[El Rojo]

I believe football in general been made a lot more complicated in recent years, with managers focussing on the minutae of the game to try and gain an advantage over the opposition.

Even as a spectator sport, does it really enhance our understanding of the game to know that Jermaine Jenas has run 12,374 metres in the opening 78 minutes, or what areas Andy Johnson has received a pass in in the second half?

Sometimes I think Rafa needs to focus more on the bigger picture, but his transfer record, specifically getting rid of his own signings if they don't work out, show that he learns from his mistakes when it matters.

All that said, the forensic scientist approach to the game that he favours won him two Spanish championships at a time when Barcelona and Real were spending absolutely obscene and unprecedented money on players. I can see why he continues to persevere.

I'm not sure it's sink or swim for him next year, but it's only fair to expect some sort of title challenge . I reckon we'll see a lot less rotation, particulary in the opening stages of the season.