Author Topic: Rafa Benitez - It's a Gran O Tea (Read 16390 times)

B0151? · « **Reply #40 on:** October 23, 2020, 12:21:19 am »

Quote from: surfer. Fuck you generator. on October 22, 2020, 02:34:57 pm

His Dalian side have guaranteed top division status with a second leg playoff win. Saw the match earlier and Rafa's side is unsurprisingly well coached. It's pleasant to see the methodology transfer so well, the shape, the cohesive movements of the players...whether it's Liverpool, Napoli or Dalian.

Where next Rafa.

Do you know what happened this season that had them fighting relegation?

surfer. Fuck you generator. · « **Reply #41 on:** October 23, 2020, 01:27:22 pm »

Quote from: Bakez0151 on October 23, 2020, 12:21:19 am

Do you know what happened this season that had them fighting relegation?

They lost / drew lots of games on fine margins. The goal difference bears that out. By a goal in the final minutes, set pieces. I watched around 4 - 5 full games, saw most of the highlights... The impression I have is that of a cohesive side, a clear identity but let down by moments of poor quality. Their goalie was fun and competent though, he had a Reina like assist to Rondon one game, they can play fast one touch football at times.

Also the foreign centre back signing didn't work out. Rondon and Larsson ( the new winger / 10.) were excellent.

If Rafa / the club agree on a way forward, he could build on this, but the league isn't stable enough in terms of its shape and organisation due to longstanding issues and now Covid. He probably has his eye on a return to Europe.

From the coaching angle I found it very interesting, the Chinese players have been drilled so well (and they have showed the necessary capacity to learn) they exhibit the same movements we saw when winning the 2nd ball at Liverpool, how the team moves as one unit behind the ball, their attacks were organised compared to the first season, very little hesitancy, delay in any movements.
It's a well coached side, Rafa hasn't lost anything as a coach but obviously the end result isn't good enough.

zabadoh · « **Reply #42 on:** November 24, 2020, 11:30:57 pm »

In the last game of their 2020 season, Rafa's Dalian Pro side found themselves in the 11th-12th place playoff against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Guangzhou R&F

Dalian Pro were up 3-0 in a massive home win in the first leg, but lost the second leg 0-4 in the 93rd minute to finish 12th.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/U_EVFaXOwCU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/U_EVFaXOwCU</a>

This was far away from the relegation places of 15th and 16th, so they were safe

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Chinese_Super_League#Relegation_stage

I found the whole playoff setup confusing, so I've written a summary of how the competition worked:

Usually, the Chinese Super League (CSL) is in a single traditional league table, and the bottom two teams are automatically relegated to Chinese League One (CL1)

This season, the CSL's 16 teams was divided into two groups of 8 teams, A and B.

A relegation playoff among the bottom 8 teams was played. The last place team in the playoffs was automatically relegated. The 1st place team from CL1 was automatically promoted.

The 15th, i.e. second to last team went into a sudden death single match playoff against the 2nd place team from CL1.

So the two groups of 8 in CSL played within each other for 14 games.

The top 4 in both groups, a total of 8 teams went to a championship playoff.

The bottom 4 in both groups, again a total of 8 teams, went to a relegation playoff.

Essentially, all a team that found itself in the relegation playoff had to do to stay out of relegation trouble was win one home and away round in the first 2 rounds.

Rafa's team won their 1st round, so everything else was pretty much for fun.

oojason · « **Reply #43 on:** January 23, 2021, 01:40:31 pm »

.
'Rafa Benitez has ended his contract at Dalian Professional. He is looking to return to management.'

^ https://twitter.com/_pauljoyce/status/1352949292386955269

'Rafael Benitez leaves Chinese side Dalian Professional by mutual consent':-

https://theathletic.com/news/rafa-benitez-china-liverpool-latest/uioJjC0cM0CJ - or in full, here - https://archive.li/1n7yA

'Rafael Benítez puts clubs on alert after leaving job in China':-

www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/23/rafa-benitez-china-dalian-pro

'Thank you, Dalian' - Benitez goodbye message (23rd January, 2021): www.rafabenitez.com/web/in/whats-on/thank-you-dalian/265 ...

'Unfortunately, like so many things in the last year, Covid-19 has changed our lives and our projects. From today, both my coaching staff and I will sadly no longer be coaching the Dalian Professional F. C. It has been an incredible experience and for this I would like to thank all my staff, coaches, medical and club staff as well as our players; their commitment to us in the first place, their support during the time we were there, and their effort has been magnificent.

The pandemic is still here, for all of us, and supporting our families has been a priority when making this decision.

