Rafa to Juve link denied
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I think it's a good opportunity for all concerned providing Mourinho is willing to come
regards
regards
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
I agree Avy, I was too lazy.
As you say success is measured by cups, first is first second is nowhere and all that.
Success can also be measured by continued clear improvement, we have gone backwards sadly I was not convinced last year despite the second place, and saw this season coming, particularly as we did not recruit a forward. We have suffered a lack of consistency for some years now, and that is not good, and does not win leagues.
Someone else said, I think it was Bren, he seems to do OK at coming in a tinkering with an established team and getting something from it. The two cups he won, were more a Houllier squad than a Benitez squad, but he fitted in a couple of key players and made the difference.
regards kh
As you say success is measured by cups, first is first second is nowhere and all that.
Success can also be measured by continued clear improvement, we have gone backwards sadly I was not convinced last year despite the second place, and saw this season coming, particularly as we did not recruit a forward. We have suffered a lack of consistency for some years now, and that is not good, and does not win leagues.
Someone else said, I think it was Bren, he seems to do OK at coming in a tinkering with an established team and getting something from it. The two cups he won, were more a Houllier squad than a Benitez squad, but he fitted in a couple of key players and made the difference.
regards kh
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=38644.msg1043015#msg1043015 date=1264513134]
I think it's a good opportunity for all concerned providing Mourinho is willing to come
[/quote]
Mourinho has been quoted as saying that he wouldn't do the job unless he is given an enormous transfer budget, and that's not going to happen under the current ownership arrangements.
I think it's a good opportunity for all concerned providing Mourinho is willing to come
[/quote]
Mourinho has been quoted as saying that he wouldn't do the job unless he is given an enormous transfer budget, and that's not going to happen under the current ownership arrangements.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
The injuries aren't this fault, other than the fact he has took risks on some very injury prone players. But you have to portion some of the blame for the wafer thin squad with Benitez, surely?
He spent £40m in the Summer before last and only Riera (less than a quarter of what was spent) has been any kind of success, and not everyone is sold on him either.
He spent £40m in the Summer before last and only Riera (less than a quarter of what was spent) has been any kind of success, and not everyone is sold on him either.
Noone's blaming Rafa for everything; but a dose of realism wouldn't hurt.
I didn't want to turn this into another slag-fest, but to see Asbo and some others talk about Rafa like he was the Messiah annoys to no end.
We are now acting as if achieving 4th will be some sort of accomplishment.
Just listen to ourselves.
I didn't want to turn this into another slag-fest, but to see Asbo and some others talk about Rafa like he was the Messiah annoys to no end.
We are now acting as if achieving 4th will be some sort of accomplishment.
Just listen to ourselves.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
See Y1's on about.
Well top 4 record was the excuse the season (2007-2008) before for not winning the title, so it does matter a lot since you are taking points off against teams that you are directly competing for the league. We are out of the league race and as you say yet again, the point is in the current climate and with current setup and funds, letting Rafa go would be a wise move. The fact is I don't know but doesn't mean I would rather see the back of Rafa so quickly...
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
See Y1's on about.
Well top 4 record was the excuse the season (2007-2008) before for not winning the title, so it does matter a lot since you are taking points off against teams that you are directly competing for the league. We are out of the league race and as you say yet again, the point is in the current climate and with current setup and funds, letting Rafa go would be a wise move. The fact is I don't know but doesn't mean I would rather see the back of Rafa so quickly...
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043091#msg1043091 date=1264520488]
Noone's blaming Rafa for everything; but a dose of realism wouldn't hurt.
I didn't want to turn this into another slag-fest, but to see Asbo and some others talk about Rafa like he was the Messiah annoys to no end.
We are now acting as if achieving 4th will be some sort of accomplishment.
Just listen to ourselves.
[/quote]
No one is saying 4th is an accomplishment, it's just realisation of where this season is. Constantly moaning about what we won't win will not help now, need to get realistic about what we can do this season.
I don't think by finishing 4th will mean we won't again compete for the league next season, does anyone in the league really scare you?
Arsenal finished 4th two seasons on a row, look at them this season, be positive, things can quickly change...
Noone's blaming Rafa for everything; but a dose of realism wouldn't hurt.
I didn't want to turn this into another slag-fest, but to see Asbo and some others talk about Rafa like he was the Messiah annoys to no end.
We are now acting as if achieving 4th will be some sort of accomplishment.
Just listen to ourselves.
[/quote]
No one is saying 4th is an accomplishment, it's just realisation of where this season is. Constantly moaning about what we won't win will not help now, need to get realistic about what we can do this season.
I don't think by finishing 4th will mean we won't again compete for the league next season, does anyone in the league really scare you?
