Topic: 2013 Europa League Final: Benfica v Chelsea

[mercury]

Please do not bring Rodgers into this thread.  Nothing to do with him here and we have the whole main board to talk about him.

To everyone who wants to play down what Rafa has done in London, even a large section of the press and their support (I feel dirty saying this) acknowledged the difficulty he faced again:  an unbalanced squad, fixture congestion, a deflated team, the extreme enmity of their fanbase, as an interim, not to mention the prima donnas of some players and their boss there. 

Rafa has done really well on this poison chalice of a job.  Was worried when he took it on and now very chuffed for him.  Hope he gets on and land a fine job worthy of his quality.

[robgomm]

Actually Benitez has a much better rate than Di Matteo. Last 2 months made a big difference.

Figures I have from BBC say both have a 57% win rate with Benitez managing a handful of games more.

[FernandoSusoLFC]

The Europa League win with Chelsea means Rafael Benitez has won a total of 10 trophies as manager:

Valencia: La Liga (2001-02, 2003-04); Uefa Cup (2003-04)
Liverpool: FA Cup (2005-06); FA Community Shield (2006); Uefa Champions League (2004-05); Uefa Super Cup (2005)
Internazionale: Supercoppa Italiana (2010); Fifa Club World Cup (2010)
Chelsea: Uefa Europa League (2013)

[sushared]

Well done Rafa. But the love for him on this website is sometimes borderline embarrassing. Celebrate his achievements by all means, but recognise that he has gone and will not be back. I'd be bloody surprised if that ever transpired.

I don't know. Do other clubs supporters do this as much as we do? Deify their managers?

In my opinion it's actually detrimental to the running of the club as there is always a sleeping angel looking over the shoulder of every current manager.

I think it's become a trait of the Liverpool fan to constantly look back at the success of the past rather than embrace the future.

Don't get me wrong, I love Rafa (as a bloke), but I can't build him up to be the immortal that some supporters seem to have deigned him to be.

he is one of us, he cried when we cried he made us dream and he fought for the club and so we celebrate his victory as one of ours as friends celebrate or share the happiness of another friend when some thing good happens. let us not take this to a club level, i am enjoying his success as he is my friend, a person whom i know very close and someone who stood by me to fight for justice.

[theboyspen]

I love Rafa. But watching him manage Chelsea is like watching your ex shagging that flash bastard who treats her like shit and always looking for a bit on the side. All the time she secretly wants to get back with you but you've moved on and though part of you still wants her back you realise the one you're with now will stick by you and says all the right things and makes you feel wanted.

You just want Rafa to find somebody who treats them right...........

..........preferably in another country!!

[Buck Pete]

haha. Cheers for the replies to my Rafa's plastic flag comments question.

brilliant 

How the fuck have I missed this until now.

[Dr_Evil]

I am delighted for Rafa and for the decent Chelsea fans out there; last night was emotional as my father in law, a life long Chelsea supporter, was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer two weeks ago. He won't see his team win another trophy.

If only Terry could be removed from the pictures...what a huge, huge arse of a man.

[mercury]

he is one of us, he cried when we cried he made us dream and he fought for the club and so we celebrate his victory as one of ours as friends celebrate or share the happiness of another friend when some thing good happens. let us not take this to a club level, i am enjoying his success as he is my friend, a person whom i know very close and someone who stood by me to fight for justice.

Amen.  That bold bit says it all.

[Chris Vincent]

Glad for Rafa, but obviously I still wanted Benfica to win.

It was a dreadful game though. Benfica showed flashes of excellence in the first half but Chelsea managed to drag them down to their level in the second half. I don't think I've seen that many wellied long balls in a European final since Villa won the big one. Mata and Oscar just never got into the game. Ramirez, who's a fine central midfielder, was stuck out on the wing and didn't seem to know what to do. Torres had his usual five minutes of brilliance but then reverted to type and started to sulk again.

As for the Chelsea fans - Why so few? Why so silent? Why was their surfer upside down? Shameful performance.

I noticed some of the things that mentioned as well - Mata did not link up well with Torres and offensively, Ramires did not play well on the wing (he was caught offside too many times). I think that the disjointed Chelsea performance had to do with the players not adapting to Rafa's tactical versatility.

However, the way that the team was set up was brillant and the tactics as well. Reading Rafa's post-match interview and Analysing the performance:

• Benfica's right-back got forward a lot, so Ramires was played there to take advantage of the space left behind. That's why he played constantly on the shoulder of the last defender. Unfortunately, he did not time his runs well.
  
