Torres Reveals Rafa's English Rule?

[The Reds 2008]

Torres and Benitez - Spaniards themselves - communicate in English at all times, as does everyone else in the Liverpool dressing room.

It is most likely a tactic employed not only to help foreigners learn the language, but to also create an environment where nobody feels alienated.

"There are 12 Spanish speakers but we try not to talk in Spanish because if he catches us, Rafa fines us," revealed Torres.

"He always speaks in English to the Spanish, except when there's something you don't understand. At the start it was difficult. But with every day, I'm getting to know the language and the city better."

Source:http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=562424

Interesting i didn't know that but i think it is a really good that rafa done that so the players understand and learn from each other. what are your thoughts?

[revelationx]

Torres and Benitez - Spaniards themselves - communicate in English at all times, as does everyone else in the Liverpool dressing room.

It is most likely a tactic employed not only to help foreigners learn the language, but to also create an environment where nobody feels alienated.

"There are 12 Spanish speakers but we try not to talk in Spanish because if he catches us, Rafa fines us," revealed Torres.

"He always speaks in English to the Spanish, except when there's something you don't understand. At the start it was difficult. But with every day, I'm getting to know the language and the city better."

Source:http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=562424

Interesting i didn't know that but i think it is a really good that rafa done that so the players understand and learn from each other. what are your thoughts?

Well it is not strictly news as it is a well-known club policy to speak English. I suppose the fact that players are actually fined for speaking other languages is news. I think it is very important to avoid the creation of cliques and prevent any players from feeling isolated and unwanted. Of course this will happen to a degree in any social grouping but Rafa has put in place measures to reduce this as much as possible. An example is Rafa rotates the room-mates within the team on away trips. This encourages more mixing of players.

[RobVarak]

It's a wise policy. Many MLB teams have a problem with divisions in the locker room between Spanish and English spekers.

[Grinners89]

Given that most, if not all of us knew this, it isnt a very important matter and probably didnt deserve its own thread...just my opinion

[Red Bird]

Given that most, if not all of us knew this, it isnt a very important matter and probably didnt deserve its own thread...just my opinion

Did you read my mind :confused: As ground-breakingly new as the fact that we are England's most successful club. I have my suspicions which, in due time, I suspect will be confirmed.

[awaits witless trolls]

[Samarkand]

[awaits witless trolls]Holy crap!! There are other types?

[Twenty26Six]

Given that most, if not all of us knew this, it isnt a very important matter and probably didnt deserve its own thread...just my opinion

Since, I've deleted and/or merged this kid's last five threads, let's let him have this one. :)

[Grinners89]

Since, I've deleted and/or merged this kid's last five threads, let's let him have this one. :)

Maybe let him start the next match thread...thats a 100% guaranteed success ;)

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

My soccer coach had the same English only rule. It was pretty easy to follow though because my team was made up of 17 white Americans and 1 black kenyan.

[lfcfan858]

I visited Anfield in 2006 and took the stadium tour. The dressing room is arranged so that all the players have to sit with other players in their position. One of the reasons given was to make sure that the players didn't always sit with others who spoke their language or came from their country of origin.

[drobny23]

I'da thought Rafa would rotate languages too.

Seriously, this is obviously a good policy. It's nice to be reminded of the things Rafa commands to cement cohesion amidst rotation.

[lpoolynwa]

My soccer coach had the same English only rule. It was pretty easy to follow though because my team was made up of 17 white Americans and 1 black kenyan.

Given how America is, for some reason I can see that situation being construed as being discriminatory towards the Kenyan.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Given how America is, for some reason I can see that situation being construed as being discriminatory towards the Kenyan.

Yeah he tried to call the junior varsity coach a racist. And it worked, he got more playing time for a couple of games, until some players went to the coach and told her that she isn't a racist and that he just wanted more playing time even though he was a horrible left outside back, think combination of Riise and Traore. He was a cheeky bastard!

[Twenty26Six]

This thread doesn't need to turn into a race chat.

[el-capitano]

Does he fine Carra for the scouse accent I wonder? ;)

[Red Bird]

Does he fine Carra for the scouse accent I wonder? ;)

Still classified as English, as is the Aussie twang ;) Kewell's has rather softened over the years, I think.

[USvsIRELAND]

This thread doesn't need to turn into a race chat.

Why are you holding my people back?

[Twenty26Six]

Why are you holding my people back?

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