Author Topic: Rafa:Blame Me (Read 3534 times)

kopindian · « **on:** April 20, 2007, 05:32:59 PM »

Rafa Benitez insists he is to blame for the difficult game endured by Momo Sissoko against Middlesbrough in midweek.
Benitez deployed the 22-year-old in a more advanced midfield role, with Mascherano sitting deep in front of the defence.

"I want to say something about Sissoko, because he was working really hard for us and was a key player against Barcelona and in a lot of other games," said the Spaniard.

"Okay, he didn't have the best game, but I think it's important to support players who always give 100 per cent.

"The other day I tried to change things. I was using Mascherano behind Gerrard and Momo. But because the other team was playing really deep, compact and narrow, it was really difficult for him.

"But it was my decision, and some people may say I made a mistake, but I was sure we could have a good game with this system, or at least I was checking if it was a good idea. Now we know more about the players."

While Gerrard took many of the plaudits following his brace on Wednesday, Benitez thinks Mascherano was just as key to the victory.

He said: "When you play alongside Gerrard, it's normal that the other players don't get the same credit, but it's important for me as a manager, and the rest of the team, to know that these players are always there and will be important.

"People will always talk about Steven Gerrard, especially when he plays well and scores two goals, but I think that Mascherano was amazing against Middlesbrough."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N155677070420-1546.htm
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So he was just checking out his possibilities

hansen6 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:36:11 PM »

Which is fair enough, but Momo has never looked comfortable in that advanced sort of role.

kopindian · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:37:49 PM »

I think Momo has an eye for a good pass.But its just that he does not have the composure yet.Maybe it will come with experience.His passing looked alright in the community shield.

Barney_Rubble · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:38:45 PM »

Quote from: kopindian on April 20, 2007, 05:32:59 PM

I think it's important to support players who always give 100 per cent.

TheRedBull · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:39:53 PM »

Quote from: hansen6 on April 20, 2007, 05:36:11 PM

Which is fair enough, but Momo has never looked comfortable in that advanced sort of role.

He better develop soon as that will be his position in the future, a box to box midfielder like Vieira.

Ken-Obi · « **Reply #5 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:43:02 PM »

He was a massive presence, worked his socks off, etc.

Alan_X · « **Reply #6 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:46:54 PM »

Thanks Rafa. I thought I was right. I posted this when I got back after the game:

Quote from: Alan_F on April 19, 2007, 02:35:51 PM

It's reported in the papers that Gerrard was playing as a withdrawn striker. From where I was on the halfway line it looked more like 4-1-4-1 for a lot of the game with Mascherano playing between the midfield and defence and Gerrard and Momo in the middle behind Crouch on his own. It was no great surprise that we lacked any sort of attacking edge playing like that.

Momo needs either a kick up the arse or a big hug... his confidence is completely shot and I think it was a blessing for everyone when he came off.

I couldn't undrestand why the press were going on about a formation that wasn't being played. Momo was definitely more advanced than usual with Masch behind him and Gerrard.

Nice to know I wasn't seeing things...

Oh and I agree about Mascherano being the key to victory... immense performance in a controlled way.

zabadoh · « **Reply #7 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:53:59 PM »

Sissoko really didn't have a good game against Boro. I mean after Boro stopped trying to play in our half of the field, Sissoko was left with no incoming plays to disrupt and was forced to the weakest side of his game: passing and attacking midfielder.

Rafa was right to say something to deflect criticism leveled at Momo, but it does say that Momo needs to add another dimension to his game or he'll be stuck as a defensive squad player.

molbyscorchio · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:59:32 PM »

While Rafa's in the firing line, what are you going to do about the state of those scouse pies? Crikey.

JackWard33 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:03:20 PM »

How can you not love Rafa.

Rhino · « **Reply #10 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:09:33 PM »

Seems to me that since the CL draw, Rafa has been using league matches to test possible systems for Chelsea

Emo Phillips · « **Reply #11 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:12:48 PM »

Very honest of Rafa, and good for Sissoko, who is taking far too much ludicrously over-the-top criticism of late.

Art Vandelay · « **Reply #12 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:33:30 PM »

Sack Rafa.

Angelius · « **Reply #13 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:40:11 PM »

his movement was good throughout, getting into good positions in the box and being available to receive the ball. however, his technique totally let him down. if, as has been said, all these are dress rehearsals for the chelsea game, i hope sissoko isn't used in that game as he was used in the 'boro game.

honestly, i think rafa is trying to find the unknown quantity in the line-up aka luis garcia who has the volatility to change the game. and sissoko isn't that person. the only one after garcia that i think could have carried out that role is kewell and he's not fit yet.

it'll be a difficult game.