• Torres was set up to take advantage of the space behind the defenders as well. Mata, between the lines,  was supposed to play those through balls to both Torres and Ramires. However, Mata never got into the game.
  
• It was always Rafa's intention to try to score a goal from corners - since Benfica did not leave a man on the line. They practiced the corners and it paid off - Ivanovic scored.
  
• [From another interview] In first half, it was always the plan to sit back a bit (to conserve energy since Chelsea were more tired than Benfica) and play on the counter attack. They always intended to push a bit more in the 2nd half. Unfortunately, Chelsea did not defend well enough in the 1st half and their counter-attacks were not that good.
  

So it was a magnificent tactical performance from Rafa (he tried to take advantage of each of Benfica's weaknesses) but unfortunately the players could not execute the plan well.


Rafa's Post-Match Interview:

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3180398/title/final-whistle-verdict-we-did-well?

[Buck Pete]

Its the Mail but all his quotes are in there

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2236795/Rafa-Benitez-Chelsea-manager-Id-Stamford-Bridge-job.html

Great article that mate cheers.

Mail or not it's basically a feature on Rafa ripping the shite out of Chelsea.

I particularly like this comment in refernce to Maureen:

"‘We were good friends until Liverpool started winning, then he started changing his mind.’

[Dani LFC]

It would be hilarious if they don't win anything next season, with Mourinho in charge.

[please, I have my reasons for it but...]

Guillem Balague say that Rafa is strongly considered for the Real, Monaco & PSG jobs (think in the case of the former two he is second choice behind Ancelotti & Mancini, while he is PSG's choice to replace Ancelotti should the Italian depart Paris). He is also courted by Napoli should Mazzarri go to Roma.

Graham Hunter also say that Sorriano rates Rafa highly and he is his 2nd choice to replace Mancini should the negotiations with Pelligrini hits a rock, although that is unlikely.

[lobsterboy]

Horrible watching Terry and all those chelsea twats celebrating another trophy but made up for Rafa. He's a class act with the balls to match.
Sad as well as it reminds me of how much we have lost thanks to the mismanagement of the Tumours, Cock-Purslow and Ayre

[Walshy nMe®]

Made up for Rafa and a couple of decent old timer Chelsea fans I know.

But it's hard to show any joy for that club, with cuntstabs like Terry being part of it.

[TheTeflonJohn]

I can`t believe them selfish pricks. Rafa guides them to a European trophy and they still can`t give any respect. I really despise them Chelsea twats.

That stolen oil money taking, Oligarch sucking, plastic flag waving, John Terry loving, Rafa hating, Hillsborough abusing, Nazi loving blert of a club can fuck right off into depths of Homs for all I care.

[Roady]

id rather they had lost.Not bothered what Rafa was their manager, just dont want them to win anything,simple as that for me.Was a really shit game though

[surfer. Fuck you generator.]

Why does it always have to end in a ex-gf analogy? Fuck that shit 

[TheTeflonJohn]

id rather they had lost.Not bothered what Rafa was their manager, just dont want them to win anything,simple as that for me.Was a really shit game though

Thats exactly how I feel. Don`t care if Rafa is their manager. They don`t deserve Rafa or trophies

[KERRYKOP]

Chelsea fans are now saying the media is bias in favour of Rafa.

This is how far they will go.

[Chris Vincent]

Guillem Balague say that Rafa is strongly considered for the Real, Monaco & PSG jobs (think in the case of the former two he is second choice behind Ancelotti & Mancini, while he is PSG's choice to replace Ancelotti should the Italian depart Paris). He is also courted by Napoli should Mazzarri go to Roma.

Graham Hunter also say that Sorriano rates Rafa highly and he is his 2nd choice to replace Mancini should the negotiations with Pelligrini hits a rock, although that is unlikely.

Rafa did say, in one of his interviews, that one of his ambitions is to manage Real Madrid one day. Maybe this is his chance. He will probably be greeted well by the fans, particularly after the Mourinho episode. He will probably win Real some trophies but he will also probably be sacked in 2-3 years nonetheless. Look what happened with Pelligrini, Capello, Del Bosque - they were successful with Real but were dismissed. Real are not as bad as Chelsea but they are pretty bad nonetheless. Anyway, managing Real would be a goal accomplished for Rafa, then he can look for a club where he can leave a lasting legacy.

