[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38662.msg1044472#msg1044472 date=1264646836]
[quote author=robinhood link=topic=38662.msg1043661#msg1043661 date=1264543164]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=38662.msg1043631#msg1043631 date=1264542566]
I've been trying to stick up for Rafa this season. In the cold light of day, I've never really wanted to see him sacked and I guess I still have to say that I want to leave it to the end of the season before making my mind up.
That said, the buck stops with the manager. After six years in charge, we should be better than this.
[/quote]
We don't practice attacking play. It's utterly unforgivable.
Benitez actually *hates* football.
[/quote]
9 months ago we were putting 4 past United, 4 past Newcastle, 5 past Villa, etc etc.
Of course we're an attacking threat. We're currently playing shit, have zero confidence, and as a result are tentative and timid in a lot of our play.
[/quote]
That's true of course, but the suspicion remains that for whatever reason Rafa has retreated again from putting the emphasis on attack to "controlling" a game (whatever that fucking means). Our attacking prowess last season was partly down to us having to make up lost ground to make a title challenge (as well as success breeding confidence) - it appeared that Rafa had finally realised that he had to place more emphasis on going for the jugular against all-comers.
And yet here we are again, two defensive midfielders, fullbacks playing as wingers, trying to grind out 1-0 wins by compacting play once ahead (and then of course conceding late equalisers). Last season we'd have continued with an expansive game once ahead, knocking 3,4 past opposition before taking our foot off the pedal.
Rafa's shrinking away from taking any risks and we look a pale shadow of the confident attacking unit we'd become (for a brief time).