Off the field we're making a start. In addition to Purslow's input, Rafa's made big changes to the academy set-up. Time will judge their success, but change was needed.
On the field, Bigears and other cups count to a degree, though not enough to make up for the lack of league titles. Rafa delivered Bigears, plus a second final appearance in three years (though IMO he mishandled the latter as clearly as he rescued the first one). Sorry but, despite considering Houllier to have done more good than damage overall, I couldn't see him winning the CL. In terms of the league, though Rafa has a better record in qualifying for the CL he will ultimately deserve no more praise than Houllier if he doesn't win the title. He himself has said publicly that, in that event, he'll have failed.
On the field, Bigears and other cups count to a degree, though not enough to make up for the lack of league titles. Rafa delivered Bigears, plus a second final appearance in three years (though IMO he mishandled the latter as clearly as he rescued the first one). Sorry but, despite considering Houllier to have done more good than damage overall, I couldn't see him winning the CL. In terms of the league, though Rafa has a better record in qualifying for the CL he will ultimately deserve no more praise than Houllier if he doesn't win the title. He himself has said publicly that, in that event, he'll have failed.