Behind us, in China, and especially in Dalian, we are leaving many friends and good memories in a great city with very knowledgeable fans. We have tried to learn and understand a new culture and also to transmit a more professional, more European vision of football with a new methodology.

I’m convinced we have left a structure and a methodology that will allow the project to go ahead successfully. Since we arrived, the First Team has been rejuvenated and the foundations have been laid for the future, from the grassroots schools to the top. In addition, it has been done taking into account the training of players in China under a unique project, that combines football and training at school level up until the doors of the professional teams.

I say goodbye sadly under these circumstances, but at the same time I am convinced that the future will be bright for Dalian Pro FC.

Good luck and best wishes.

Rafa Benítez'

Some articles from on Rafa's time out in China...

'Rafa's Chinese adventure is not about the money but everything to do with his love for the game': www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3017385/rafa-benitezs-chinese-adventure-not-about-money-everything-do-his

'Benitez ready to create ‘something great’ in China': www.globaltimes.cn/page/201907/1156630.shtml

'Rafa is Taking Chinese Football To Another Level by Joining Dalian Yifang': https://pandaily.com/rafa-benitez-is-taking-chinese-football-to-another-level-by-joining-dalian-yifang

'Benitez not about to desert Dalian': www.chinadailyasia.com/article/123264 (training and development of kids, getting more kids into footy, long term planning etc)

'The challenges facing Rafa Benitez in China - and why he should thrive': www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/challenges-facing-rafa-benitez-china-16585104

'Rafa discusses challenges in China': www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/rafa-benitez-discusses-the-challenges-of-working-in-china-six-weeks-after-leaving-newcastle-united-489908

'Differences and Similarities': www.rafabenitez.com/web/in/blog/there-are-still-difficult-times-ahead/132 (early days in China; kindness and positivity from the fans)

'Great EPL day and work in progress in Dalian': www.rafabenitez.com/web/in/blog/great-epl-day-and-work-progress/133 (work on the training ground / complex)

'Christmas and FIFA Club World Cup Experience': www.rafabenitez.com/web/in/blog/christmas-and-fifa-club-world-cup/134 (new season preparations and CWC)

'Difficult times': www.rafabenitez.com/web/in/blog/there-are-still-difficult-times-ahead/135 (COVID and peronsal stories; seeing family, NZ COVID successes etc)

'The relativity of all things': www.rafabenitez.com/web/in/blog/the-relativity-of-all-things/136 (life during COVID, and restrictions in the CSL)

'There re still difficult times ahead': www.rafabenitez.com/web/in/blog/there-are-still-difficult-times-ahead/137 (new CSL format and preparations, COVID)

'5 subs?; no thanks!': www.rafabenitez.com/web/in/blog/5-subs-no-thanks/138 (new training complex, youth coaching & development, long-term planning, training regimes etc)

‘I’ve never known anything like this in my career,’: https://theathletic.com/1605441/2020/02/14/rafa-benitez-coronavirus - or in full, here: https://archive.li/91NaD

'Lack of understanding a frustration for Benitez in CSL: www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-china-idUKKBN27C1QV

'Frustration builds as Rafa eyes return from China': www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world/rafael-benitez-china-chinese-super-league-dalian-pro-newcastle-united-b857506.html

'The inside story behind Rafa Benitez's struggles in China': www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/inside-story-behind-rafa-benitezs-19102891

'Rafa speaks about working in China': www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9384073/Rafa-Benitez-tough-love-spell-China-desire-return-Premier-League.html

MBL? · « **Reply #44 on:** January 23, 2021, 04:31:57 pm »

Off to Celtic?

Clayton Bigsby · « **Reply #45 on:** January 23, 2021, 04:40:09 pm »

Quote from: MBL? on January 23, 2021, 04:31:57 pm

Off to Celtic?

With the lack of money he would have I cant see it personally

zabadoh · « **Reply #46 on:** January 23, 2021, 06:00:21 pm »

Quote from: Clayton Bigsby on January 23, 2021, 04:40:09 pm

With the lack of money he would have I cant see it personally

There isn't much difference between what Rangers and Celtic spend.

In fact Celtic spent slightly more this season, $-12.32m vs $-11.80m by Rangers (source transfermarkt)

It would set up a stupid "Master vs Apprentice" managers storyline between Rafa and Stevie though.

I can see it now: "You've mastered nothing but Rangers, Stevie"

Clint Eastwood · « **Reply #47 on:** January 24, 2021, 11:45:39 am »

Think the Celtic rumours are based off a fake letter doing the rounds, but he can do better than that.

After leaving us, he really made some poor career choices didn’t he. I’d like to see him have a successful stint at a decent club.

