Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 11/12 (End of March 2012 onwards)

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Kess73 wrote: »

Londonderrry is Derry and vice versa.

he knows that.

Nuri Sahin

So Buxton just confirmed Rafa is on the shortlist.

Rafael Benitez has emerged as a shock candidate in the search for the next Liverpool manager.

Fenway Sports Group, the club's owners, have reneged on their original plans to overlook the Spaniard on their shortlist to find Kenny Dalglish's successor, following his sacking on Wednesday.

Benitez was deposed as Kop boss barely two years ago by erstwhile owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but could be in line for a sensational return to the Reds' dugout this summer.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has been sounded out to be interviewed by FSG but his Swansea City counterpart Brendan Rodgers today declined the opportunity to enter into talks.

FSG had previously refused to entertain any notion of Benitez being rehired due to the fractious nature that surrounded his departure in the twilight of Hcks and Gillett's tumultuous ownership.

The 52-year-old's polarising of opinion among the Anfield faithful towards the end of his six-year tenure, which saw Liverpool reach two Champions League finals, winning one, lift the FA Cup and finish as Premier League runners up in the 2008-09 season, also added ot their apprehension.

However his ability to secure Champions League qualification in all bar his final season as Kop boss has forced a rethink by the Americans, who are desperate for a return to Europe's premier club competition as it would ensure that the club could then become largely self-sufficient.

Benitez''s restructuring of the club's youth academy in summer 2009 is also understood to have found favour with John Henry and Tom Werner as they look to implement an effective structure.

But, crucially, the widespread clamour by fans, who believe the former Valencia and Inter Milan boss should be natural successor to Dalglish, has proven a key factor in FSG's U-turn.

Benitez has made no secret of his desire to return to the Anfield helm and would welcome the opportunity, but may find the power-sharing advocated by the club's hierarchy difficult to stomach.

Meanwhile managing director Ian Ayre has outlined the level of expectancy for Dalglish's successor.

He said: "I think the important thing will be to see progress and progress means different things.

"Everyone will want to see that we believe we're going in the right direction, that we're moving up the table, that we're achieving more, that we're playing the right type of football, that we're putting together the right squad.

"As long as you believe that there's progress and as long as you believe that week-to-week, month-to-month, season-to-season you're building on something, then people will be given time.

"I think there's a difference between that and feeling you're not moving forward at some point and so they'll get the support.

"I think one of the things we can honestly say about this ownership group is that they've consistently supported and invested and stood behind everything; the team and investment in players and that type of thing.

"The manager coming in's got an interesting time because he's got a new sort of structure, a good foundation, a good squad of players and the ability to build on that, and the support of owners which is quite important."

killwill

Kess73 wrote: »

Londonderrry is Derry and vice versa.

Think it was a joke Kess!!!

Dickerty

Thrill wrote: »

A 14-year-old from Londonderry has realised his dream of signing for Liverpool.

Conor Quigley will begin a scholarship with the Reds on his 16th birthday in 18 months time

Yes! We are back!

Take that Podolsky, Marin and Hazard...

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Where is quote saying Rafa is on the list in that piece?

monkey9

tibor wrote: »

You're saying he can go somewhere else and not win 13 trophies in 4 years. Of course. I'm saying it doesn't matter, he has still done enough to prove himself more than "average", and on that basis deserves the same respect we show to the likes of Paisley even though his achievements were with a single club.

If Guardiola goes on to manage for the next thirty years and only ever finishes midtable with the clubs he manages without winning anything, then yes, he will have been an average manager.

But that's going off the point. I'm not dismissing anything he has done at Barca. Far from it.

Nuri Sahin

.. and in potential transfer news.

Ramirez Bologna exit is likely

Gaston Ramirez has probably played his last game for Italian club Bologna, his agent has suggested.

The 21-year-old is one of Serie A’s brightest talents and a number of teams in Italy and from abroad are keen on his services.

“It’s very probable that this will have been his last season at Bologna,” representative Pablo Betancourt is quoted as saying.

