Fussballer
29 Jan 2009, 04:57 PM
It's been brewing for a while now, but I can't accept draws against lesser clubs any longer. Rafa has created a team that is unbeatable... and winnable. This past draw against Wigan has broken the camel's back and action needs to be taken to right the ship. I know I'll be branded a traitor, a fair-weather fan, a heretic and possibly a Man U supporter, but I don't care. I know what I am, and how I feel. That's why it pains me to say that it's time for Rafa to get the sack. It's time to cut off the arm to save the body. Here is why (in no order of importance):
Inability to manage Keane - Everybody and their mum knows Keano's got tremendous talent. He was a prolific striker for Spurs and has consistently been one of the top EPL goal scorers in the past few years. So what's his problem at LFC? One could point to his inconsistent form, but the boy got his stroke back during the Arse match and continued to the Bolton match. Then, for unknown reasons, he's back in the doghouse and benched. If we're honest, we've seen this pattern from Rafa before. Crouch comes to mind. Some pundits have speculated that he's seeking revenge against Parry because he didn't get Barry and got Parry's lameduck choice. I won't go that far, but I can not find a valid reason for Keane's benching. And if Rafa is hog-tied to a 1-striker mentality, why is Keane on the team? That revenge scenario starts to make sense.
Babel - The boy has seriously regressed in talent yet continues to find plenty of playing time. He starts in the Wigan game after he was shambolic against Everton. What gives? Babel should've been relegated to the doghouse a long time ago and should've been offloaded during the transfer window.
Inability to request talent in Jan transfer window - At the end of Dec, when asked about any needs for the Jan window, Rafa said we're fine. Last time I checked, we have major issues at the wing-backs. Hate to say it, but Dossena hasn't added much. Insua has shown the most promise in his limited time but he lacks experience. It's no secret that our wing backs have added next to nothing to the offense all year long.
Tactics anyone? - The starting lineup against Wigan takes the cake. Riera has shown a recent upturn in form yet Babel is favored over him on the left wing? And Lucas over Alonso? You've got to be kidding me. Lucas and Babel are not worthy to wear an LFC kit anymore. And his subs? First of all, it won't kill you to sub before the 70th minute. He rides bad performances for much too long. And take out your best striker when you need a goal? The incompetancy is mind-blowing.
Kuyt - He plays as a striker and doesn't score. He plays as a winger and doesn't score. His touches and passes are abysmal and yet he's out on the pitch for every minute. Sure, he hustles, but what does it get us in the end? Sweet FA. Granted, he was benched against Wigan which was a shocker, but he'll be back to his inept self against Chelski in a starting role. There's a reason he doesn't start for Holland. IMHO, he's bench player at best. Just think of the spark he would provide at the 70th minute.
His row with Fergie is distracting - Sure, Fergie had it coming to him but the timing of the spat was just bad. You could practically plot LFC's decline and Man U's rise from the end that speech. We were in 1st when he made the speech and now we are in 3rd. Hate to say but Rafa's wearing a lot of egg on his face now. Sometimes it's just better to keep quiet and say it on the field.
Inability to inspire the troops anymore - It's one thing to come out flat against Stoke. It's another to do it not once but twice against Everton. I get the feeling the players no longer believe in him to guide them to an EPL title. Playing mind games may work in Spain but in England, they usually go pear-shaped. I hate to side with Rafa's critics, but I now feel they have a point in saying that Rafa lacks the skills to guide LFC to an EPL title.
Now, don't get me wrong. I have loved Rafa in the past and supported him since the day he arrived. I stood by him when his rotation methods were questioned. I stood by when Crouchey was benched. I stood by him thru thick and thin. But now, it's so thin that you can see the rot. The focus now is winning an EPL title, and I don't think we can get there from here with Rafa at the helm. And to tell the truth, seeing Sammy Lee in charge while Rafa was out injured convinced me that he should be the man to lead the team.
Can anyone defend Rafa anymore? I'd love to hear some reasons why he shouldn't be sacked.
Inability to manage Keane - Everybody and their mum knows Keano's got tremendous talent. He was a prolific striker for Spurs and has consistently been one of the top EPL goal scorers in the past few years. So what's his problem at LFC? One could point to his inconsistent form, but the boy got his stroke back during the Arse match and continued to the Bolton match. Then, for unknown reasons, he's back in the doghouse and benched. If we're honest, we've seen this pattern from Rafa before. Crouch comes to mind. Some pundits have speculated that he's seeking revenge against Parry because he didn't get Barry and got Parry's lameduck choice. I won't go that far, but I can not find a valid reason for Keane's benching. And if Rafa is hog-tied to a 1-striker mentality, why is Keane on the team? That revenge scenario starts to make sense.
Babel - The boy has seriously regressed in talent yet continues to find plenty of playing time. He starts in the Wigan game after he was shambolic against Everton. What gives? Babel should've been relegated to the doghouse a long time ago and should've been offloaded during the transfer window.
Inability to request talent in Jan transfer window - At the end of Dec, when asked about any needs for the Jan window, Rafa said we're fine. Last time I checked, we have major issues at the wing-backs. Hate to say it, but Dossena hasn't added much. Insua has shown the most promise in his limited time but he lacks experience. It's no secret that our wing backs have added next to nothing to the offense all year long.
Tactics anyone? - The starting lineup against Wigan takes the cake. Riera has shown a recent upturn in form yet Babel is favored over him on the left wing? And Lucas over Alonso? You've got to be kidding me. Lucas and Babel are not worthy to wear an LFC kit anymore. And his subs? First of all, it won't kill you to sub before the 70th minute. He rides bad performances for much too long. And take out your best striker when you need a goal? The incompetancy is mind-blowing.
Kuyt - He plays as a striker and doesn't score. He plays as a winger and doesn't score. His touches and passes are abysmal and yet he's out on the pitch for every minute. Sure, he hustles, but what does it get us in the end? Sweet FA. Granted, he was benched against Wigan which was a shocker, but he'll be back to his inept self against Chelski in a starting role. There's a reason he doesn't start for Holland. IMHO, he's bench player at best. Just think of the spark he would provide at the 70th minute.
His row with Fergie is distracting - Sure, Fergie had it coming to him but the timing of the spat was just bad. You could practically plot LFC's decline and Man U's rise from the end that speech. We were in 1st when he made the speech and now we are in 3rd. Hate to say but Rafa's wearing a lot of egg on his face now. Sometimes it's just better to keep quiet and say it on the field.
Inability to inspire the troops anymore - It's one thing to come out flat against Stoke. It's another to do it not once but twice against Everton. I get the feeling the players no longer believe in him to guide them to an EPL title. Playing mind games may work in Spain but in England, they usually go pear-shaped. I hate to side with Rafa's critics, but I now feel they have a point in saying that Rafa lacks the skills to guide LFC to an EPL title.
Now, don't get me wrong. I have loved Rafa in the past and supported him since the day he arrived. I stood by him when his rotation methods were questioned. I stood by when Crouchey was benched. I stood by him thru thick and thin. But now, it's so thin that you can see the rot. The focus now is winning an EPL title, and I don't think we can get there from here with Rafa at the helm. And to tell the truth, seeing Sammy Lee in charge while Rafa was out injured convinced me that he should be the man to lead the team.
Can anyone defend Rafa anymore? I'd love to hear some reasons why he shouldn't be sacked.