I have to say... watching this Press Conference... he is winning me over. He is on the same wave length as us fans and wants to build a positive relationship with us and he wants the best for the club. He is also handling the 'tricky' questions very well... Hopefully he starts well on Sunday. Could he be what we need?
Squad....... Reflecting on the squad he had inherited to work with. Rafa said: 'I feel I can win with these players. We can improve by working hard and training hard...every player is important'. The Fernando Torres question has been posed. Worryingly for Chelsea fans, Rafa doesn't believe there is a problem and even suggests the misfiring Spaniard is playing well. No sooner had he sat down, Rafa was questioned about the man who likely to replace him, pep Guardiola. He answered: 'I have a very good relationship with Guardiola. What happens in the future, we don't know'
He said that Torres was working hard which I think he is but he isn't performing. Hopefully Rafa can get him performing. Also... John Terry is staying on as captain.
The old guard isn't over the hill just yet as Rafa claims Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, who are both out of contract at the end of the season, will be given their chance as long as they remain 'professional'
And the final question, "Are you concerned by damaging your relationship with Liverpool fans?' 'I had a challenge to manage a top cloob. I was waiting for an opportunity and I can guarantee that a lot of Liverpool fans will wish me the best'. Of course we will.
And Alonso. They have a Gerrard in one of the three attacking centre mids they play in the 3. They need to buy an Alonso/Modric style player to complete the triumvirate and give Torres what he needs.
One thing you will start to love about Benitez is the fact he doesnt care who is employer is. He will speak his mind and do what is best for the fans.... Deffinately not a yes man, he is a fans manager and its impossible not to admire him for his outspoken attitude when he is at your club.
I thought he sounded reasonable and had a grasp of what challenges lie ahead for this season. We need to give him a chance as he is after all one of us for the near future at least.
Bucks--I've just watched it and I have to say I'm less concerned about our progress now than I was this morning. That is not to say I'm still not agrieved about Robbie--which is criminal--but I think we might be in safe hands! Lets hope the "Senior players " camp invite him on board!
Not sure it matters too much now. The senior players will be gone in Jan other than JT and even he can't start a revolution on his own.