“We already have a few offers, but we will speak with Bologna officials at some point after June 1.

“He’s had a great campaign, an important season and we want him to finish it well with his country at the Olympics.”

Ramirez should be part of the Uruguay squad at London 2012 and he could be joined at the Games by Napoli hotshot Edinson Cavani.

El Inho

see i never understand why he had to wait until 2pm to say that?

suspense? like why!??

all the wait does is make me doubt the truth.

Dickerty

That article actually doesn't have any new info, but ok.

I think some of the guys we've signed would be Rafa's type as well - Suarez for sure, Carroll like Crouch, Downing like Riera/Leto, Enrique with the Spanish edge. I don't think he'd be out of place with this squad.

amiable

And Click crashes

spockety

"Rafa Benitez would be a less fractious appointment than Martinez" - Discuss.

;-)

amiable

killwill wrote: »

Think it was a joke Kess!!!

A poor attempt it would seem

monkey9

-Ade- wrote: »

So Buxton just confirmed Rafa is on the shortlist.

Rafa a 'shock' candidate?? It's not that shocking, is it??

SlickRic

FSG would be taking a risk with Rafa.

i'd like to see him at the helm again, and as much of a legend as he is.....

1) coming back is always difficult; and
2) FSG are running the risk of being perceived as merely pandering to the fans since he is the popular choice.

i have to keep those 2 things in mind i'm afraid, but having said that, i'd be very excited to see him back.

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SlickRic wrote: »

2) FSG are running the risk of being perceived as merely pandering to the fans since he is the popular choice.

That wouldn't matter if he was the "right" choice though.

monkey9

SlickRic wrote: »

FSG would be taking a risk with Rafa.

i'd like to see him at the helm again, and as much of a legend as he is.....

1) coming back is always difficult; and
2) FSG are running the risk of being perceived as merely pandering to the fans since he is the popular choice.

i have to keep those 2 things in mind i'm afraid, but having said that, i'd be very excited to see him back.

Not after sacking Kenny, they won't!

murpho999

I'm neutral about Rafa: I know he'll be committed to the cause but I do think that FSG should put their own stamp on the club and bring their own man with rather than keep harking back to the past.

Nuri Sahin

monkey9 wrote: »

Rafa a 'shock' candidate?? It's not that shocking, is it??

I thought it was pretty much known yesterday, but anyway..

__

Xabi with the Liverpool physio, Chris Morgan. Having a medical? :pac:

SlickRic

Des wrote: »

That wouldn't matter if he was the "right" choice though.

good point.

Kess73

amiable wrote: »

A poor attempt it would seem

Don't feel bad, all your jokes are pretty crap anyway.

Jesus Wept

Handsome Bob wrote: »

His poor transfer dealings (made even more stark by how Newcastle have operated this season - there are good players that can be bought for low prices).

Really just not the case.

Morzadec wrote: »

If Carroll had a good Euros and there was a bit of interest in him, would you let him go for £15m?

No.

Thrill wrote: »

If what Ayre says is right and that a lot of the responsibilities that managers are used to having will be given over to others then that will limit the type of manager we can get.



FSG are trying to redefine the "managers" role, which may not go down too well with managers who like to be in total control.

Future managers under FSG's new structure will be different from what we are used to, if I'm reading this right.

There is no chance that Rafa won't be watching a billion football matches in his 'spare time'. He'd be hard to contain.

I'm not crazy about the way they describe the structure. On the one hand I can understand spreading the work around but it sounds very rigid as described.

ThunbergsAreGo

Xabi secretly in Melwood as one of the twelve to be interviewed

Dickerty

monkey9 wrote: »

Not after sacking Kenny, they won't!

Same fans who wanted Kenny in, so why should they listen to them?

amiable

Kess73 wrote: »

Don't feel bad, all your jokes are pretty crap anyway.

Likewise

Sir Gallagher

JimsAlterEgo wrote: »

that kind of sh!t show why pool fans are so disliked, whoever comes in needs to be given full backing regardless who he is, do you lot not realise that kind f talk actually adds to the already pressure he is under.

