Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul
Reading the other thread about Rafa's progress (or otherwise) over the last four years, it struck me how taken in we've become about the notion that football is a science. Now, I'm not dimissing tactics or fitness or even rotation out of hand, but am I alone in thinking that the simple game has been over-complicated to the point of confusion? I mean, isn't winning trophies fundamentally about getting the very best players you possibly can and then letting them go out and do their stuff?
A manager's role is clearly very important and the best managers maximise the impact that their players make. However, isn't it all a bit redundant if the players aren't good enough or if what he does actually impedes what they do, rather than helps them? I just think we're all far too ready to buy into the micro-managing philosophy of Rafa and too many people then use the most obscure point to defend what is pretty indefensible.
Obviously the above could be taken as a fundamental criticism of the manager that equates to me wanting him replaced. However, surely the fact that we have improved dramatically in the league since Rafa started to simplify his selections and play more of the best players more often adds further evidence to my point?
In short, I just want him to sign a couple of top quality players who will fit into the system he's been using so well and stick with it - and them - for most of next season. If he does that, I really think we will challenge for the title. If he doesn't, I think he'll be out of a job.
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You are not alone in thinking that way Paul. To me, Rafa is making it too complicated. He over analyses the game and thinks about tactics even when we play teams like Boro, Bolton, Wigan etc.
Rafa still hasn't found a system for us even though the latest system seems to be good. Did he find the latest system by accident? Why has it taken him so many years to find it?
In my opinion, as you have said, Rafa should buy no more than 2/3 quality first team players to go straight into the first team. If he thinks Barry and Degen are those kind players, then fine. I don't care if he spends £30m or nothing on a player - I just want to see players who can make a "difference" to the first team and improve what we already have. I don't want a Voronin or Pennant or Riise who make no fucking difference to the way we play. They jog around if we are playing badly or take credit when we win. I want players who can step up that extra bit when it matters or when the going gets tough. A Mascherano, a carragher, a torres, a gerrard. If we can't buy a similar one, let the money be in the bank.
I think it was two years ago, after we drew 0-0 with Boro away, Rafa said something along the lines of their defenders being taller so we were forced to use a different tactic etc. Fuck it Rafa. Let us play our own game, let us push our backline 5/10 yards forward and let them worry about us. Just unleash your best team in their best positions and see what they can do.