2021/22 Rafael Benitez

[Kev The Rat]

Demanding a player actually be committed and fit before he plays

The absolute cheek of him!!

And we wonder why our squad have taken the mick out of us all for years with fans and ex managers alike being subjugate to the numerous overpaid wasters we've had over recent seasons.

we could have Ronaldo and Messi playing here, and if for whatever reason Benitez found a way of freezing them out you'd back him for it, so I'll ignore your comments.

 

[Yarrgh]

Would you still feel the same if Everton signed Jurgen Kloop instead of RB

No. Most of our players needs performance enhancing drugs to win an asterisk title.

 

[Yarrgh]

8th or above plus a cup otherwise it is another waste of a season.

1st and both cups. That's a non waste of a season.

 

[arbok]

I like Rafael and James. I don’t think it’s been unfair to James for anyone that’s watched the games last year and this year. The style is different to last year. Way better intensity and the pressing is better. Last year we barely pressed and waited for them to get to our final third before trying to counter.

If James wants to get in the team, he has to show he can do it. They’ll probably give him time in a league cup game to show if he can adapt.

 

[MikeH72]

8th or above plus a cup otherwise it is another waste of a season.

So 12th and a cup would be a waste of a season?

 

[PaddyJames]

Benitez > James. I think it's good management, time will tell but you can guarantee if James gets fit and stats playing well then wall-punchers on here will just say "see, Rafalafel hasn't got a clue" and if he doesn't bother to get himself fit it will all be the managers fault.

No player is bigger than the club.

 

[windymiller]

Benitez > James. I think it's good management, time will tell but you can guarantee if James gets fit and stats playing well then wall-punchers on here will just say "see, Rafalafel hasn't got a clue" and if he doesn't bother to get himself fit it will all be the managers fault.

No player is bigger than the club.

No individual is bigger than the club, player, manager or owner.

 

[PaddyJames]

No individual is bigger than the club, player, manager or owner.

I am.

 

[ilikecheese]

No individual is bigger than the club, player, manager or owner.

Some individuals are bigger than other though @MikelsGoat

 

[Barnfred 55]

Maybe he will if he actually bothers to train them and get them fit.

In fairness to Benitez, as a group the players look fitter than last season and have been ending games stronger

 

[Barnfred 55]

If he gets us challenging top 6 with this squad he's done an absolutely superb job

I disagree. Last season this same squad would have finished top 4 with a bit better luck with injuries.

 

[hippopotamus]

I am.

You are bigger than FSW? God you are really fat.

 

[cooperman]

Could become the greatest bit of man management ever if he comes in needing to make a point and plays well. His stock has slipped a bit... All down to him how he responds and if he has the hunger.

Guess we'll see

 

[Spadge Vernacular]

I have just seen the press conference. Benitez is obviously terrified of James. James is dominating his mind and I fear that it's because he can see Madrid mark 2 coming at him. Brands is going to have to keep an eye on him and might need to step in if gets out of hand. Disappointing and worrying to see but not unexpected.

 

[PaddyJames]

I disagree. Last season this same squad would have finished top 4 with a bit better luck with injuries.

Give over mate