Whatever about backing a manager or not... but this comment from a United fan gave me a chuckle. A group of fans who for the most part have no clue what switching managers is like.

amiable

So did Richard Buxton just make this up to get the extra traffic to his website?

Handsome Bob

SlickRic wrote: »

FSG would be taking a risk with Rafa.

i'd like to see him at the helm again, and as much of a legend as he is.....

1) coming back is always difficult; and
2) FSG are running the risk of being perceived as merely pandering to the fans since he is the popular choice.

i have to keep those 2 things in mind i'm afraid, but having said that, i'd be very excited to see him back.

Even if I'd be cautious towards Rafa coming back, the idea of him being on the shortlist has merit. Based on his CV alone, there's no reason why he shouldn't be on the list. I don't think it'd be a sentimental appointment ala Kenny coming back to us/Keegan going back to NUFC.

amiable

Sir Gallagher wrote: »

Whatever about backing a manager or not... but this comment from a United fan gave me a chuckle. A group of fans who for the most part have no clue what switching managers is like.

He also could try and be a little less aggressive if he wants his posts to be taken seriously IMO

eagle eye

Benitez would be a terrible appointment by FSG. Whoever they appoint now has to be completely their own choice and one thats looking to the future. Taking on another former manager would make them look silly imo.

Sir Gallagher

amiable wrote: »

So did Richard Buxton just make this up to get the extra traffic to his website?

Unfortunately thats probably the case, he's a spoofer.

Jesus Wept

eagle eye wrote: »

Benitez would be a terrible appointment by FSG. Whoever they appoint now has to be completely their own choice and one thats looking to the future. Taking on another former manager would make them look silly imo.

It's completely different but won't be seen as such.
It's a pity they used their 'one time' by appointing Kenny and not Rafa.

Dickerty

Based on the Ayre interview, Benitez doesn't look like a good fit.

Quotes -

"The negativity that has existed in the last six to eight weeks, you will see a lot of positivity around the new appointments with their experience and what they will deliver.”

“The idea is rather than one person being responsible for all the elements Damien’s role took on, we will divide up the responsibilities,” Ayre said. “We will have a slightly different structure so there will be two or three positions within that. Running a big football club is a big challenge. It’s evident we need to focus on each area with a specialist who will deliver value in each area.”

The manager’s role will also change. FSG want Dalglish’s successor to be devoted solely to coaching, although he will still have the final say on signings. That kind of model rules out any possible return to the Anfield hot-seat for former manager Rafa Benitez

On that basis, someone like Capello, LVG, or Rafa is unlikely. But an AVB type is far moreso. Or a coach from Spain?

spockety

eagle eye wrote: »

Benitez would be a terrible appointment by FSG. Whoever they appoint now has to be completely their own choice and one thats looking to the future. Taking on another former manager would make them look silly imo.

This is utter nonsense. If they think Rafa could bring them a successful future, then they would appoint him. People are putting far too much stock in this "going back to the past" rubbish as if it is the key factor in the decision.

missingtime

Luis Suarez (Liverpool): "Rumours linking me to Barça? If you should believe all rumours, you become mad. I'm very happy at Liverpool."

He might be onto something.

Kerrigooney

spockety wrote: »

This is utter nonsense. If they think Rafa could bring them a successful future, then they would appoint him. People are putting far too much stock in this "going back to the past" rubbish as if it is the key factor in the decision.

Have all the Rafa lovers on here forgotten how utterly rubbish we were by the time he left? Jesus wept,it was like watching paint dry and lets not forget he started this whole playing everyone out of their best position nonsense that Kenny was at as well.

kingshankly

Kerrigooney wrote: »

Have all the Rafa lovers on here forgotten how utterly rubbish we were by the time he left? Jesus wept,it was like watching paint dry and lets not forget he started this whole playing everyone out of their best position nonsense that Kenny was at as well.

