Rafa, Gerard and the refs

[ThunderZtorm]

Just read the interview on liverpool.tv - I learned about one big change.

Quote:
"Some people were surprised you left Djibril Cisse out at Bolton. What was your thinking behind that decision?

I see the players during the week and then decide on the team. In the first half at Bolton we didn't have Cisse but we had three good opportunities to score and in the second half when we had Cisse there weren't as many clear chances. It's more important to get players arriving in the box than it is to have a lot of forwards on the field."

End quote.

This is, to me, a major improvement. I was getting so sick and tired of listening to Houllier and his "the referee was lousy, he cheated us for the win" no matter what game it was, and how the ref did it.
It seemed to me, since all I can do is read the official site, that the refs last year, according to Gerard, cost us a win everytime we didnt deliver on the pitch.

Anyone else feel Rafa is a wonderful change in that area?

[liverbird]

Just read the interview on liverpool.tv - I learned about one big change.

Quote:
"Some people were surprised you left Djibril Cisse out at Bolton. What was your thinking behind that decision?

I see the players during the week and then decide on the team. In the first half at Bolton we didn't have Cisse but we had three good opportunities to score and in the second half when we had Cisse there weren't as many clear chances. It's more important to get players arriving in the box than it is to have a lot of forwards on the field."

End quote.

This is, to me, a major improvement. I was getting so sick and tired of listening to Houllier and his "the referee was lousy, he cheated us for the win" no matter what game it was, and how the ref did it.
It seemed to me, since all I can do is read the official site, that the refs last year, according to Gerard, cost us a win everytime we didnt deliver on the pitch.

Anyone else feel Rafa is a wonderful change in that area?

I, for one, agree with you. He's direct and honest. It may have caused some of our early problems with players leaving or wanting loans because he told them their honest chances with the team. However, I like his frank approach.

[Feek]

I, for one, agree with you. He's direct and honest. It may have caused some of our early problems with players leaving or wanting loans because he told them their honest chances with the team. However, I like his frank approach.

It seems like players will actually be held accountable for their poor play. I got the feeling that Gerard had his favorites, i.e. Heskey, and wouldn't accept that his tactics or those players were ever at fault. It will be interesting to see which players respond to the added pressure and which complain and act like primadonnas.

Although, the refs this year have been poor. A definite penalty at Tottenham and Garcia's goal at the Reebok. That should be an additional four points... :)

[liverbird]

It seems like players will actually be held accountable for their poor play. I got the feeling that Gerard had his favorites, i.e. Heskey, and wouldn't accept that his tactics or those players were ever at fault. It will be interesting to see which players respond to the added pressure and which complain and act like primadonnas.

Although, the refs this year have been poor. A definite penalty at Tottenham and Garcia's goal at the Reebok. That should be an additional four points... :)

Well you know they say it'll even out over time --- I'll take a sh1te call in our favor at Old Crapford in a few weeks. :D

[usscouse]

Well you know they say it'll even out over time --- I'll take a sh1te call in our favor at Old Crapford in a few weeks. :DI hear Mike Riley has put in for that job early, sharpening up his whistle technique.
RVN has been praticing leaning back against defenders until he falls on his arse in front of the goal.

[Feek]

Well you know they say it'll even out over time --- I'll take a sh1te call in our favor at Old Crapford in a few weeks. :D

Or maybe an early red for Rooney at Anfield. ;)
I suppose this may work out in our favor.