Topic: Newcastle - RIP Jamal Khashoggi; Free Salma al-Shehab

[Lastrador]

It's too early to say, at the minute I'd say he can defend but offers little going forward.  He's better than expected but seems to be one paced.

Yep, that’s Manquillo alright.

[Brian Blessed]

Hodgson lost.

We have our chance tomorrow.

That is the silver lining.

[Toon-Mick]

Moved above us, so can't be at all happy with the result, even if it is Rafa.

We'll not be up there for too long, 40 points and I'll be able to relax and say job done.

[BlackandWhitePaul]

We'll not be up there for too long, 40 points and I'll be able to relax and say job done.

Don't be saying that, I put a little bet on, for fun, before the season kicked off.

Newcastle to win the League, £5 E.W. at odds of 750-1

E.W. pays out 1st, 2nd or 3rd.   

[Lush is the best medicine...]

Don't be saying that, I put a little bet on, for fun, before the season kicked off.

Newcastle to win the League, £5 E.W. at odds of 750-1

E.W. pays out 1st, 2nd or 3rd.   

cash out now mate

[bird_lfc]

Don't be saying that, I put a little bet on, for fun, before the season kicked off.

Newcastle to win the League, £5 E.W. at odds of 750-1

E.W. pays out 1st, 2nd or 3rd.   

well garth crooks agrees with you at least - he says rafa can with the premier league with your lot with the ‘right resources’

new owner - bucket of cash to spend - who knows eh?

[Toon-Mick]

well garth crooks agrees with you at least - he says rafa can with the premier league with your lot with the ‘right resources’

new owner - bucket of cash to spend - who knows eh?

Garth Crooks is a bloody idiot so that's us doomed.

[thejbs]

Unlikely unless the club is sold and we bring 3 quality players in.

7th can get you a Europa place.  They're well in with a shout.

[surfer. Fuck you generator.]

Could be a few points better off even, tight losses vs the two sides supposed to be weaker in Brighton and Huddersfield, win thrown away v Soton with rash pen iirc.

The kind of margins a good striker and more importantly no 10 (in this setup) turn in your favour early and change the game's complexion. Joselu and Perez currently provide a platform for the points but Perez especially seems to ill suit the position. He's been given a good run of games, think somebody else is due a fair shot?

Wasn't Aarons highly rated....could move Ritchie central, or give Aarons a go in there.

Edit: Just seen Jacob Murphy on their list as well, the no 10 is the role most suited to your best technical player and thinker in Benitez's setup,  you could try any from Ritchie, Aarons, Murphy really as long as Joselu is up top for the hold-up. All of them are going to work hard anyway, that's just part of the modern pressing game these days. The number 10 has least defensive responsibility, it's tailor made for a player who thrives in tight spaces, makes through passes, dribbles.

They've got to find a solution soon you would think, the combined first choice central attack's output is something like 4 goal contributions ( goals or assists) in 9 games. Joselu plays a bigger role tactically but the number 10 has got no excuses really. You can't go a season like that, they paid good money for Murphy etc.

[Walk on, walk on]

My most favorite manager beats my least favorite manager. Good times.

[Toon-Mick]

Could be a few points better off even, tight losses vs the two sides supposed to be weaker in Brighton and Huddersfield, win thrown away v Soton with rash pen iirc.

The kind of margins a good striker and more importantly no 10 (in this setup) turn in your favour early and change the game's complexion. Joselu and Perez currently provide a platform for the points but Perez especially seems to ill suit the position. He's been given a good run of games, think somebody else is due a fair shot?

Wasn't Aarons highly rated....could move Ritchie central, or give Aarons a go in there.

Edit: Just seen Jacob Murphy on their list as well, the no 10 is the role most suited to your best technical player and thinker in Benitez's setup,  you could try any from Ritchie, Aarons, Murphy really as long as Joselu is up top for the hold-up. All of them are going to work hard anyway, that's just part of the modern pressing game these days. The number 10 has least defensive responsibility, it's tailor made for a player who thrives in tight spaces, makes through passes, dribbles.

