YNWA12

They all get so upset about what the media say about us. Especially when we're going through a bad patch, all they're talking about is how some irrelevant so and so said that zonal marking is crap. They think that us (and mostly Rafa) doing badly is just something that the media want the public to believe. It can drive you mad reading that stuff. ETA: I think that Paul Tomkins is their God.

I thought Dossena looked good in pre-season, with those great cross field passes and all. My expectation for Torres was that he would need at least a full season to get used to the pl. Same with Alonso.

If Kuyt got an injury that put him out for around six weeks I wouldn't be worried about our results like I would be with someone like Torres/Reina/Gerrard/Masch. He's a good player, like Riera is, but they're both inconsistent. The reason Kuyt never gets dropped is probably because Rafa knows that no matter how bad a day Kuyt is having, he will still try to make runs, track back etc.

I just have this vision of a future in which Rafa is fired and then years later there will be a discussion and someone will ask Where did it all go wrong for Rafa? and someone else will answer It was his weird fixation with starting Dirk Kuyt every match.

Have we seen a game this season where Masch/Gerrard/Aquilani have all started in the middle? I can't remember a game without Lucas... But I've been waiting to see how those three work together, because I think it could be succesful and the way forward. Hopefully I'll see it tomorrow.

Probably yeah.

Sorry, wasn't only responding to what was posted, but that was the way Tony Barrett presented it in his article tonight: Rafael Benítez uses Juventus interest to focus on squad building | Liverpool - Times Online Tony Barrett states that about Jovanovich and he's pretty reliable. But maybe only one striker then.

Rafa Benítez: We have a very good squad, I've brought a lot of good players to the club, under my regime Liverpool fans have become proud of their club again. Also Rafa Benítez: A lot of big clubs in Europe want me, some strikers will only come if I am the manager, I'm working under very difficult circumstances, the only way to really move forward now is by letting me bring more players to the club. He's never outwardly arrogant or anything, but he sure does think very highly of himself.

Where would Kuyt/Maxi/Benayoun then play?

His agent denied it before the wolves game. In the post-match interview Rafa himself dodged the question. I have no idea why he did that. According to some it was because he didn't want the press to create a stir, but the headlines were there all the same. If he wants to, Rafa can put this to bed in his press conference tomorrow. He'll probably do.

The Italian media seem pretty sure that at least some meetings are taking placing. I do think that Juventus' interest in Rafa is genuine. But what would Rafa say to us if he went to Juve now? 'Sorry, everyone. The financial restraints/board room chaos here has taken its toll on me, so seeya'? I've always thought he'd have too much pride (or integrity) to pull something like that off. The only way he'll leave now is if he feels he's lost the support of the fans or if G/H fire him. And G/H won't let him go as long as he has the fans' support.

I still don't think Rafa wants to leave. He'll want to see out this season at least, surely?

Why would Yossi agree to leave?

Oh no, Stevie! You sound worse than Rafa.

Thanks. Shame about Agger, but I was hoping more that Aurelio would play.

Strange that Gerrard is starting. That hamstring injury of his still seems a little suspicious. If it was an 'enforced' rest then I hope that and Aquilani's last performance will have motivated him to put in a quality, hard-working performance tonight. If he was truly injured than I hope he doesn't overdo it tonight and Rafa will sub him for Aquilani after an hour. Hopefully we'll be 2-0 up by then :D

Are Agger and Aurelio injured? Does anybody know?

He's saying to his critics that they shouldn't look at our unlucky results this season, but to look at all his previous success he's brought to the club. Fair enough. But us fans saw the same thing happen with Houllier: success in his first couple of seasons and then a sudden decline. Those who are critical of him are just weary of the same thing happening again. Especially since it can be said that we gave Houllier a bit too much time because of those earlier achievements. It's easy to compare the 2, but they're not the same people. Rafa has been given the time to turn our season around, and the next couple of weeks have to show improvement.

If this is true, then I'm sure that Gerrard as captain has discussed this and agreed things with his teammates. I doubt he's only speaking for himself.

Yeah, this rule definitely wasn't there last year. I remember Aston Villa played their reserves in this competion then, because they were also fighting for fourth place/CL football.

Wasn't Danny Stevie's best man at his wedding? I'd guess they're still good friends.

Yep, they're just as bad as Sky. Pearce even talks about the way Rafa interviews:

Why was he even being respectful then to Jonathan Pearce/BBC though? Pearce was the one who wrote a blog before the match that's about as anti-Rafa as it gets nowadays. BBC Sport - Football - Benitez sowed seeds of Liverpool demise

I long for the days when Carragher/Alonso/Riise would just pass the ball amongst themselves for the last 10 minutes of games. No matter how boring and unambitious it was, at least it usually worked in not conceding a goal.

Also why is he talking about four trophies and seven finals? Is he referring to the community shield/ super cup/ world club cup final?