Rafael Benitez.

[rubble-rouser]

Haha Madrid

[Jairzinho]

Clean sheet. Unbeaten all season so far. We go again.

[xerxes]

It’s going to be fascinating to see how this plays out. In theory, Rafa is the perfect fit. He knows the club inside out with numerous long established connections, he has achieved in Spain and abroad, and has a proven CL record. In short he “Gets them”.

 

Yet despite all this he has one flaw. He thinks he is a great politician, and he isn’t. And Madrid is the great political beast. Rafa is at his best when he concentrates on the football, at his worst when his sense of self- importance has inflated dangerously. Benzema,Ramos, Bale and Ronaldo all need to be stroked on the pitch, the supporters sense of style need to be stroked off it.

 

It won’t be boring.

[Total Longo]

I'm disappointed he's finally sold his house in Caldy. Always thought it was ace that he called Caldy "home"

[xerxes]

I'm disappointed he's finally sold his house in Caldy. Always thought it was ace that he called Caldy "home"

Caldy, or La Finca, Madrid- it must have been a tough choice.

[King Emlyn]

Caldy, or La Finca, Madrid- it must have been a tough choice.

I take it you've been to Caldy? You're wittering on like its Old Swan or something.

[Guest Numero Veinticinco]

I wouldn't have said we were the dominant force in Europe under Rafa

 

Well, we we ranked number one in Europe based on results in Europe. We weren't dominant in the sense that we won it every year, but we were probably the best side over a certain period.

[aws]

Well, we we ranked number one in Europe based on results in Europe. We weren't dominant in the sense that we won it every year, but we were probably the best side over a certain period.

 

I doubt any team in Europe wanted to be drawn against us. These days even Carlisle will fancy their changes.

[moof]

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't trying to downplay how good we were in Europe under Rafa

[Jairzinho]

There were probably at least 10 squads better than us for most of that five year period, but none of them managed as well in European competition.

[moof]

There were some fantastic teams around at the time and we were probably the most feared, quite a fucking achievement

[Tony Moanero]

Rafa Benitez is ace.

[Section_31]

Built the best squad we've had since the 80s. Incredible side in its pomp. 

 

Rafa is the last manager we've had who I trusted in the transfer market. He bought some shite, usually in the squad player price range, but his big buys tended to be top drawer more often than not. 

 

They've pretty much been shite ever since, save for Suarez. 

[RobbieOR]

Wouldn't really say we had a great squad under him. Great team yes but when we finished second we had N'gog and El Zhar coming off the bench. Testament to him that we came so close to the league with them as back ups.

[Section_31]

Yeah fair point, no strength in depth but the team, especially the midfield, was outrageous. 

[King Emlyn]

Yeah fair point, no strength in depth but the team, especially the midfield, was outrageous.

 

Sure was, the best since McDermott, Case, Kennedy and Souness.

[Strontium]

Rafa Madrid currently 4-0 up at Espanyol and not yet half-time.

[Baltar]

If loving Rafa is wrong I don't wanna be right.

[Strontium]

Finished 6-0 in the end. Ronaldo scored 5.

[TheHowieLama]

Waiter, check please.

[bonesman]

Built the best squad we've had since the 80s. Incredible side in its pomp.

 

Rafa is the last manager we've had who I trusted in the transfer market. He bought some shite, usually in the squad player price range, but his big buys tended to be top drawer more often than not.

 

They've pretty much been shite ever since, save for Suarez.

Rafa sent the king to scout Suarez, was the first job Kenny was assigned when Rafa brought him back.

[Strontium]

Easy 4-0 home win for Real tonight. Another Ronaldo hat-trick, he has now scored 8 goals in 4 days.

[Pureblood]

Came at a cost, though.  Bale injured with spasms in his calf.  

 

Not that I'm paying much attention or anything.   Couldn't care less.   I'm not having flashbacks of Luis Garcia at all.  He's gone, I'm over it.

 

Who've we got next?

[Tony Moanero]

I long for the day that we play a team managed by Rafa in Europe and they twat us.

[Herp McDerp]

I long for the day that we play a team managed by Rafa in Europe and they twat us.

 

Wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.