They've got to find a solution soon you would think, the combined first choice central attack's output is something like 4 goal contributions ( goals or assists) in 9 games. Joselu plays a bigger role tactically but the number 10 has got no excuses really. You can't go a season like that, they paid good money for Murphy etc.

I would definitely look to put Ritchie central if we can replace him out wide and you've mentioned the two obvious choices to replace him.  Perez is quite good when he's on his game but that's not often enough.  Some games completely pass him by and nothing works for him and yesterday was as bad as I've seen from him.  Nothing worked and he couldn't stay on his feet for longer than a couple of minutes at a time, he falls over as if he's been shot far too often and it seems to be psychological as he can play the number 10 role well at times.

[Klippity Klopp]

Been very impressed with Shelvey recently, his use of the ball and passing range is very good.  I was convinced when Benitez arrived at Newcastle he'd play him in the Gerrard type role which he played behind Torres.  As he can have the freedom to roam, can win games with his shooting and passing ability - but it would allow the team to still be solid behind, as Shelvey's weakness has been defensively, switching off.  But he looks to be improving in that regards as well.  I'll always have a soft spot for Shelvey, after him telling Ferguson to fuck off one time at Anfield when he got sent off.

I'm happy for Benitez.  He can certainly set a team up to defend.  If you can defend well and get clean sheets then it goes a long way to getting the points and he is showing that.  As I don't think Newcastle do have too much quality going forward.  If he could get some money to buy some better attacking players then they'll be an even bigger threat.

I think Newcastle are a bargain at £250m.  They've got the fanbase, they've got the manager, the income you raise in the Premier League, I'd have thought they'd be a really attractive proposition for an investor.

[SamAteTheRedAcid]

I'll always have a soft spot for Shelvey, after him telling Ferguson to fuck off one time at Anfield when he got sent off.

Same here. More people should have had the balls to do that. Although he does lose points for apologising afterwards

Also that mad game he had against us for Swansea, didn't he score at both ends or something like that?

[Clayton Bigsby]

Newcastle won't go for £250m will they? How much has Ashley put in in total?

[Toon-Mick]

Newcastle won't go for £250m will they? How much has Ashley put in in total?

Ashley paid £134 million for the club and I think he's put in another £110 million at least, we don't know the total amount of his loans because the accounts haven't come out yet which covers the season in the Championship.  We pay fees up front when we buy players and then sell in instalments so we'll owe nothing for players unless they have clauses which pay out after reaching certain milestones which may be after so many games or after being capped or something. 

For the sake of producing figures, say he's paid in £280 million in total, we'll have sold players and will still have to receive money for them and we have a squad that is worth?

I think Ashley will make a profit if he receives the £300 million that Staveley is reported to be looking to pay.  If the players are worth £100 million she'll be effectively be paying £200 million for everything else, in simple terms.

[surfer. Fuck you generator.]

He said: “I have been very lucky in all the places I’ve gone.

“In Extremadura, Tenerife, Valencia, Naples… I have enjoyed good relations with the environment: fans and city.

“In some places more than others, but in England, in Liverpool and Newcastle, is where I most value.

“In the first club there was six years and many titles and my house is still there.

“Here they appreciate that I have stayed despite being in the second division.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Recent quotes from Marca.

And we know, Rafa.                         

I think a lot of Liverpool fans would like him to have another shot here before he retires in 15 years or so but personally, if he can continue having the complete control on football matters as he does at Newcastle (unlike Edwards DoF here), I hope he stays where he can express himself the best. Deserves to be at his best.


Edit: http://www.marca.com/futbol/premier-league/2017/10/24/59eefe04ca4741611b8b4676.html

[paulrazor]

i like how he left real madrid and chelsea out. proper order given the disgraceful treatment he had there.

[Paully]

He said: “I have been very lucky in all the places I’ve gone.

“In Extremadura, Tenerife, Valencia, Naples… I have enjoyed good relations with the environment: fans and city.

“In some places more than others, but in England, in Liverpool and Newcastle, is where I most value.

