Author Topic: So, any pressure on Rafa this year? (Read 5442 times)

TheseThingsHappen · « **on:** July 16, 2007, 02:55:59 PM »

In Rafa we Trust, etc. notwithstanding, this is the beginning of year 4, a load of money has been spent on our prime targets - this truly is his team competing in a league he now has three years experience of.

I don't mean pressure to deliver a crapload of silverware - but to have improved considerably, to get us up there fighting at a far more consistent level with whoever else is at the top.

If we remain at 60 odd points coming 3rd or 4th this season and well off the pace, will you personally be ok with that?

What happens if our expectations aren't met?

®äfä.. ®äfä...ßëñíTêz · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2007, 02:57:32 PM »

Would like to challenge , still be there at the end atleast.

COME ON RAFA!

Zverko · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2007, 02:58:35 PM »

The pressure would come regardless in his 4th season. With the signings we made, we just have more chance of success. Thats about it

Anthony · « **Reply #3 on:** July 16, 2007, 02:59:16 PM »

Quote from: TheseThingsHappen on July 16, 2007, 02:55:59 PM

What happens if our expectations aren't met?

We burn Rafa's beard!

Notayesman · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:00:37 PM »

You wouldn't be ok with it but it wouldn't spell the end of him. Overall you'd have to say that finishing that far off the top would make 08/09 a make or break year for him. The fact that we've already been to two CL finals in his three seasons to date gives him a lot of breathing room in my opinion.

J-Mc- · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:02:11 PM »

I think we're finally going to see what we've been waiting for the last 3 seasons, a good challenge for the title.

With the money thats been spent I see no reason for us to not finish either 1st or 2nd, the reason being, United won't win it again because theres no way Ronaldo can play like he did last season again.

Chelsea have a good team but we no how to play against them now, hopefully we'll score at the bridge this season aswell.

Arsenal, they've lost their best attacking player in Henry and although they still have fabregas, I don't think they are going to get 3rd this season.

the top four being:

1st Liverpool
2nd United
3rd Chelsea
4th Tottenham

5th Arsenal

edeyj · « **Reply #6 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:10:14 PM »

No easy task to win the PL this year. The usual suspects will be pushing hard. Expect us to compete though unless something drastic happens.

cornelius · « **Reply #7 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:11:01 PM »

There is pressure on every Liverpool manager, every year. That's the way it should be. Any extra pressure this year? Yes. Rafa's 4th season coming up and I think that it's time to at least contest the Premiership. There'll be a lot of flak if the gap remains such a big one but the target may change. I think if we cannot compete this season then the pressure will be heaped on Tom and George's doorstep to deliver more money and better players. Is that fair? Yes. They are the ones who have made that bed with their talk so let's see.

I'm fairly confident we'll improve and push on this season but then I usually am.

JoeK210185 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:15:13 PM »

Rafa, Pressure?

Does the man know the meaning of the word?

His beard is the best addition to the roster this year

Martyn. · « **Reply #9 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:16:09 PM »

Last year I was convinced we would win the league...or at least make a sustained challenge.

This year I shall be down playing our chances

Hank Scorpio · « **Reply #10 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:18:13 PM »

Of course there is pressure on him.

After spending decent sums of money, he will now be expected to run the title very close.

Even though we did not spend massive amounts last summer, it was still dissappointing to finish with the 68 points that we did last season.

Imagine that with the added pressure of having spent substantial funds.

Velky Al · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:27:55 PM »

I think this season is make or break. But not for Rafa but for several of the players, especially those just rewarded with big contracts. They need to up their game again and prove they are worth the investment.

I am hoping that we will see Gerrard in particular come flying out of the blocks and have a season like the one before last. If that happens and Torres settles quickly then I think we will be in the mixer at the end of the season.

Silverware? Yes I think so this season, have a hunch for the Carling Cup, possibly the FA Cup as well. Semis of the CL and 2nd in the league.

