It all started to go wrong for Rafael Benitez when he decided to grow that goatee beard. In doing so, he had begun to show his age and with it fallibility. Much in the same way that Tom Jones did with his goatee beard - in an attempt to recapture his youth his standards slid (deeper than before unless you like your music straight up the middle of the road) and the underwear of adoring fans was no longer lobbed in his direction. By analogy, the same could be said of Benitez, who became increasingly eccentric towards the end of his six-year tenure at Liverpool. Although the only thing thrown anywhere near him was a suspicious looking beachball in the goalmouth...
Benitez arrived at Anfield with a reputation well earned at Valencia, where he guided a talented but reasonably limited Valencia side to two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup in his time there. A fresh-faced Benitez was supposed to give Liverpool a fresh start, after the love affair with Gerard Houllier became stale (much like Benitez's own reign ended). It would be hugely unfair to say that he failed to do so in the early days. Although their Premier League form was poor in 2004-05, who can ever forget that night in Istanbul when his side fought so bravely to come from three down to Milan to win on penalties. And don't forget that he got the best out of players previously regarded as average on the Kop - Jamie Carragher, Dietmar Hamann and Jerzy Dudek were all heroic that night. This performance is the one which will always define Benitez and this generation of Liverpool players and can never be taken away from them.
But what is frustrating is how Benitez and his team never managed to kick on from this. The squad was never refreshed in such a way as to meaningfully challenge for serious silverware again. Sure, they got to another Champions League Final in 2007, where Carlo Ancelotti's side exacted their revenge so convincingly, but there is nothing in the proceeding five years which truly justifies Rafa's very recent appointment at Inter, the current UCL holders. First there is his transfer policy, which, as far as I can surmise, is as follows: spend loads of money on loads of equally crap players in the same position. That position being out wide, either in midfield or defence. Here comes another one of my crushing lists. Look away now if you're a Liverpool fan: Jan Kromkamp, Emiliano Insua, Andrea Dossena, Fabio Aurelio, Mark Gonzalez, Albert Riera, Ryan Babel, Jermaine Pennant, a washed up Bolo Zenden, Josemi, Antonio Nunez. When you add in Dirk Kuyt, who is a "grafter" not a genuinely gifted footballer, Andrey Voronin and Lucas Leiva, I think I've made my point. Only to add that one of his two genuinely successful signings, Xabi Alonso, was sold, to be replaced by £20 million crock Alberto Aquilani. And can anyone call proven quality like Fernando Torres a masterstroke of a signing? I know money has been tight at Anfield but Benitez's irresponsibility has bordered on immoral in the current climate.
Then there is the rotation policy. When you have little strength in depth due to financial constraints and you're riding high in the league, as in 08-09, STICK WITH A WINNING TEAM. Can you imagine Benitez at Inter saying "Sorry Wesley, I know your form is excellent and you've single-handedly won matches in the past, but you need a rest - McDonald Mariga will be playing instead." Just no. Another thing that scuppers your chances in a title race is taking your eye off the ball. Engaging in a fight with Sir Alex Ferguson, who is a master craftsman in mind games, is simply unwise. Benitez appeared paranoid and overawed by the elder statesman. Who do you think won the league?
It all went wrong this year and both Benitez and Liverpool need another new leaf turned over. The desperation in fielding a half-fit Torres in an attempt to salvage fourth place was reflective of a man with nothing left to give. And no money to re-arm. Without Torres and with Gerrard horrifically out of form, there was no attacking threat, save for David N'Gog. Only keeper Pepe Reina can hold his head high. But, Benitez has come away with a dream job and several of his ex-charges may follow. Javier Mascherano would be a good fit in the organised Inter system, a superior Thiago Motta. Kuyt, Gerrard and Torres may also be on the move. Liverpool will need a new manager, capable of dealing with egos simply and effectively - getting the focus back onto the pitch for fans and players alike. Roy Hodgson may be that man, rather than England's man.
Benitez accomplished much in six years at Liverpool and is obviously a top class manager. But he outstayed his welcome and this exposed his weaknesses and undesirable character traits to the world. These must be ironed out if he is to succeed at Inter.
US fail to take in surroundings
The USA received a motivational speech from a helicopter pilot today, as encouragement before their World Cup opener against England on Saturday. This pilot inspired the film Black Hawk Down, set in Somalia. I'm not really sure whether the message was "You, like me, can triumph over adversity" or "Welcome to Africa - the genocide here is a bitch. Watch your backs!" Either way, it's a slightly insensitive move towards the host continent (for that is what this tournament has become - Africa's World Cup).