“In the first club there was six years and many titles and my house is still there.

“Here they appreciate that I have stayed despite being in the second division.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Recent quotes from Marca.

And we know, Rafa.                         

I think a lot of Liverpool fans would like him to have another shot here before he retires in 15 years or so but personally, if he can continue having the complete control on football matters as he does at Newcastle (unlike Edwards DoF here), I hope he stays where he can express himself the best. Deserves to be at his best.

 

[Paully]

I’ve had some interesting messages from a very good source.........I cannot wait for the January transfer window!

[thekitkatshuffler]

I’ve had some interesting messages from a very good source.........I cannot wait for the January transfer window!

If you're after a goalkeeper and a centre back, I reckon we can help you out.  Least we can do for Rafa. 

[losCHUNK]

He said: “I have been very lucky in all the places I’ve gone.

“In Extremadura, Tenerife, Valencia, Naples… I have enjoyed good relations with the environment: fans and city.

“In some places more than others, but in England, in Liverpool and Newcastle, is where I most value.

“In the first club there was six years and many titles and my house is still there.

“Here they appreciate that I have stayed despite being in the second division.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Recent quotes from Marca.

And we know, Rafa.                         

I think a lot of Liverpool fans would like him to have another shot here before he retires in 15 years or so but personally, if he can continue having the complete control on football matters as he does at Newcastle (unlike Edwards DoF here), I hope he stays where he can express himself the best. Deserves to be at his best.


Edit: http://www.marca.com/futbol/premier-league/2017/10/24/59eefe04ca4741611b8b4676.html

Honestly If Rafa and our paths cross again in the future I'd prolly be just as giddy as when Kenny took over.

Kenny was before my time, but Rafa I remember as the 1st manager I defended like a religion, think I lost a bit of love for the sport when he was forced out.  That's not to say we should get him back, I'm happy with Klopp and there are other managers that are perhaps better than him that should be picked over him if I was listening to my head, but, if I listened to my heart...

I'm glad he has found somewhere that's appreciating him though and hope he has the success he deserves.

[God's Left Peg]

Honestly If Rafa and our paths cross again in the future I'd prolly be just as giddy as when Kenny took over.

Kenny was before my time, but Rafa I remember as the 1st manager I defended like a religion, think I lost a bit of love for the sport when he was forced out.  That's not to say we should get him back, I'm happy with Klopp and there are other managers that are perhaps better than him that should be picked over him if I was listening to my head, but, if I listened to my heart...

I'm glad he has found somewhere that's appreciating him though and hope he has the success he deserves.

I’m 38. Lucky enough to remember some quality, successful and attractive Liverpool sides.

Rafa is class. Top class. Love him.

[ohweloveyerbaldyhead]

Honestly If Rafa and our paths cross again in the future I'd prolly be just as giddy as when Kenny took over.

Kenny was before my time, but Rafa I remember as the 1st manager I defended like a religion, think I lost a bit of love for the sport when he was forced out.  That's not to say we should get him back, I'm happy with Klopp and there are other managers that are perhaps better than him that should be picked over him if I was listening to my head, but, if I listened to my heart...

I'm glad he has found somewhere that's appreciating him though and hope he has the success he deserves.

This is exactly the way I feel. Although I still really rate Rafa as a manager, his biggest fault is his control issues and his lack of political intelligence. I still think purely as a manager only Mourinho and Pep hold a candle to him in the prem. Klopp not at his level in my opinion as much as I like him.

[Toon-Mick]

I’ve had some interesting messages from a very good source.........I cannot wait for the January transfer window!

You can't leave it at that, what have you heard?  Telling people on here will not change whatever it is you've heard.

[vinothmct]

Honestly If Rafa and our paths cross again in the future I'd prolly be just as giddy as when Kenny took over.

Kenny was before my time, but Rafa I remember as the 1st manager I defended like a religion, think I lost a bit of love for the sport when he was forced out.  That's not to say we should get him back, I'm happy with Klopp and there are other managers that are perhaps better than him that should be picked over him if I was listening to my head, but, if I listened to my heart...

