A word or two on Benitez.
- He was successful at Liverpool until we sold to H+G.
- His signings, when he is given the money, are good. Unfortunately at Liverpool, Rick Parry (no longer at the club) blocked certain tells in favour of marginally cheaper players. EG. We had a deal accepted for Dani Alves from Sevilla, he wouldn't up the fee by £2M and he went to Barca. We got Pennant instead of Simao for christ-sake.
- He reformed our youth policy and squad. Now, we've seen Shelvey (a Rafa signing), Robinson and Flanagan play well for the first team under Kenny.
- He WILL bring success in Europe. Tactically, he is one of the best around.
- When he has the team he thinks is good enough, the football is great, slick and fast. I'd cite his title winning Valencia team, which taught us a lesson right before we signed Benitez up, and Liverpool up to 08/09 (which beat Madrid 4-0, Inter 3-0, United 4-1, Besiktas 8-0, Villa, Newcastle for 5 etc etc)
HOWEVER
- He sullied his media reputation with the 'facts' rant.
- He can be too negative.
- He prefers a Kuyt to a Nani, if you know what I mean.
- He still loves Liverpool, and may not move, if offered.