Arsenal finished 4th two seasons on a row, look at them this season, be positive, things can quickly change...
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043093#msg1043093 date=1264520791]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043091#msg1043091 date=1264520488]
Noone's blaming Rafa for everything; but a dose of realism wouldn't hurt.
I didn't want to turn this into another slag-fest, but to see Asbo and some others talk about Rafa like he was the Messiah annoys to no end.
We are now acting as if achieving 4th will be some sort of accomplishment.
Just listen to ourselves.
[/quote]
No one is saying 4th is an accomplishment, it's just realisation of where this season is. Constantly moaning about what we won't win will not help now, need to get realistic about what we can do this season.
I don't think by finishing 4th will mean we won't again compete for the league next season, does anyone in the league really scare you?
Arsenal finished 4th two seasons on a row, look at them this season, be positive, things can quickly change...
[/quote]
Agree with your "If 4th's the best we can do, let's get it and argue later" sentiments. But it cannot be swept under the rug (even if we do get 4th place this season), that qualifying for the European Cup (i.e. 4th place or so) has been our goal for the second half of 5 of our last 6 seasons. That's not good enough.
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043091#msg1043091 date=1264520488]
Noone's blaming Rafa for everything; but a dose of realism wouldn't hurt.
I didn't want to turn this into another slag-fest, but to see Asbo and some others talk about Rafa like he was the Messiah annoys to no end.
We are now acting as if achieving 4th will be some sort of accomplishment.
Just listen to ourselves.
[/quote]
No one is saying 4th is an accomplishment, it's just realisation of where this season is. Constantly moaning about what we won't win will not help now, need to get realistic about what we can do this season.
I don't think by finishing 4th will mean we won't again compete for the league next season, does anyone in the league really scare you?
Arsenal finished 4th two seasons on a row, look at them this season, be positive, things can quickly change...
[/quote]
Agree with your "If 4th's the best we can do, let's get it and argue later" sentiments. But it cannot be swept under the rug (even if we do get 4th place this season), that qualifying for the European Cup (i.e. 4th place or so) has been our goal for the second half of 5 of our last 6 seasons. That's not good enough.
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=38644.msg1043090#msg1043090 date=1264520475]
The injuries aren't this fault, other than the fact he has took risks on some very injury prone players. But you have to portion some of the blame for the wafer thin squad with Benitez, surely?
He spent £40m in the Summer before last and only Riera (less than a quarter of what was spent) has been any kind of success, and not everyone is sold on him either.
[/quote]
Sure, Rafa chose some players like Dossena and Keane (without replacing him) wrongly. Those are his fault leading to a weak squad. The way things are going, for some, it is all Rafa's fault.
The injuries aren't this fault, other than the fact he has took risks on some very injury prone players. But you have to portion some of the blame for the wafer thin squad with Benitez, surely?
He spent £40m in the Summer before last and only Riera (less than a quarter of what was spent) has been any kind of success, and not everyone is sold on him either.
[/quote]
Sure, Rafa chose some players like Dossena and Keane (without replacing him) wrongly. Those are his fault leading to a weak squad. The way things are going, for some, it is all Rafa's fault.
Ye Gods, another Rafa out thread. I think Rafa should take the Juve job, if only to prove the point that there isn't a manager in world football that could do better with the owners and transfer budget that we have.
Clearly others think Hiddink and Mourinho can and until one or the other is post, we'll never know. Tottenham have a bigger budget than us, should they be winning the Premiership too? This season we have gone backwards in comparison to other seasons. Maybe we have found our true level in terms of investment in playing resources?
While we're at it, let's sell Gerrard too. Isn't he meant to be a world class player? Why hasn't he inspired us to a title like Christiano Ronaldo? (That was a sarcastic remark before anyone gets apopletic at the notion)
Clearly others think Hiddink and Mourinho can and until one or the other is post, we'll never know. Tottenham have a bigger budget than us, should they be winning the Premiership too? This season we have gone backwards in comparison to other seasons. Maybe we have found our true level in terms of investment in playing resources?
While we're at it, let's sell Gerrard too. Isn't he meant to be a world class player? Why hasn't he inspired us to a title like Christiano Ronaldo? (That was a sarcastic remark before anyone gets apopletic at the notion)
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043097#msg1043097 date=1264520873]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043110#msg1043110 date=1264522224]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043097#msg1043097 date=1264520873]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[/quote]
Only two mangers have actually won the Premier League since Rafa arrived. Both of which has spent vast amounts of money. Rafa has in fact overachieved since he's been here, but lets sack him because we want miracles.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043097#msg1043097 date=1264520873]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[/quote]
Only two mangers have actually won the Premier League since Rafa arrived. Both of which has spent vast amounts of money. Rafa has in fact overachieved since he's been here, but lets sack him because we want miracles.