I actually would like to see Rafa at some top club in the Premiership. He is still underrated by too many people. Managing Man City for a few years would give him the chance to show his doubters how good he really is, once and for all. With the right support at City, he will probably win a few League titles and maybe 1-2 Champions league trophies as well (on a 5-6 years timeline).

Rafa successfully managing City for a few years could also have a additional benefit for Liverpool - preventing Man Utd from winning additional league titles. This will give time to Liverpool to develop a fully strong squad to challenge for the Premiership and reclaim the position as the most successful English club in terms of league titles. Maybe Man City can be very successful without Rafa, but with him, they are virtually guaranteed to win the title regularly.

[Senior Cutinhio]

I really don't understand this attitude. I understand that some people are still pissed off with Torres because he has left us, but we have also played a role in that departure. It is not exactly a secret that his injuries were terribly mishandled at LFC, and it is not like he has run down his contract, so he can leave on the cheap. Torres' departure at that particular moment was good for both sides, and it is not his fault that we have decided to spend 70% of the Torres money on Carroll, instead of triggering Falcao's release clause, at the same amount.

And sorry fact of all this is : He can end up playing for Monaco If only common sense had prevailed we could have had one hell of a player to play alongside Suarez, instead we got a lump of horse shit

People who have watched Torres play for us can never hate him, and yet you can see all this "I love Alonso's pubs" when he did the same shit as Torres

[KERRYKOP]

Rafa did say, in one of his interviews, that one of his ambitions is to manage Real Madrid one day. Maybe this is his chance. He will probably be greeted well by the fans, particularly after the Mourinho episode. He will probably win Real some trophies but he will also probably be sacked in 2-3 years nonetheless. Look what happened with Pelligrini, Capello, Del Bosque - they were successful with Real but were dismissed. Real are not as bad as Chelsea but they are pretty bad nonetheless. Anyway, managing Real would be a goal accomplished for Rafa, then he can look for a club where he can leave a lasting legacy.b in terms of league titles. Maybe Man City can be very successful without Rafa, but with him, they are virtually guaranteed to win the title regularly.

Not sure how well he would be excepted by the Los Blancos public they are pretty tired of the Mourinho brand of anti football. Rafa is also seen as a proponent of this style, he even has a nickname in Spain for the type of football he plays "The Italian" Real fans want a return to their swashbuckling ways, Capello & Mourinho in particular left and will leave on bad terms with the fans because they didnt give them that, despite landing them La Liga titles. What could work in Rafa's favour is his record in European competition, they badly want that tenth trophy.

[Earl of Dingleberry]

My God that is a beautiful trophy.

Looks like an urinal.

[redk84]

I love Rafa. But watching him manage Chelsea is like watching your ex shagging that flash bastard who treats her like shit and always looking for a bit on the side. All the time she secretly wants to get back with you but you've moved on and though part of you still wants her back you realise the one you're with now will stick by you and says all the right things and makes you feel wanted.

You just want Rafa to find somebody who treats them right...........

..........preferably in another country!!

Wow..thats deep.

[zero zero]

Looks like an urinal.

[koolkamal]

Have to say, Chelsea for a club and fan base that's extremely easy to dislike they have fair few players that are extremely likable. Cech, Luiz, Mata, Oscar, Ramirez, even Lampard to an extent.

[SamAteTheRedAcid]

Have to say, Chelsea for a club and fan base that's extremely easy to dislike they have fair few players that are extremely likable. Cech, Luiz, Mata, Oscar, Ramirez, even Lampard to an extent.

Yes.

Decent manager and players at the moment, shame the fans are such utter utter fucktrons.

[CHOPPER]

Looks like an urinal.

Best looking European trophy about that mate. The only trophy I've had the pleasure of holding that is better than that, is the old League Champions trophy, which now resides in our museum. That my friend is a thing of beauty.


There should be, or we should have, a 'Great Sporting Trophies From Around the World' thread, in this forum.

Make it happen Mr Earl of Dingleberry.

[Sir Afghan]

Have to say, Chelsea for a club and fan base that's extremely easy to dislike they have fair few players that are extremely likable. Cech, Luiz, Mata, Oscar, Ramirez, even Lampard to an extent.

