Re: Liverpool Thread
I agree, really solid post, if a bit optimistic IMO. The main contention I have is with the argument that Rafa will bring in a couple quality wingers, a second striker (surely Crouch/Kuyt aren't good enough?) some pacy full backs and then you'll have a chance. In today's terms, unless he pulls a Wenger style trick and robs a cradle, you're not going to get that for under £60m or so. Which, unless I'm way off, is a pretty massive chunk of any profits you're making, and without a ridiculous cash injection (perhaps DIC) won't be possible. I do feel that Torres is the signing of the year, he's been a revelation, but having seen a lot of pool this season, I've not been overly impressed with Skrtel, Babel or the oft-lauded Brazilian 'starlet'. I know it takes time, and maybe they'll come out in force, but I don't get that impression.
I think what you should focus on more than a new squad is, as someone above mentioned, a motivator. Someone to get pool up for it, every game of the year, not just on the European stage.
And by the way, can we wait 20 years or so before comparing Rafa to Fergie?
5 players?
One right back worth 6-7 million. One right winger to play where Kuyt is worth 15 million. One backup striker, who can also play as supporting striker worth 10-12 million. That's roughly worth 35 million, and Rafa will again recoup around 20 million on player sales alone. If I had my way, it would Rafinha, Bentley and Pandev. What Rafa does is up to him, but we don't need to spend 60 million. It's about buying the right players, not the best.
Yes, Torres has been signing of the year, and there's one big reason for that - the manager. He is a transformed player, and Rafa has played a huge part in that.
Problem with Skrtel is, he hasn't settled in a partnership. IMO, Agger would compliment him perfectly, and I can't emphasize how big a miss he's been. I rate Agger very highly, but Skrtel has shown against Inter and Chelsea, that he has what it takes. Lucas is a player I've watched a bit at Gremio as well, and believe me, he's top quality. He has already shown in a few matches this season, that's he's top draw. He's probably gotten tired as the season has gone, but anyways, most signing take at least a season or two to settle, apart from Torres. Same with Babel, who's shown glimpses of brilliance, but is very under-confident in his ability. TBH, I am more confident of Lucas being a top player, but both should reach the top level in 2-3 seasons.
I do agree with us needing a motivator. That's where Pako has been missing. Rafa needs an assistant IMO, someone who can be close to the players. There were rumors about Sammy Lee joining but those have faded away, but getting an assistant is important. But regarding our United fixtures, it's only going to end when we actually beat you. Unless we do that, we're always going to under confident. I was kind of hoping to draw United in the CL, where we always are up for it. If we beat you there, then maybe it would have affected how we approach the league fixtures. It's like a bug isn't it? Houllier always managed to win at United, even though it was ugly. 11 players defending the goal, and a Murphy goal!
And NO WAY, am I comparing Rafa with Ferguson. That would be pointless, because Ferguson has been at the top level for a good part of 15 years, and will go down as one of the greatest managers of all time. I was simply comparing their situations. Both took over clubs, that had been unsuccessful for a long time, and had to go through a phase of rebuilding. Rafa has a VERY LONG way to go to even be mentioned along side Ferguson. But Rafa has been 8 years in management at the top level, and few managers have a CV that he has. Just the fact, that top teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid want him shows that he is top quality.
@Mike, were you one of those calling for Ferguson to get the axe, when he did not achieve anything in his first 5 years?
