258533419]
How's it inconsiderate and lazy? I simply clicked the quote button and then selected the text I wanted to highlight.
[/quote]

This wasn't directed just at you (although yes, your post did trigger the above), it was more the airing of a general frustration - so chill out.

As for why it's inconiderate and lazy. Well, it bloats the thread (particularly when loads of people to do it), so you end up scrolling for hours just to see a two line reply when that person could have easily cut it down.

On a PC, whatever.. it's not the end of the world, but when you're on a phone (especially one that doesn't handle scrolling well), it's really fucking annoying.

 

[Ryan]

Let's just completely ignore the fact that Rafa went on and on and fucking ariston in that article about Barry PLAYING IN THE BASTARD MIDFIELD and completely focus on him saying Barry's versatile and COULD play on the left wing.

 

[Y1]

I am beginning to admire Ryan's tenacity and stamina.