Mello · « **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:29:44 PM »

Sure there is pressure on him, but that comes with the job. To be honest, he probably puts more pressure on himself to win than we ever could. You don't get to be as detailed as Rafa by being laid back. With the funds available to realistically challenge for any trophy now, it turns the heat up a little bit, but I don't think we or the owners expect to win the league immediately. The more realistic goal would be to win the league before we move to "New Anfield".

Gavo · « **Reply #13 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:33:03 PM »

There's bound to be a certain amount of pressure on Rafa, but I think that will mostly come from himself. We've got to at lease push for the title this time around and make it a tighter competition between us and whoever else.

red_til_i_die · « **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:34:02 PM »

I think there is more pressure because we've seen the players brought in. i want us to make a considerable effort and at least get to a position where were challenging right to the end.

To be honest i think our additions this year so far have been better than Chelsea's. United have invested alot of money to keep where they are.

i'd love it if we won it but i think that will be 08/09 that we'll have a real chance once the new players have had a year to settle. (not saying it will take a year but in some cases it does e.g. Pennant, looked brilliant towards the end of the season)

woof · « **Reply #15 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:39:19 PM »

It'll be interesting this coming season. Mourinho HAS to perform this season to keep his job and he knows he's under pressure - he's already ditching the diamond formation which is built around Ballack. This is again, is inexplicable when he put the eggs in the basket of an unknown.

Fergie will probably focus on Europe this season - he knows he's running out of time and want another CL trophy to his name. By god, I hope we can dent his dreams & hopes.

Rafa will have a lot to prove this season. Had we won CL last season, he'd be edging closer to King Kenny's & Shankly's status. We need to win the Premiership and at least reach the semis of CL to make it a "good" season

johnybarnes · « **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:40:50 PM »

Like any other year...

Gnurglan · « **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:41:53 PM »

Of course there's pressure on Rafa to deliver. We'v reached two CL Finals in three years. That should serve as some sort of reminder for what we can expect in the league. Yes, our target should be to win. Of course it should. It's a realistic target too.
Target is to win. If we don't, we'll have to evaluate why. Personally, with the two CL Finals in mind, I'd find it very difficult to sack Rafa unless we have a disaster of a season. But naturally, we have the right to expect improvements in the league. We should be close to winning the title come May.

60 odd points will not be good enough. We should be around 80 something, but the important thing is that we challenge for the title, not how many points we get.

toshi · « **Reply #18 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:41:59 PM »

this year...?

what are you talking about, there's always pressure on him because he's a Liverpool Manager

Spanish Fan · « **Reply #19 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:44:32 PM »

This is certainly the best squad Benitez has ever had. Liverpool should challenge next year.

TheseThingsHappen · « **Reply #20 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:45:52 PM »

Quote from: toshi on July 16, 2007, 03:41:59 PM

this year...?

what are you talking about, there's always pressure on him because he's a Liverpool Manager

You know what I mean... Additional pressure... No excuses any more.

I also don't mean he's made excuses for himself - but I have for him. The personel weren't good enough and the team was in disarray following Houlliers final year. This year it's all down to him (in the same way that I believe Ranieri would have won the Prem three seasons ago and that Mourinho hasn't really added anything other than boring play to Chelsea and that's just being found out now.)

beardsley4ever · « **Reply #21 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:57:19 PM »

He's getting pressure from home - women's watches don't last that long anymore.

Voltaire · « **Reply #22 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:04:25 PM »

There is pressure to improve the dismal away record we suffered last year, another season like that will question Rafa's ability to learn from his mistakes in a league scenario.

Home and cup form is solid, as good if not better than Chelsea and United's - just need to iron out the problems with our travels and we'll be contenders once again.

Anthony · « **Reply #23 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:10:50 PM »

The aim this season should be the same as every season...

xerxes · « **Reply #24 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:10:53 PM »

We will not win the league. It's just not possible to go from 3rd, where half your games are meaningless to 1st, where every game is vital. The mentality can't change that quickly. What we must do however is challenge. We must still be within a few points in April, or else very serious questions will be asked of Rafa. Not enough to sack him, but certainly make 2008-9 make or break.

