Seeing as it was the fans' fault for Chelsea's poor form earlier on in the season, are they now the ones responsible for Chelsea being in another European final? Or are the media and Scousers going to bang on about Rafa being brilliant again for beating the might of Steaua, Sparta Prague and Basel?
Stoke fan here guys and NO WUM... We are linked with Rafa as our possible Manager next season?? Your thoughts on (Rafa as a man manager) please. And YES I KNOW many fans didn't want him at Chelsea. WELL done last night, hope you now win the Europa Cup. Strong rumours up here that Rafa has already agreed to become our next Manager. Have you guys heard anything.. ALL the BEST for the rest.
I'd say that if you got him he'll do you proud! He has just focused on a short term contract and although he's been put through the meat grinder by the fans he's got on with it and got us moving!
Bluemoon Thanks, IMHO he's done a fantastic job.. IF we did get him I would be well chuffed. Of course we need Clueliss to go first and he's saying (he wants to stay here and carry on) I think, at least under a guy like Rafa we would be playing more (football) And progress in the right way.
I think he'd do a job for Stoke. I just personally cannot stand the bloke, never have been able to, that's the main reason we all want him gone.
CFC fans have been extremely ungrateful towards Coco, and are going to look pretty silly when he delivers them one of the best seasons in their history. I think that's what the OP was trying to say, and I think even many CFC fans would agree.
I wouldn't arrogantly write-off the Euro-Disney Cup, not just yet, as it might be your only European adventure next season. I'm sure you're safe for Top 4, but I still think it's best to hedge your bets, especially at this stage.
If we finish 3rd, if we win the Ropey cup it would be one of our best seasons. Glenn Hoddle never achieved anything like that. Money isn't in the equation, Rafa has had to work with the players he got stuck with. I do not believe Rafa coming to Chelsea was the best of ideas, it was always a compromise and for Rafa a real risk. He could of seriously ended his prospects to be a top team manager. For Chelsea it was no risk, we were already going downwards and out with not much more than the hope the players would pull the fingers out. As is Rafa is coming out of the deal with some dignity. Non Chelsea fans perceived us chavvy ungracious bastards, and not just Chelsea haters but plain old dyed in the wool football fans. Yes protest the appointment, but it has been taken all to far as to sully our reputation even more. A case of fans as individuals putting their wants above the club. I think Rafa wanted a full time appointment here, and thought all he had to do was make the team to perform to get it. Now his outburst came when he realise that wasn't going to happen, and that our board were still capricious as ever in keeping options open. It begs the question at what cost success and glory? Does it matter what you do to win or must there be acceptable ways and means? Is it better to win bugger all and for everyone to respect you for your efforts? Is winning when you have that respect all the more sweeter?
How could it be better than the double or the EC & FA Cup? Now I know why I banned you you very stupid boy.
Actually, you banned me because you lack a sense of humour. Fortunately, those now in charge of this board don't suffer from the same personality defect, and things are much better here, now.
Rafa and the team seem to have reached some level of compromise. He has not taken us backwards, has not taken us forwards, so my view is he has done an adequate job in difficult circumstances. However,his selections and subs have been below average, and I haven't been able to see, let alone judge his tactics. So, it's thanks and goodbye from me.
Must admit I am a little surprised and pleased you have become a little more balanced in your assessment of Rafa I must say though that I beleive you are wrong that you have not gone forward; Torres is miles better, Luiz is showing his potential, Lamps seems to have got back to some form, Hazard is looking good, Bertrand and Aza...watsisface have both come on. Now I know you could argue that some of that may have happened anyway with playing time...but a lot COULD have gone wrong. The mentality within the squad also appears to be back to the beginning of the Ancelotti days. In my opinion the influence that Rafa has brought may never be recognised...... depends on who you appoint next, but certainly any influence may only be evident next season. For me you are much closer to being back to your best under Rafa, than you were under RDM!
He did a lot for us Reds. Brought the likes of Reina, Mascherano, Alonso, Torres, Agger, brought Lucas and moulded him in to a fine player, did heaps to develop a youth set up that is bearing some fruit now. Rafa's time at Liverpool was characterised by what I call fantasypremierleague; anyone who plays that knows how frustrating it is when you can't get your first choice, second choice...... on and on, and then you end up with a player you actually think is ****e but beggars can't be chooses!
For every good player he brought in there were 3 bad ones. Ridiculous turnover of players "financed" by those idiots Hicks and Gilette