I've been a good boy · « **Reply #48 on:** January 24, 2021, 12:11:29 pm »

Quote from: Clint Eastwood on January 24, 2021, 11:45:39 am

Think the Celtic rumours are based off a fake letter doing the rounds, but he can do better than that.

After leaving us, he really made some poor career choices didn’t he. I’d like to see him have a successful stint at a decent club.

He did, and Celtic will be a terrible move for him. If Rodgers goes to Chelsea, he'd be perfect for the Leicester job.

Elliemental · « **Reply #49 on:** January 24, 2021, 05:47:09 pm »

Quote from: King.Keita on January 24, 2021, 12:11:29 pm

He did, and Celtic will be a terrible move for him. If Rodgers goes to Chelsea, he'd be perfect for the Leicester job.

Leicester would be ideal for Rafa, IMO.

But according to The Mirror Rafa is indeed off to Celtic.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/breaking-rafa-benitez-appointed-celtic-23374588?fbclid=IwAR1_oweU-ViPs8dy9XJGrbcz2VK538kY3dhU3iXMrhXurGQj0mcVj5_8-ME

No666 · « **Reply #50 on:** January 24, 2021, 08:55:14 pm »

BBC says he's having a break and is going neither to Celtic nor Newcastle.

surfer. Fuck you generator. · « **Reply #51 on:** March 21, 2021, 02:13:50 am »

It's the mail but that's where the interview is, so:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9384073/Rafa-Benitez-tough-love-spell-China-desire-return-Premier-League.html?__twitter_impression=true

surfer. Fuck you generator. · « **Reply #52 on:** March 21, 2021, 03:22:07 am »

Counting the steps in the room man, if he weren't a football coach he would make one hell of a serial killer.

The commitment to precision is lovely. Though getting lazy these days Rafa, I thought at 6 months he would've become passable in Mandarin. Took me less than that, (basics mind, not reading literature level) he had a second year with lockdown too.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #53 on:** March 21, 2021, 03:43:02 pm »

Rafa has gone from using salt and pepper pots to show team line up formations to Montse at the dinner table, to stopping and starting taped games to show his daughter Agata patterns of play

rob1966 · « **Reply #54 on:** March 21, 2021, 04:11:48 pm »

Quote from: Dim Glas on March 21, 2021, 03:43:02 pm

Rafa has gone from using salt and pepper pots to show team line up formations to Montse at the dinner table, to stopping and starting taped games to show his daughter Agata patterns of play

LFC's first female manager?

Red Beret · « **Reply #55 on:** March 21, 2021, 06:48:15 pm »

Quote from: rob1966 on March 21, 2021, 04:11:48 pm

LFC's first female manager?

Would be a better choice than Carra.

Elzar · « **Reply #56 on:** April 14, 2021, 08:05:33 am »

Peter Crouch on his podcast was talking a little bit about how Pako Ayestarán leaving affected the club. I've seen it discussed a bit between fans, but interesting to hear a player say how he felt Pako was so involved in everything that it clearly altered the clubs running when he left.

Obviously Rafa turned it around and put that amazing title challenge together soon after though, so not as important as some might think!

jackh · « **Reply #57 on:** April 14, 2021, 12:59:57 pm »

Quote from: Elzar on April 14, 2021, 08:05:33 am

Peter Crouch on his podcast was talking a little bit about how Pako Ayestarán leaving affected the club. I've seen it discussed a bit between fans, but interesting to hear a player say how he felt Pako was so involved in everything that it clearly altered the clubs running when he left.

Obviously Rafa turned it around and put that amazing title challenge together soon after though, so not as important as some might think!

Becoming a bit of a theme at modern-day LFC isn't it... Pako and Željko both splitting with long-term partners in disappointing circumstances. Thinking about it, didn't Brendan Rodgers rather throw Colin Pascoe under the bus?

afc tukrish · « **Reply #58 on:** April 14, 2021, 02:23:01 pm »

Quote from: jackh on April 14, 2021, 12:59:57 pm

Becoming a bit of a theme at modern-day LFC isn't it... Pako and Željko both splitting with long-term partners in disappointing circumstances. Thinking about it, didn't Brendan Rodgers rather throw Colin Pascoe under the bus?

Just the shorts, not the whole Pascoe...

disgraced cake · « **Reply #59 on:** April 16, 2021, 01:24:46 pm »

Many happy returns big fella

zabadoh · « **Reply #60 on:** April 16, 2021, 08:55:07 pm »

Happy Birthday indeed Rafa!

Spanish Al · « **Reply #61 on:** April 17, 2021, 01:04:33 pm »

Many Happy returns Rafa, you absolute hero.