I'm glad he has found somewhere that's appreciating him though and hope he has the success he deserves.

Rafa is a good manager but he won't help us to achieve what we want to.

Managers like Wagner are far better and younger than Rafa. Not a dig at rafa just a FACT

[Redcap]

This is exactly the way I feel. Although I still really rate Rafa as a manager, his biggest fault is his control issues and his lack of political intelligence. I still think purely as a manager only Mourinho and Pep hold a candle to him in the prem. Klopp not at his level in my opinion as much as I like him.

Yup. Run of bad results and suddenly Klopp's a nice fellow who isn't good enough. Well in.

[Lycan]

Rafa is a good manager but he won't help us to achieve what we want to.

Managers like Wagner are far better and younger than Rafa. Not a dig at rafa just a FACT

How is it a fact that Wagner is a far better manager than Rafa?
Where is the evidence to suggest this?

[jillcwhomever]

Yup. Run of bad results and suddenly Klopp's a nice fellow who isn't good enough. Well in.

+1.

[rawcusk8]

How is it a fact that Wagner is a far better manager than Rafa?
Where is the evidence to suggest this?

Erm hes younger, his glasses are better and his goatee is better. Gets my vote!

Love Rafa, a great man that still loves us as much as we love him.

[Phil M]

Managers like Wagner are far better and younger than Rafa. Not a dig at rafa just a 'FACT' I plucked out of my arse to get some attention.

[surfer. Fuck you generator.]

Re takeover talk, reckon Benitez's ideal owners are absentee owners who just channel what the club makes to him to fund the entire football side. With the money these days, you don't need more, it's enough to fund transfers, training facilities etc.

An involved owner opens you up to luck, depending on his characteristics. You could end up with an involved owner / ownership group who can also wreck your current groove by being too earnest / not understanding, appreciating what they have. Going into a delicate time you are, we had to go through Moores, then those conjob pricks to end up with FSG. Some complain about FSG, but at least the majority of  mistakes under their tenure have been football related, whether it's in signings or the football structure. That can be entirely sorted out with the right manager or coach +DoF, unlike issues with the owner's character.

[ohweloveyerbaldyhead]

Yup. Run of bad results and suddenly Klopp's a nice fellow who isn't good enough. Well in.

Where did I say Klopp isn't good enough? I said I like Klopp. Is it against the rules to think Rafa is a better manager than Klopp? Look at their CVs and explain to me why Klopp is better than Rafa?

[DangerScouse]

Managers like Wagner are far better and younger than Rafa. Not a dig at rafa just a FACT

 

[Chakan]

Rafa is a good manager but he won't help us to achieve what we want to.

Managers like Wagner are far better and younger than Rafa. Not a dig at rafa just a FACT

So you have evidence supporting this fact yeah? Lets hear it.

[ABZ Rover]

Managers like Wagner are far better and younger than Rafa. Not a dig at rafa just a FACT

Fuck me, is it Half Term already?

[BlackandWhitePaul]

Rafa is a good manager but he won't help us to achieve what we want to.

Managers like Wagner are far better and younger than Rafa. Not a dig at rafa just a FACT

You should print that out then roll it up and shove it up your arse.

[Andy Hunter]

Honestly If Rafa and our paths cross again in the future I'd prolly be just as giddy as when Kenny took over.

Kenny was before my time, but Rafa I remember as the 1st manager I defended like a religion, think I lost a bit of love for the sport when he was forced out.  That's not to say we should get him back, I'm happy with Klopp and there are other managers that are perhaps better than him that should be picked over him if I was listening to my head, but, if I listened to my heart...

I'm glad he has found somewhere that's appreciating him though and hope he has the success he deserves.

THIS!!

Although him being forced out was a major part, but what really made me lose my love for the sport was the Being Liverpool documentary, and listening to Gerrard Carra talking how the club is in a great state now after previous management, as if Rafa was part of the problem, and how despite talking about the history of Liverpool, how many times was Istanbul mentioned? That documentary was physically painful to watch seeing the academy Rafa helped transform, the club he loved not recognising him.