I think Chelsea have bought the best players this summer. If they get Alves they will be awesome. Sidwell is better than Hargreaves, Pizzaro is better thann Voronin. They look too string, but we must be close.

MG_LFC · « **Reply #25 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:13:53 PM »

Quote from: JMCA on July 16, 2007, 03:02:11 PM

I think we're finally going to see what we've been waiting for the last 3 seasons, a good challenge for the title.

With the money thats been spent I see no reason for us to not finish either 1st or 2nd, the reason being, United won't win it again because theres no way Ronaldo can play like he did last season again.

Chelsea have a good team but we no how to play against them now, hopefully we'll score at the bridge this season aswell.

Arsenal, they've lost their best attacking player in Henry and although they still have fabregas, I don't think they are going to get 3rd this season.

the top four being:

1st Liverpool
2nd United
3rd Chelsea
4th Tottenham
5th Arsenal

i hope so....I'll be praying all day everyday that it finishes like that

xabi rules · « **Reply #26 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:18:32 PM »

Quote from: JMCA on July 16, 2007, 03:02:11 PM

I think we're finally going to see what we've been waiting for the last 3 seasons, a good challenge for the title.

1st Liverpool
2nd United
3rd Chelsea
4th Tottenham
5th Arsenal

I agree with a lot of what you're saying. However I believe that Chelsea are still very strong and with extra motivation will finish above Man Utd. Whether we finish above Utd is open to opinion. I hope we make a real challenge this year - which means first or second.

I also expect Arsenal to finish top four

hansen6 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:29:38 PM »

We should put in a serious challenge this year.

wednesday25052005 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:29:39 PM »

I think this could be a big season for both the club individual players like Pennant I just think he'll have big season this time around.

I think the squad now is immense and if that doesn't fire up all who are in it nothing will, surely with belonging/being part of such a talented group of players they'll be working their socks off to be in the starting eleven week in week out.

If injuries are kind to us this season - kept to a minium - I think we can push on all fronts.

I think the pressure issue is something that Rafa will expect and deal with but most of it will, like on other posts posted, be no greater than what he expects of himself his staff and his team.

I'm not a big Pennant fan by the way just think he's really improved over the last few months and will be out to prove a point.

I think we'll be alright.

YNWA

Fat Scouser · « **Reply #29 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:40:39 PM »

Rafa once said he wanted to stay at Liverpool long enough to build a Shankly/Paisley type legacy. I believe him, and, even better, I believe the foundations of that legacy are already in place. Think about it... new owners, proving willing to invest major dosh, major players signing for us, new stadium, completely, new/revamped scouting and youth development programs, enough young talent signed and in the youth team to make 2 great sides if half of them come through.
I also believe Tom and George when they say they have complete faith in Rafa and want him to stay for many years. Why else would they put up with the public bollicking Rafa gave them.
So, yes there is pressure on Rafa to deliver, but not job threatening pressure. And I'd like to think the positive pressure on him, will deliver us the 19th sooner than later. When? Probably take us one more season of development, but I don't mind if Rafa rushes it along a bit..

cornelius · « **Reply #30 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:49:59 PM »

Quote from: Velky Al on July 16, 2007, 03:27:55 PM

I think this season is make or break. But not for Rafa but for several of the players, especially those just rewarded with big contracts. They need to up their game again and prove they are worth the investment.

I think you make a terrific point here. There is only so much Rafa can do. I'm sure plenty will be quick to highlight any errors he may make but there are a number of players on our books that simply can and must do better.

thredworm · « **Reply #31 on:** July 16, 2007, 05:04:39 PM »

Not for me.

You have to look at the bigger picture and ask 'Who else is there?' who could definitely win us the league. And it would have to be a definite. He's been here a few years and for my money not done an awful lot wrong. He realises his failings every year and tries to better our squad and the way we play.

