JK1980

You say that, but can you not see any similarities between Mourinho's situation and Rafas? "effective albeit unattractive" and somebody other than the manager choosing which players to buy? Its a shame some our fans can't see the most probable cause of our own possible "downfall".

Crouch and Garcia- two players who left on their own accord, so getting them back would probably be a non-starter anyways. I'd add Momo to the list as well because although he was having a poor run of form towards the end of his time here I think he's better at his job than Mascherano- which is probably a very unpopular thing to say. People always complained about his passing (which was very bad at the time) but some of Mascheranos passing is really unacceptable for a player of his calibre. Even in the recent game against Pompey, had Lucas been making such terrible passes I hate to think the abuse he'd get.

Just wanted to pull you up on this. You start the post referring to the "recent dismissals of Premiership managers" and use that to suggest Rafa would be out at any other big club. I'm not sure what you mean by "big club", wether you mean a general Premiership club or a top 4 club. Considering Liverpool is part of the Top 4, I'd say what the relegation/mid-table Fodder are doing in terms of how often they sack managers should be of no example to us. With regards to Top four clubs both Ferguson and Wenger have been at United and Arsenal for ages. A lot is always made of how long Ferguson was given before he won his first Trophy, and when you consider how long Arsene has gone without winning a trophy I think its misleading to suggest Rafa would be out at any other top club. Chelsea are a supposed "top club" but I think their over-emphasis on short term success has shown its clearly not the way to go (Sacking managers, buying "older- in their Prime" players, over-paying for players). I don't want to get into a discussion about progress made under Rafa but your comment was misleading.

He only beat her? I suppose he didn't want to be... a murdereeeeeeer. Sorry.

I can only remember Rafa using it in away games. I think he see's it as more of a counter attacking formation which allows us to turn defense into attack easier.

I love Rafa. I love Xabi.