Quote:
Originally Posted by SeoulFire
Just wondering on your definition of elite. During his time they managed the one Champions League win - very impressive but it took some controversial decisions to get there and a massive breakdown.
Perhaps my bias is affecting my memory but (other than once) he was afforded the luxury of being able to focus on Europe as they were never really in serious contention for League. In my opinion, this alone detracts greatly from his accomplishments and makes many selection decisions quite easy.
He is a good manager that got decent results from a strong squad - I would hesitate to say elite.
Edit: After writing this I actually hope that you are correct in assessing Rafa as elite. This would imply that a lesser manager would get less and his departure will see Liverpool plunge into the middle to lower part of the table. Ego's such as Torres and Gerrard (just to name a few) would not be happy with that and bolt and leave them wallowing in mediocrity.  |
To say that Rafa isn't elite as a manager is wrong, but he was loved by true Kopites because of the connection he held with them, he understood Liverpool and isn't an egotistic like Mourinho or any of them.
Rafa came to Liverpool and restored European glory. He took us from a UEFA Cup side, to number one in Europe both in rankings, and by winning the CL. He repeated this 2 years later, narrowly missing another title.
In between there he won an FA Cup.
That's 3 straight seasons with major silverware, all the while having not spent like Chelsea or the other big European clubs.
Then you can look at Rafa's tactics when he has his team. In one week he crushed Villa 5-0 and then Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield, and then beat United 4-1 at OT, without Alonso.
Rafa was an elite manager, and you can see that with the likes of Juventus, Inter, and Real Madrid always swooping and trying to get in on him.
Rafa was better in Europe, you are right and he has admitted as much. But at the same time, he has to pick one or the other. Domestically the likes of Chelsea, and United will always outspend him and have the depth to build squads to do well in both.
Rafa did achieve record point totals the other year, finishing 2nd in the prem and having a QF appearance in the CL. All the while having the 5th highest wage bill in the premier league.
If you look at last year, we finished at the same spot we did on the net spend list.
Don't get the last bit, but yes. Hodgson will be a yesman, we will scrap for draws or 1-0 wins every week, and most likely be in the Europa league next year. Torres left Atletico so he could achieve everything, he won't achieve under Hodgson. Mascherano will not want to stay under a manager he won't like.