[quote author=KopKing link=topic=38644.msg1043113#msg1043113 date=1264522509]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043110#msg1043110 date=1264522224]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043097#msg1043097 date=1264520873]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[/quote]
Only two mangers have actually won the Premier League since Rafa arrived. Both of which has spent vast amounts of money. Rafa has in fact overachieved since he's been here, but lets sack him because we want miracles.
[/quote]
Yes or No question: Were you satisfied with 2nd place last season? Not from a "would you take it at the start of the season" hypothetical perspective, but rather from a as-the-season-played-itself-out, looking back perspective.
Also, is still being in the title picture as the new year arrives is a miracle to you? It's not to me.
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043110#msg1043110 date=1264522224]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043097#msg1043097 date=1264520873]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[/quote]
Only two mangers have actually won the Premier League since Rafa arrived. Both of which has spent vast amounts of money. Rafa has in fact overachieved since he's been here, but lets sack him because we want miracles.
[/quote]
Yes or No question: Were you satisfied with 2nd place last season? Not from a "would you take it at the start of the season" hypothetical perspective, but rather from a as-the-season-played-itself-out, looking back perspective.
Also, is still being in the title picture as the new year arrives is a miracle to you? It's not to me.
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043110#msg1043110 date=1264522224]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043097#msg1043097 date=1264520873]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[/quote]
Fair.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043097#msg1043097 date=1264520873]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[/quote]
Fair.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043116#msg1043116 date=1264522898]
[quote author=KopKing link=topic=38644.msg1043113#msg1043113 date=1264522509]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043110#msg1043110 date=1264522224]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043097#msg1043097 date=1264520873]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[/quote]
Only two mangers have actually won the Premier League since Rafa arrived. Both of which has spent vast amounts of money. Rafa has in fact overachieved since he's been here, but lets sack him because we want miracles.
[/quote]
Yes or No question: Were you satisfied with 2nd place last season? Not from a "would you take it at the start of the season" hypothetical perspective, but rather from a as-the-season-played-itself-out, looking back perspective.
Also, is still being in the title picture as the new year arrives is a miracle to you? It's not to me.
[/quote]
Yes 2nd place was satisfying. No team has made the jump from 3/4th the previous season to winners. We also achieved our highest ever total in the Premiership era, so to be unsatisfied with that is plain greedy. Our football at the back end of last season was the best in Europe.
As for the title picture in the New Year, well we were last year and you're still unsatisfied, so go figure. In any case, the season isnt over yet. We can still achieve good things.
[quote author=KopKing link=topic=38644.msg1043113#msg1043113 date=1264522509]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043110#msg1043110 date=1264522224]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043097#msg1043097 date=1264520873]
[quote author=Y1 link=topic=38644.msg1043087#msg1043087 date=1264520134]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38644.msg1043071#msg1043071 date=1264519014]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=38644.msg1043069#msg1043069 date=1264518605]
[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=38644.msg1043025#msg1043025 date=1264514004]
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=38644.msg1042981#msg1042981 date=1264510532]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38644.msg1042881#msg1042881 date=1264498691]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=38644.msg1042871#msg1042871 date=1264496415]
I'd think most top European clubs would embrace Rafa as Manager, Juve's gain would be our loss.
There are very few Managers in his league. I think it'd be tough to replace him given some of the implied financial constraints we often see aired in the Press.
Hopefully this is nothing more than a rumour.
[/quote]Im fairly sure we could find SOME other manager who could have us out of every competition by January and scrapping around in the top 7. I know I know, it's a huuuuge ask, but I'm positive that we can entice someone in to replicate what Rafa's doing. Play shit football, scrap for 4th..........anyone?
[/quote]
Fucking hell a selective memory or what?
This is his one bad season since he joined but nevermind getting to two European Cup finals and the League Cup Finaland the FA Cup final, the Goldfish on here can't remember more than 5 minutes ago!
Lasts Seasons 2nd by 4 fucking points is totally forgotten?
Arsenals Season was over a month ago, and now there sitting on top of the League, if they can do it I'm damn sure we can get a run together too, after all on average WE have finished higeher than them in Rafa's reign, not to mention won more than them in that time too!!
[/quote]
Speaking as a knobhead goldfish, i think listing down a list of 'finals' we've taken part in really shouldnt be a measure of our success.
As for this being his 'one bad season', in the 3 previous good seasons before this we've won nothing.
Last season's second by 4 points was good, but we flattered to deceive and I think by March everyone could see that we wouldn't do it...still, it was nice to see our yearly capitulation take place in March and not October.
This year, it seems normal service has resumed.
As for finishing higher than Arsenal and winning more than them, they've built a team that's stronger than ours for a LOT less money.