Should have got the guy who splashed down into the Hudson to save confusion.
RM
Benitez arrived at Anfield with a reputation well earned at Valencia, where he guided a talented but reasonably limited Valencia side to two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup in his time there. A fresh-faced Benitez was supposed to give Liverpool a fresh start, after the love affair with Gerard Houllier became stale (much like Benitez's own reign ended). It would be hugely unfair to say that he failed to do so in the early days. Although their Premier League form was poor in 2004-05, who can ever forget that night in Istanbul when his side fought so bravely to come from three down to Milan to win on penalties. And don't forget that he got the best out of players previously regarded as average on the Kop - Jamie Carragher, Dietmar Hamann and Jerzy Dudek were all heroic that night. This performance is the one which will always define Benitez and this generation of Liverpool players and can never be taken away from them.
But what is frustrating is how Benitez and his team never managed to kick on from this. The squad was never refreshed in such a way as to meaningfully challenge for serious silverware again. Sure, they got to another Champions League Final in 2007, where Carlo Ancelotti's side exacted their revenge so convincingly, but there is nothing in the proceeding five years which truly justifies Rafa's very recent appointment at Inter, the current UCL holders. First there is his transfer policy, which, as far as I can surmise, is as follows: spend loads of money on loads of equally crap players in the same position. That position being out wide, either in midfield or defence. Here comes another one of my crushing lists. Look away now if you're a Liverpool fan: Jan Kromkamp, Emiliano Insua, Andrea Dossena, Fabio Aurelio, Mark Gonzalez, Albert Riera, Ryan Babel, Jermaine Pennant, a washed up Bolo Zenden, Josemi, Antonio Nunez. When you add in Dirk Kuyt, who is a "grafter" not a genuinely gifted footballer, Andrey Voronin and Lucas Leiva, I think I've made my point. Only to add that one of his two genuinely successful signings, Xabi Alonso, was sold, to be replaced by £20 million crock Alberto Aquilani. And can anyone call proven quality like Fernando Torres a masterstroke of a signing? I know money has been tight at Anfield but Benitez's irresponsibility has bordered on immoral in the current climate.
Then there is the rotation policy. When you have little strength in depth due to financial constraints and you're riding high in the league, as in 08-09, STICK WITH A WINNING TEAM. Can you imagine Benitez at Inter saying "Sorry Wesley, I know your form is excellent and you've single-handedly won matches in the past, but you need a rest - McDonald Mariga will be playing instead." Just no. Another thing that scuppers your chances in a title race is taking your eye off the ball. Engaging in a fight with Sir Alex Ferguson, who is a master craftsman in mind games, is simply unwise. Benitez appeared paranoid and overawed by the elder statesman. Who do you think won the league?
It all went wrong this year and both Benitez and Liverpool need another new leaf turned over. The desperation in fielding a half-fit Torres in an attempt to salvage fourth place was reflective of a man with nothing left to give. And no money to re-arm. Without Torres and with Gerrard horrifically out of form, there was no attacking threat, save for David N'Gog. Only keeper Pepe Reina can hold his head high. But, Benitez has come away with a dream job and several of his ex-charges may follow. Javier Mascherano would be a good fit in the organised Inter system, a superior Thiago Motta. Kuyt, Gerrard and Torres may also be on the move. Liverpool will need a new manager, capable of dealing with egos simply and effectively - getting the focus back onto the pitch for fans and players alike. Roy Hodgson may be that man, rather than England's man.
Benitez accomplished much in six years at Liverpool and is obviously a top class manager. But he outstayed his welcome and this exposed his weaknesses and undesirable character traits to the world. These must be ironed out if he is to succeed at Inter.
US fail to take in surroundings
The USA received a motivational speech from a helicopter pilot today, as encouragement before their World Cup opener against England on Saturday. This pilot inspired the film Black Hawk Down, set in Somalia. I'm not really sure whether the message was "You, like me, can triumph over adversity" or "Welcome to Africa - the genocide here is a bitch. Watch your backs!" Either way, it's a slightly insensitive move towards the host continent (for that is what this tournament has become - Africa's World Cup).
Should have got the guy who splashed down into the Hudson to save confusion.
RM
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