As long as that continues then Rafa can also, silverware or not.

JoeH · « **Reply #32 on:** July 16, 2007, 05:40:34 PM »

We will do the double this year, League with either the FA Cup or CL.

fatlip13 · « **Reply #33 on:** July 16, 2007, 05:42:23 PM »

i personally think the target for the PLAYERS has to be WINNING the league. they must go out each matchday with the attitude we MUST play to our ability and work hard for a result.
rafa will want to win the league no doubt, wheather he believes the players are quite ready is another thing. the squad is bigger and with a new defender(HEINZE) then i think it is well balanced and gives him the options he needs for the season. 442,433,451,343,532, etc. the possibilities are there and you could easily name a very strong team for any of these formations. away form is the big improvement required which to me last year was let down by quality finishing and character. i remember BOLTON and BLACKBURN where we played the better football missed our chances and then meekly took our defeat. mancs v everton and chelsea v spurs(f.a. cup i know) never accepted defeat.
to sum up: RAFA will expect to improve
THE PLAYERS have to show ability and character away from home
LUCK with injuries and maybe other clubs imploding with internal fighting(chelsea)
with the above i think it will take a good team to beat us

Red-juvenated · « **Reply #34 on:** July 16, 2007, 05:43:15 PM »

I would think, after that 'outburst' (CL final) he's expected to do a lot better than last season, so if we are not in the mix right through the season, the media will crank up the pressure on him. He has a knack of shrugging off criticism though and I think he'll quietly keep the work rate up in all competitions.

A top 2 finish is EXPECTED at the least.

Rushian · « **Reply #35 on:** July 16, 2007, 05:48:56 PM »

If there's no serious challenge for the title this season Rafa will go.

the_red_pill · « **Reply #36 on:** July 16, 2007, 06:13:23 PM »

There's shitloads of pressure mate, but we need to at least improve on our position and points. I don't expect us to win it this year seeing as Rafa only managed to get his 1st choice targets this year and should be afforded a at least year's lee-way, to be fair.

That said, Chelsea appears the team to beat this season. United really have only improved by adding Hargreaves and until they add Tevez, they will have taken a small step. Hargreaves will not score really, since he's a defensive mid, F*ckerson's idea- I think- is to limit the amount of goals against them.

By now, Premiership outfits have Ronaldo's number and I doubt he'll score as many as last season- he'll still score, but not as much.
Let's face it- the odds that Giggsy, Ginger and the other old arses are going to shine are stacked against them and I'm still banking on injuries.
They appear to stick to their tactic- to outscore their way to the top and I can see that being rattled by Nani/Anderson having to settle, injuries(they have to have these sometime), a possible focus on Europe and the fact that the other top 3 are familiar with their tactics/squad.

Onto Chelsea- this is going to be Ballack and Sheva's 2nd season, so they might've started to settle and they also added Malouda to their ranks. They look more of a threat. Like us, they also boosted their frontline, so they look more of a threat.

I feel 4th is a tie between Blackburn/Spurs/Arsenal, although my money's on Arsenal.

I want us to win, but will settle for 2nd for now with an improved goal-scoring record and a vastly improved away-record.

kesey · « **Reply #37 on:** July 16, 2007, 06:16:41 PM »

The League would be boss. However, I reckon breaking up the top two is more realistic.

So yes, In a way!

rakey_lfc · « **Reply #38 on:** July 16, 2007, 06:24:11 PM »

Personally, with all the new signings, given their time to settle in and the whole team to gel, id be very happy to still be in the race come April, However I do believe we are capable of winning the league sometime soon.

maybe this year? maybe next?

Art Vandelay · « **Reply #39 on:** July 16, 2007, 06:36:06 PM »

Personally I would say the season after would be the 'make or break' year where if things weren't going right, serious questions would be asked.

But that's a mute point, we'll win some shiny things and all will be well.