I agree that Rafa has done well overall in comparison with some others, but to talk about knobheads and goldfish is a bit excessive, Asb.
[/quote]
What are you on about ?, we gave a lot of points away by March but started to also recover in March/April. Beating Utd 4-1 away was in April or end of March I think, the 4 points swing so close to being wiped if Villa could have held a 2-1 lead in the last 5 mins and we managed to beat Arsenal like we should have. Flattered to deceive??, think that's excessive to say the least. I really think we played the best football out of anyone last season and what about our points total against the top 4.
[/quote]
What's he on about..?
The fact we were brilliant from late February onwards was rendered too little, too late due to our abysmal November - February performance... Many called it at the time, mate.
Our record against the top four doesn't win us the title, does it? And the fact that, despite last season's glorious defeat, we are, once again, out of the league by Christmas for the 5th time in Rafa's 6 seasons, suggests that Vlad might just know what he's talking about here.
[/quote]
Every pundit and their weaseling mouth and many here said that unless we beat the top 4 we wont win the title. We did last season and they blamed it on Rafa for drawing games. So this season we stopped drawing but started losing and stopped winning consistently, well it is obvious we are in this present mess. Given we have a wafer thin squad, injuries certainly didn't help.
I need to ask some questions. All the injuries are Rafa's fault as well? Having no money is Raf's fault too?
[/quote]
No. And no.
Now I have a few questions for you...
Is picking a poor team Rafa's fault? Are dodgy tactics and baffling substitutions Rafa's fault? Is refusing to put our strongest starting XI for whatever reason Rafa's fault?
And, make what ever excuses you wish, it was the draws against Stoke and Hull and Fulham and Wigan and Stoke and West Ham and Arsenal, etc... that cost us the title. And, in many of those games, Rafa's team / formations / tactics / substitutions were a large part of the reason we only drew.
Nobody (worth discussing the issue with) is claiming that Rafa's 100% of the problem. But the free pass and unyielding defense many others provide him here is equally tainted and unobjective.
[/quote]
Agree that Rafa did some baffling team choice and substitutions. Defending against that is untenable. I am sure other top managers made equally baffling choices and substitutions too. Ah yes, but they win titles and cups in spite of it. So that is no defense for Rafa.
Whatever we say, I don't think Rafa will go until after this season is over, for whatever reason.
[/quote]
Only two mangers have actually won the Premier League since Rafa arrived. Both of which has spent vast amounts of money. Rafa has in fact overachieved since he's been here, but lets sack him because we want miracles.
[/quote]
Yes or No question: Were you satisfied with 2nd place last season? Not from a "would you take it at the start of the season" hypothetical perspective, but rather from a as-the-season-played-itself-out, looking back perspective.
Also, is still being in the title picture as the new year arrives is a miracle to you? It's not to me.
[/quote]
Yes 2nd place was satisfying. No team has made the jump from 3/4th the previous season to winners. We also achieved our highest ever total in the Premiership era, so to be unsatisfied with that is plain greedy. Our football at the back end of last season was the best in Europe.
As for the title picture in the New Year, well we were last year and you're still unsatisfied, so go figure. In any case, the season isnt over yet. We can still achieve good things.
Like what?
Fourth?
A Europa Cup win?
Hooray
[quote author=KopKing link=topic=38644.msg1043145#msg1043145 date=1264524466]
[quote author=Brendan link=topic=38644.msg1043138#msg1043138 date=1264524074]
Like what?
Fourth?
A Europa Cup win?
Hooray
[/quote]
You wouldn't cheer a Europa cup win?
[/quote]
As much as I'd cheer a Carling Cup win.
A trophy for second-rate teams to contest.
[quote author=Brendan link=topic=38644.msg1043138#msg1043138 date=1264524074]
Like what?
Fourth?
A Europa Cup win?
Hooray
[/quote]
You wouldn't cheer a Europa cup win?
[/quote]
As much as I'd cheer a Carling Cup win.
A trophy for second-rate teams to contest.
Chelsea and United Spend more money than us
Spurs and Aston Villa have been spending more money than us
Man City have spent more money than Anyone.
United Arsenal and City get 1 Million quid profit a home game more than us.
WE ARE A SECOND RATE TEAM until we get the finances and stadium to compete on a LEVEL PLAYING FIELD.
For fucks sake, get a grip on reality people.
Spurs and Aston Villa have been spending more money than us
Man City have spent more money than Anyone.
United Arsenal and City get 1 Million quid profit a home game more than us.
WE ARE A SECOND RATE TEAM until we get the finances and stadium to compete on a LEVEL PLAYING FIELD.
For fucks sake, get a grip on reality people.
- Status