SMD · « **Reply #14 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:44:00 PM »

That's a bit of a strange interview from Rafa. He usually doesn't talk that frankly, especially to highlight particular players. I think Mascherano should be incredibly pleased he's been publically praised.

Emo Phillips · « **Reply #15 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:52:32 PM »

Quote from: Spam Monkey Deluxe on April 20, 2007, 06:44:00 PM

That's a bit of a strange interview from Rafa. He usually doesn't talk that frankly, especially to highlight particular players. I think Mascherano should be incredibly pleased he's been publically praised.

I think he praises individuals, but does so "politically". He doesn't praise Gerrard too much, to make him work harder, but also because Gerrard only has to fart to get MOTM at times.

I think he wanted to make a point that Masch had a great game with the captain getting all the headlines.

jonesyb · « **Reply #16 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:54:04 PM »

Quote from: zabadoh on April 20, 2007, 05:53:59 PM

Rafa was right to say something to deflect criticism leveled at Momo, but it does say that Momo needs to add another dimension to his game or he'll be stuck as a defensive squad player.

Spot on mate. It would have been very easy for Rafa to point the finger at Momo for havin a shocker but he bit the bullet and explained himself and his ideas while giving Momo the slap on the back for his constant 100% effort.

jonesyb · « **Reply #17 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:56:26 PM »

Quote from: Art Vandelay on April 20, 2007, 06:33:30 PM

Sack Rafa.

MONTREAL_RED · « **Reply #18 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:56:52 PM »

Momo had chances throughout the the time he was on to make a good pass but mucked it each time, to bad.

Tony18:5 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:21:27 PM »

Momo and Masch don't gel - fact

deadgoon · « **Reply #20 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:27:12 PM »

Quote from: Tony18:5 on April 20, 2007, 11:21:27 PM

Momo and Masch don't gel - fact

The Masch, the Momo Masch,
it was the Masch, the Momo Masch....

gels for me.

Drewcatt · « **Reply #21 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:29:07 PM »

Quote from: Emo Phillips on April 20, 2007, 06:52:32 PM

I think he praises individuals, but does so "politically". He doesn't praise Gerrard too much, to make him work harder, but also because Gerrard only has to fart to get MOTM at times.

I think he wanted to make a point that Masch had a great game with the captain getting all the headlines.

You can also look back to the example of Peter Crouch when he was having his problems. Rafa publicly supported him through that time, but earlier this year when he was knocking them in for fun, Rafa was careful to make sure it didn't go too much to his head.

It's what he does. Every player is just as important as his teammate.

TSC · « **Reply #22 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:30:41 PM »

Quote from: Tony18:5 on April 20, 2007, 11:21:27 PM

Momo and Masch don't gel - fact

Agree re the game the other night. Momo gels in a specific system with specific players. Ever get the feeling though that Mascherano will gel no matter what the formation, players involved, etc?

Pity we didn't grab Tevez as well. 2 cracking players.

RedMike-86- · « **Reply #23 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:31:29 PM »

Quote from: Rhino on April 20, 2007, 06:09:33 PM

Seems to me that since the CL draw, Rafa has been using league matches to test possible systems for Chelsea

we have a winner!

Tony18:5 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:32:09 PM »

Quote from: deadgoon on April 20, 2007, 11:27:12 PM

The Masch, the Momo Masch,
it was the Masch, the Momo Masch....

gels for me.

WTF irony

dane · « **Reply #25 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:32:20 PM »

I'm glad that Rafa has come out in support of Momo like this. As Rafa mentioned, Momo always gives 100% - if not 110% if you'll excuse the cliche'. He's still a young player... he's now under a lot more pressure with the arrival of another very highly rated Spanish speaking CM at the club and was asked to play an unfamiliar role against 'Boro.

I sincerely hope that the fans don't get on Momo's back and that Rafa finds the right ways and times to use him to get the most of him and develop his game.

Tony18:5 · « **Reply #26 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:33:22 PM »

Quote from: TSC on April 20, 2007, 11:30:41 PM

Agree re the game the other night. Momo gels in a specific system with specific players. Ever get the feeling though that Mascherano will gel no matter what the formation, players involved, etc?

Yup coz he's a class above

kevlumley · « **Reply #27 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:35:09 PM »

... and there was me thinking it was all down hill since the tackle on his tackle!