I'd agree with this. Since Benitez has gone there i've watched much more of Chelsea (previously i'd get the odd snippet on MOTD or when they played us) and they've got some players i like, Luiz is terrific and should never be played at centre half again. Cech is quality, Ivanovic is a machine and you can't help but admire the talent of Hazard, Mata and Oscar.

Just a shame Maureen is going back there next season and i'll probably go back to never watching them and writing all their players off as c*nts.

[Finn Solomon]

He is stamped into their club's history forever - no chance of airbrushing his work out now.

Yup exactly. Don't know why so many on here were worrying about the Chelsea fans earlier, they won't be able to properly enjoy this success because Rafa won it for them. It'll be hilarious in the years to come.

[CHOPPER]

He is stamped into their club's history forever - no chance of airbrushing his work out now.

You'd be surprised what Abramovich will do. He's airbrushed or has done in parts to there history to give a more?....rosier outlook shall we say.


Ask Ken Bates about it, saved Chelsea and now not allowed to be mentioned within chelsea.

[themightybeard]

Tell you what, the insistence that Benitez failed because he started 4 pts off Man United and is now 16 pts behind is driving me crazy. Okay, at face value it does look pretty bad, but giving it some sort of context whatsoever would also be a good idea!

1) Di Matteo's games included the 3 relegated clubs (they drew with QPR, which isn't exactly amazing), Newcastle and Stoke. Granted, they beat Arsenal and Tottenham, which were good results, but they also lost against West Brom and drew against Swansea, which doesn't really suggest that the team were infallible.

2) When Rafa took over, they were on a run of 2 pts from a possible 12 from the league. Again, not really indicating that the team were flying and Rafa brought them crashing down like some would have you believe.

3) Rafa had 4 competitions to juggle as well as the league after he took over. Di Matteo had the League Cup, which did go well in the early stages to be fair, and the Champions League, which he failed miserably at despite the group stage being introduced to prevent the best teams from going out too early. And yet, Di Matteo would've done better than Rafa according to some Chelsea fans despite evidence to the contrary.

4) After 12 games, the points difference is bound to be smaller than the 38 at end of the season. Besides, why not mention that Di Matteo started October 4 points ahead of Man United (after 6 games played) and ended his reign 4 pts behind? That's a swing of 8 pts over 6 games which is a bit more extreme than 12 pts over 26 games as it is currently under Rafa.

5) And let's not forget the 4-1 thrashing by Atletico Madrid! Di Matteo had 1 game to win a trophy too and failed pretty badly, which the fans don't seem to care about, but when Rafa does it (World Club Championship or whatever it's called) it's a laughable case of incompetence.

I know that most on here love him so I'm not really sure why I felt the need to rant, but some of the shite that's being peddled by those who dislike him is absolutely ridiculous. You don't have to like him, but to make out that he deserves no credit and achieved the bare minimum with a Chelsea squad that was already in rapid decline when he took over is just moronic.

Anyway, pleased for Rafa on a personal level and it seems he's finally getting some recognition at last. Just a shame that the club he won it with is one of the mos disgraceful in living memory. Please move somewhere more likeable next time!

[Yorkykopite]

You'd be surprised what Abramovich will do. He's airbrushed or has done in parts to there history to give a more?....rosier outlook shall we say.

It's an old Russian tradition of course. If you don't like what happened in the past then alter it.

Was the tart there last night by the way? I didn't see him.

[Chris Vincent]

It's an old Russian tradition of course. If you don't like what happened in the past then alter it.

Was the tart there last night by the way? I didn't see him.

Abramovich was not there. Ron Gourlay, Bruce Buck & Emenalo were there. They gave Rafa an embrace when he went to collect his winner's medal. However, Abramovich was nowhere to be seen.

[Phil M]

Looks like an urinal.

 

[Old No7]

Pleased for Rafa, great that he's getting some credit in the wider media. Deserves the recognition he's getting

[Phil M]

Lampard gets his well deserved one year extension.

[Phil M]

[arnaldo]

Was listening to talk sport a bit in the car earlier. That Andy Gray cock was on saying that it was nothing to do with Rafa, said he didnt see anything in his subs or set up that changed the game. When someone suggested the Real job for Rafa he actually laughed. c*nt of a man. Couldnt bare to give him any credit

[Dirk18Kuyt]

Fu**ing love Rafa. Don't think I realised it when he was at Liverpool because I wasn't as passionate as I am now, he didn't seem to be winning a large amount of trophies etc but looking back he was great. And he's done it again. Trophies at every club he's managed is that?? Awesome.