LiamG · « **Reply #62 on:** April 18, 2021, 11:10:51 am »

Great write up on Rafa & his tactics when he was our boss
https://www.holdingmidfield.com/rafa-benitezs-liverpool/

DangerScouse · « **Reply #63 on:** April 20, 2021, 10:32:08 am »

Belated happy birthday boss. I revere him as much as i do Klopp. Legend.

oojason · « **Reply #64 on:** June 26, 2021, 02:47:06 pm »

.
Came across this old 'tribute style' Rafa Benitez video earlier today - I think it has been taken down for copyright a few times over the years - so some may not have seen it...

'Thank You Rafa Benitez by ElAlonso [TTMCC - June Winner]':-

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/9OHC7lIfvk4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/9OHC7lIfvk4</a>

The link to a page of Rafa content - videos, threads, information and more... can now be found here (in the 'Rafa Benitez - A Picture Tribute' thread):-

www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=258907.msg18194356#msg18194356

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• A mini-index of RAWK's 'Liverpool Audio / Video thread' content info for years gone by, recent times, Season Reviews, Cup Final victories - Domestic, European, and World, etc:-

www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=345769.msg17787576#msg17787576 & www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=112969.0

stoa · « **Reply #65 on:** June 26, 2021, 10:50:30 pm »

Quote from: oojason on June 26, 2021, 02:47:06 pm

Came across this old 'tribute style' Rafa video earlier today- I think it has been taken down for copyright a few times over the years - so some may not have seen it...

'Thank You Rafa Benitez by ElAlonso [TTMCC - June Winner]':-

I'm usually not a fan of those compilation videos, but I could watch this all day. It's just perfect. I still love the "Rafa, don't walk through the storm we'll carry you". Rafa is a completely different type of manager compared to Klopp, but just like Klopp he managed to make the supporters believe (especially in European matches).

Jon2lfc · « **Reply #66 on:** June 27, 2021, 07:36:31 pm »

Quote from: oojason on June 26, 2021, 02:47:06 pm

Came across this old 'tribute style' Rafa video earlier today- I think it has been taken down for copyright a few times over the years - so some may not have seen it...

'Thank You Rafa Benitez by ElAlonso [TTMCC - June Winner]':-

Couldn't help listening to that and remembering Button Moon and Rent-a-ghost..

Oh yeah, and Rafa is a Legend.

abs-ibs · « **Reply #67 on:** June 30, 2021, 07:16:06 pm »

I hope Rafa knows what he is getting himself into, going to the bluenoses. Will he get the respect from their fans considering his past affiliations with us?

But one thing has got me during the build up to his appointment.

The incident where some idiot sent a message on the bedsheet saying,

'We know where you live!'

Well, obviously they don't, coz they left it outside the wrong house 😂😂😂😂😂

What a frickin eejit on so many different levels

Elliemental · « **Reply #68 on:** July 1, 2021, 07:11:04 pm »

Quote from: abs-ibs on June 30, 2021, 07:16:06 pm

I hope Rafa knows what he is getting himself into, going to the bluenoses. Will he get the respect from their fans considering his past affiliations with us?

But one thing has got me during the build up to his appointment.

The incident where some idiot sent a message on the bedsheet saying,

'We know where you live!'

Well, obviously they don't, coz they left it outside the wrong house 😂😂😂😂😂

What a frickin eejit on so many different levels

That was absolutely priceless, in all fairness. Pure Blueshite gold.

Robotforaday · « **Reply #69 on:** July 2, 2021, 12:17:01 am »

I love Rafa and always will, though I will probably change my avatar for a while if he's doing a stint as a Bluenose

The main thing though is that he clearly loves the city, wants to live in Liverpool, has always wanted his family to be in Liverpool. In fact, it makes me deeply proud that he's so keen to return to the city of Liverpool that he'd even take such an utterly shite job. Shows how much he loves the place!

WhereAngelsPlay · « **Reply #70 on:** July 2, 2021, 01:00:56 am »

Quote from: Robotforaday on July 2, 2021, 12:17:01 am

I love Rafa and always will, though I will probably change my avatar for a while if he's doing a stint as a Bluenose

The main thing though is that he clearly loves the city, wants to live in Liverpool, has always wanted his family to be in Liverpool. In fact, it makes me deeply proud that he's so keen to return to the city of Liverpool that he'd even take such an utterly shite job. Shows how much he loves the place!

His Mrs is the one who said that they were never moving.

Robotforaday · « **Reply #71 on:** July 2, 2021, 11:29:53 am »

Quote from: WhereAngelsPlay on July 2, 2021, 01:00:56 am

His Mrs is the one who said that they were never moving.

Sensible woman. And sensible man for not trying to argue with her!