Fair play to Rafa, and his honesty, this is the kind of team work we want before we go to the scummy bridge next week, one family.

rogermoore · « **Reply #28 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:43:34 PM »

What an amazing move by Rafa. Got to love him like we already do.

Sorry but my mind tells me our machine experiences feelings. Cue a very upset 21-2 year old entering Rafa's office with tears in eyes thinking he is on his way out.

Rafa sets him right and then goes and sets the world right. Absolutely great management even if I am not entirely correct.

Momo will be a legend and Rafa will deliver more than just no 19.

mikek1984 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 20, 2007, 11:54:08 PM »

i think he had to come out and say something about momo because he was terrible in the first half

wasnt his fault though..playing as the advanced CM
we all know hes going to falter

as for masch
what a player

Gnurglan · « **Reply #30 on:** April 21, 2007, 12:46:55 AM »

Fair play Rafa.

The problem is that Sissoko is not at his best in the attacking role, but nor can he play the defensive role a la Alonso or Mascerano. So where do you play him?

I definitely agree with Rafa on the Barca game. Sissoko was huge in the Nou Camp. But that's when he can get away with being a defensive destroyer. What about the rest of the games, when that's not enough?

Mighty_Red · « **Reply #31 on:** April 21, 2007, 12:49:54 AM »

Quote from: rogermoore on April 20, 2007, 11:43:34 PM

What an amazing move by Rafa. Got to love him like we already do.

Sorry but my mind tells me our machine experiences feelings. Cue a very upset 21-2 year old entering Rafa's office with tears in eyes thinking he is on his way out.

Rafa sets him right and then goes and sets the world right. Absolutely great management even if I am not entirely correct.

Momo will be a legend and Rafa will deliver more than just no 19.

Absolutely. The fact is that pehaps we have started to expect a little too much from Momo when he is still some way away from being the finished article. The deficiencies in his game are obvious, and he just has to knuckle down and improve on them. The shoulder injury put him back a bit, and at the moment he needs to find a bit more composure which will help a great deal in the short term.

The counter-attacking run against boro was a case in point, it showed what he can do and also what he can't. He got the ball ran with it, fed pennant with a nice pass but then ruined all that work by badly missing his shot. Had that been a goal we wouldve been talking about a fantastic driving run and shot straight out the Stevie Gerrard collection.

Rafa has therefore tried to keep his confidence high, knowing that even with the negatives, he is still an important player for us

johnybarnes · « **Reply #32 on:** April 21, 2007, 01:06:48 AM »

blame cannaaadaaaaa

Barney_Rubble · « **Reply #33 on:** April 21, 2007, 01:18:02 AM »

I blame Rafa

mikek1984 · « **Reply #34 on:** April 21, 2007, 01:24:14 AM »

Quote from: johnybarnes on April 21, 2007, 01:06:48 AM

blame cannaaadaaaaa

hes not even a real manager anywayyyyy

mikek1984 · « **Reply #35 on:** April 21, 2007, 01:24:57 AM »

Quote from: mikek1984 on April 21, 2007, 01:24:14 AM

hes not even a real manager anywayyyyy

momo could have gone to totten ham or everton rich and true

but instead hes with the red men playing football at camp nouu

(obviously to the tune of the blame canada song)

SonOfPiechnik · « **Reply #36 on:** April 21, 2007, 01:25:01 AM »

Quote from: johnybarnes on April 21, 2007, 01:06:48 AM

blame cannaaadaaaaa

Operation "Get behind Momo and Mascherano" is in full effect!

SonOfPiechnik · « **Reply #37 on:** April 21, 2007, 01:29:01 AM »

I blame the parents

woof · « **Reply #38 on:** April 21, 2007, 01:29:05 AM »

Rafa rates players who give their all and have a positive attitude. That's why he rates players who aren't technically good like Riise, Momo, Kuyt & Carra. Hopefully, we'll get players with all the attributes

Jin · « **Reply #39 on:** April 21, 2007, 03:10:38 AM »

Quote from: kopindian on April 20, 2007, 05:32:59 PM

"Okay, he didn't have the best game, but I think it's important to support players who always give 100 per cent.

Rafa has been on RAWK then. Some of the slack Momo has took on here has been disgusting. In case some of you have forgotten, Momo was one of the best performing and most consistent players up until the New Year, and even afterwards he managed to dismantle Barcelona. We talk about players being loyal to the club, seems liek some of us are quick to get on a players back as soon as theres a dip in form.

Hes very young, has much to learn and has been immense for us. It was enivitable that he would hit a dip in form, every player goes through it, its nothing new.