Or the apparent moving of his stuff around Anfield, and not being invited onto the club channel to discuss his 2012 book or Montse's charities.

Yes, FSG didn't want him, but to not contact him during that 2012 summer and seeing Montse's Facebook post about checking the landline twice broke my heart.

I've moved on now as Rafa is at Newcastle and happy, his health looks to better, the girls get to see their dad often instead of worrying about him in a apartment in Naples by himself. (These teenage years with your children are one you never get back).

Do I miss him? Yes

Am I fully behind Klopp? HELL YES

But I will admit despite the glory of 13-14, when we were thrashing Spurs and Arsenal that year, I didn't get to appreciate it as much, as nothing against Rodgers or that season, but the pain was still too raw.

It's 2017 now and Rafa is happy, and my dream of him having owners with backing may be realised. And we have a fantastic manager in Klopp who I'm uber confident will win trophies.

From 2010 -2016, football for me was a painful watch as it was really hard to get over the way a gentleman who became very pale and gained so much weight as his health took it's toll by fighting those cancers (he was the one to warn us and wake us up to internet terrorise) was treated.

I really hope it all comes full circle and he can have a warchest at Newcastle. Amanda Staveley, you have such a gem in a manager.

Don't really pay attention to Garth Crooks, but him saying Rafa can win the league with Newcastle is no exaggeration. There is a gif called 'Rafa the magician'.

The world will soon know once again, that we don't need a Sky Sports 2005 graphic to know that this man truly is a magic by way of a  manager and a man.

Love you Rafa <3

[McrRed]

THIS!!

Although him being forced out was a major part, but what really made me lose my love for the sport was the Being Liverpool documentary, and listening to Gerrard Carra talking how the club is in a great state now after previous management, as if Rafa was part of the problem, and how despite talking about the history of Liverpool, how many times was Istanbul mentioned? That documentary was physically painful to watch seeing the academy Rafa helped transform, the club he loved not recognising him.

Or the apparent moving of his stuff around Anfield, and not being invited onto the club channel to discuss his 2012 book or Montse's charities.

Yes, FSG didn't want him, but to not contact him during that 2012 summer and seeing Montse's Facebook post about checking the landline twice broke my heart.

I've moved on now as Rafa is at Newcastle and happy, his health looks to better, the girls get to see their dad often instead of worrying about him in a apartment in Naples by himself. (These teenage years with your children are one you never get back).

Do I miss him? Yes

Am I fully behind Klopp? HELL YES

But I will admit despite the glory of 13-14, when we were thrashing Spurs and Arsenal that year, I didn't get to appreciate it as much, as nothing against Rodgers or that season, but the pain was still too raw.

It's 2017 now and Rafa is happy, and my dream of him having owners with backing may be realised. And we have a fantastic manager in Klopp who I'm uber confident will win trophies.

From 2010 -2016, football for me was a painful watch as it was really hard to get over the way a gentleman who became very pale and gained so much weight as his health took it's toll by fighting those cancers (he was the one to warn us and wake us up to internet terrorise) was treated.

I really hope it all comes full circle and he can have a warchest at Newcastle. Amanda Staveley, you have such a gem in a manager.

Don't really pay attention to Garth Crooks, but him saying Rafa can win the league with Newcastle is no exaggeration. There is a gif called 'Rafa the magician'.

The world will soon know once again, that we don't need a Sky Sports 2005 graphic to know that this man truly is a magic by way of a  manager and a man.

Love you Rafa <3

Spot on, Andy, mate. Spot on.

[Lush is the best medicine...]

Montse’s Facebook posts??

[Andy Hunter]

Montse’s Facebook posts??

During the summer of 2012, a lot of fans were bewildered that he didn't get so much as a phone call. I remember reading a post on here that people asked Montse on Facebook.

And she replied saying she checked the landline twice but nothing. It is on here somewhere.

Apparently Rafa's agent approached Ian Ayre too directly in person but was rebuffed.