[quote author=kingjulian link=topic=40212.msg1109035#msg1109035 date=1274848380]
[quote author=RolandG link=topic=40212.msg1108942#msg1108942 date=1274817849]
Unfortunately its better the devil you know this time around. Rafa intends staying to try and turn things around.
I'm not holding my breath but he owes us something special and I will settle for the Premiership title.
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Is it really unfair to expect that we have a team capable of challenging for the league winners medal at the end of five years?
In my opinion we have been in the top three transfer spenders in all but one season in the last five years. I'm not talking about the quantum of money invested, but i think Benitez has had enough funds available to compete on top of a decent squad to start with. The squad he inherited won the Champions League.
Our performance last season was an abject failure, even allowing for all relevant excuses like injuries.
Presently we have a squad that will struggle to make top 4 in a good year. If anything we have gone backwards inspite of spending money in 5 years.
So i have three questions for the Rafa supporters.....
1. Where is the evidence that he can turn it around?
2. On what basis does he deserve one more year as some people are saying?
3. What do you think is going to happen in this one year, that can't be classified as 'more of the same'?
We need change - we can't afford it.
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Hang on a minute, lets not get too doom and gloom.
Practically the same squad finished 2nd the season before with the same points total that Chelsea won it with this season.
Our worst season in a long time and we're just under the best seasons Spurs, Man City, etc have had.
The loss of Arbeloea, Alonso & Hyppia has hurt – but not 23 points worth of hurt. Gerrard’s poor form and Torres injury problems have also hurt, as has reliance on players such as N’Gog, Lucas & Insua, and lesser injuries/loss of form to Kuyt, Acquilani, Benayoun, Riera & Johnson.
We might not have a squad as strong in depth as Man City or Chelsea, but we have a first team when all are fit that can compete with any team in the land.
We also have a host of youngsters that are coming through and look like beingf able to challenge for a first team spot – Pacheco, Kelly, Derby, Ecclestone, Spearing, Nemeth, Ayala and add Shevley in there as well.
Acquilani showed some promise towards the end of the season and Jovanovic will surely add something on the left and possibly cover for Torres.
N’gog, Insua & Lucas are all young and developing players and can play anm important part in the squad as well.
The key is getting a recognized LB in, finding someone who can offer something upfront if we Torres is out and getting an adequate replacement for Alonso in the middle.
We need to have a good transfer window – but we CAN compete with the top teams on the pitch.