[quote author=keniget link=topic=41062.msg1140149#msg1140149 date=1279745624]
No arguments from me with regards to Yossi. The way he was managed last season was criminal, particularly given his good start to the season. However we were very short on the left given injuries and the rather bizarre Riera situation. I would've shifted things about and perhaps even played Dirk there, but the choice was basically Babel or a player out of position. Complaints would've followed no matter what.
Anyways, Rafa's downfall ultimately came from his failings in the transfer market more than anything else. Hodgsons and Purslows biggest challenge right now is to patch up the squad as best they can with the finances available. It's a lot easier to let the players go out and play if you've got the right ones to pick from (stating the obvious here, I know).
[/quote]
Or alternatively Rafa could have done the obvious - fine him a couple of weeks wages and put Riera on the left, or sell him in January and get in a decent replacement.
No arguments from me with regards to Yossi. The way he was managed last season was criminal, particularly given his good start to the season. However we were very short on the left given injuries and the rather bizarre Riera situation. I would've shifted things about and perhaps even played Dirk there, but the choice was basically Babel or a player out of position. Complaints would've followed no matter what.
Anyways, Rafa's downfall ultimately came from his failings in the transfer market more than anything else. Hodgsons and Purslows biggest challenge right now is to patch up the squad as best they can with the finances available. It's a lot easier to let the players go out and play if you've got the right ones to pick from (stating the obvious here, I know).
[/quote]
Or alternatively Rafa could have done the obvious - fine him a couple of weeks wages and put Riera on the left, or sell him in January and get in a decent replacement.