Yeah like playing gerrard right wing imagine that!!!!:mad:

niallo27

Kerrigooney wrote: »

Have all the Rafa lovers on here forgotten how utterly rubbish we were by the time he left? Jesus wept,it was like watching paint dry and lets not forget he started this whole playing everyone out of their best position nonsense that Kenny was at as well.

I know when he started Renia out on the left wing it was the final straw.

Berti Vogts

Kerrigooney wrote: »

Have all the Rafa lovers on here forgotten how utterly rubbish we were by the time he left? Jesus wept,it was like watching paint dry and lets not forget he started this whole playing everyone out of their best position nonsense that Kenny was at as well.

Jesus did indeed weep after reading that

tok9

Kerrigooney wrote: »

Have all the Rafa lovers on here forgotten how utterly rubbish we were by the time he left? Jesus wept,it was like watching paint dry and lets not forget he started this whole playing everyone out of their best position nonsense that Kenny was at as well.

Think Rubbish is a bit much. We were definitely poor. Made it to the Europa League Semi Final (very unlucky to be knocked out) and were in contention for a 4th place finish with 3 games remaining if I remember correctly. And that was all under H & G and after losing our player of the year (Alonso)

In other words bring back Rafa!

woodyg

-Ade- wrote: »

Xabi just tweeted this..



I can haz Xabi back?

i cry a little every time i look at this.
remember when we had the best midfield in europe

patmac

Just a question, say Martinez gets the job and does exactly the same as Kenny next year ie: Carling Cup win, FA Cup Final and 8th place would you call for his head or give him another year?

Kerrigooney

.

jasonb

To me it would depend on how the team played during the season, were we lucky to scrape into 8th, another 37 points off the top, or were we in 8th but only 6 points off 4th etc. etc. Also, as it's his first year, you'd want to give him more time, and as long as there was a sense of heading in the right direction you'd keep him.

Of course, that's true of any new manager, or at least it should be.

J.

The Recliner

niallo27 wrote: »

I know when he started Renia out on the left wing it was the final straw.

He did play Reina in Center Midfield in a pre season friendly once

Which was a freaking awesome sight!

missingtime

Kerrigooney wrote: »

Maybe "rubbish" was a bit much but we were no fun to watch and the reason we lost our player of the year (Alonso) is because Rafa wanted Gareth Barry. Gareth bloody Barry!

Gareth Barry is not as good as Alonso but he had a big part in Manchester Citys league win so he's not crap by any means.

Snakeblood

patmac wrote: »

Just a question, say Martinez gets the job and does exactly the same as Kenny next year ie: Carling Cup win, FA Cup Final and 8th place would you call for his head or give him another year?

Wouldn't it also depend on the transfers? If the team is gutted with players transferring out, then getting what they got this year would probably be decent.

Kerrigooney

tok9 wrote: »

Think Rubbish is a bit much. We were definitely poor. Made it to the Europa League Semi Final (very unlucky to be knocked out) and were in contention for a 4th place finish with 3 games remaining if I remember correctly. And that was all under H & G and after losing our player of the year (Alonso)

In other words bring back Rafa!

Maybe "rubbish" was a bit much but we were no fun to watch and the reason we lost our player of the year (Alonso) is because Rafa wanted Gareth Barry. Gareth bloody Barry!

ThunbergsAreGo

Kerrigooney wrote: »

.

I think the fact Xabi had a young child who he wished to raise in Spain was a large contributing factor

Jesus Wept

Kerrigooney wrote: »

Maybe "rubbish" was a bit much but we were no fun to watch and the reason we lost our player of the year (Alonso) is because Rafa wanted Gareth Barry. Gareth bloody Barry!

He had to sell to buy. This was the motivation for selling our top players and replacing them with cheaper alternatives.

He didn't want to actually have to sell all our best players or think it was a good idea.

Sir Gallagher

Kerrigooney wrote: »

Maybe "rubbish" was a bit much but we were no fun to watch and the reason we lost our player of the year (Alonso) is because Rafa wanted Gareth Barry. Gareth bloody Barry!

Kenny signed Jordan Henderson for a price that Benitez refused to pay for Barry. Puts thing into perspective.