Liverpool manager makes claim that his small club can’t win the title on their own: They’ll need Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal to fall on their face!

Paul - December 12th, 2008 at 3:13 pm

I agree with Rafa. I bet any Liverpool fan who has watched their recent games is completely disheartened. Even when Man United slips up I still envy the way they play. I would rather lose and play like United than win and feel frustrated afterwards. Deep down all Liverpool fans are just waiting for the inevitable. At least Rafa knows this and is asking for the owners to do something to make this a brilliant season.

9torres - December 12th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

It’s from the S*n, Rafa’s already said it’s bullshit.

Alan - December 12th, 2008 at 3:31 pm

Afternoon all,

It is very dishearting, but it is also slightly true. I don’t like to criticise Liverpool but the chances of a title win are very slim. Our team has not got a big enough attacking force and we need to improve that. Firstly, we really need to improve the left-back position because Dossena has not been convincing and although Arbeloa’s form of late has been good, he is not consistent enough.

Also, we need to start giving our youngsters some premier league game time before they get no experience and get no where. Lucas, Ngog, Babel, Insua… can all become decent players if they gained some first team experience. The best thing to do is probably loan them out for a spell to a lower premier league side or maybe even a championship side for the 19 year olds.

Rafa needs to stop putting players in the wrong position also. A good example of this is Lucas. You don’t become captain of a Brasilian team at any age and not be good for it. He was the top scorer in his league before he came to Liverpool and he played an attacking midfield position. Now he plays a defensive midfield position and has no confidence or game time.

A few players sold wouldn’t hurt either. Players like Aurelio and Degen need to go. If we are going to compete for the title, we need some quality now. We cannot wait for our younsters yet because it will take time for them but we can still buy a few. But we need to but talent. Rafa has always made poor decisions on the transfer market like Aurelio. He should stop looking at second rate players and concentrate on signing good quality players. He does not have to spend billions on Ronaldo’s or Kaka’s.

The owners need to go (full stop).

Our scouting jobs of late have not been good. I suggest hiring new scouts like the ones Arsenal have.

Rafa The Gaffer - December 12th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

The story is a total non-starter.

More lies from The S*n. LFC already have a denial on the official website.

Coggin - December 12th, 2008 at 3:40 pm

If he did say it then he is just playing mind games , of course he is going to say that, he got it in before Sir Alex can say it’s Liverpools to throw away or something like that.

noel - December 12th, 2008 at 3:41 pm

Sadly I’m inclied to agree, we don’t have strength in depth, we have signed lots of youngsters, but were are they? I would like a Bill Gates “Sugar Daddy” to spend his billions on a new stadium bigger than manure’s and challange for the best players, but that’s not gonna happen any time soon. We should try some of these youngsters, (Carling Cup next year then)

9torres - December 12th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

I’ve never known him to say anything remotely like that before regarding other clubs and what they do, and untill i see that from a source i regard as being legit then i’m inclined to disregard it completely.

jo - December 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

this is complete bollocks, the boss told his weekly press conference: “We are really pleased because we are top and I can guarantee that if we are still top of the table after Christmas we will have a clear chance of winning the title.

“It was an interview with a French journalist and we were talking about tactics. I was really surprised with the story but everyone in Liverpool knows about this newspaper.

“We are at the top of the table because we are doing things better than the others. It is up to us and that is it.

calvo - December 12th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

I cant agree with the statement as 1stly l´pool are top so its you who need to mess up.2ndly,finances, the pay out on keane,dossena,babel,torres,mascherano,lucas etc was a considerable amount.3rdly,if this is rafa´s idea of mind games then…..and i doubt if l´pool fans actually take kindly to being regarded as a smaller club(considering the trophies that you have amassed)to arsenal.

Alan - December 12th, 2008 at 4:02 pm

This was probably some bulls**t bolied up by the Sun. But we still can improve our team. As i said earlier, it is hard to win the league if we have Degen’s and Benayoun’s in our squad.

Alan - December 12th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

Why do you all call it the S*n?

9torres - December 12th, 2008 at 4:07 pm

I don’t like to give them free advertising.

Mikey - December 12th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

THIS STORY IS NOT TRUE – SHAME ON YOU FOR REPEATING IT!!!

This story is a total misquotation – and guess where it started life? In the flipping S*n. what does that tell you? It is an untruth, a lie and shame on you for repeating it and accepting it as truth.

Look at the words that were apparently used. They are not words Rafa uses – even Sky aren’t covering this, but the story that Rafa is annoyed with the idiot that wrote it. Simply absolutely POOR journalism.

And as for the “I’m a ‘pool fan but we should sell player x, y, and z” people, just go and support someone else then. If you can’t get behind a manager and the players then what kind of fan are you?

ronnie's shagging ronald! - December 12th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

all that said, if we do go on to win the league..it will be a small miracle…stupid yanks at the helm…doggy signings of the likes of the likes of Degen and Dossena…not to mention missing class in the shape of Fernando Torres, and inconsistent Gerrard who although is playing ok, is capable of so much more… add to the fact that we have only 2 players worth over 20mil; one of which is misfiring…the only 3 players to have truly shined this season are Alonso, Srktel and Carragher. If we get Skrtel back to full fitness and form.. allowing Alonso and Carragher keep their fitness and form, we may have a ok season.

All i wanted this season was for us to be competitive with the likes of manure and chelski…this may end up being the case; but we simply don’t have the number of players with pure class and consistent form to bring the elusive title to Anfield….

To add to the picture of misery, we have jermain pennant…6mil worth of player earning 50k weekly playing in the reserves…cause he’s too shit to play in 1st team…. how we have stayed at, or even near the summit has been brought about by a team punching above their weight and being granted some long awaited luck…

having said that we have been unlucky in some major decisions…most recently with about 35 calls for handball in the penalty area against west ham and illunga….not to mention the legitimate goal against stoke…the draw with fulham may have been just in the end because we were below par….

But the reason for this comment from benitez…maybe because he is beginning to accept that the progression we are making a liverpool, compared to manure, chelski, and arsewipe is far, far too slow….

All in all…the route cause of the problem is Rick Parry and the yankie twats.

paul hates man u - December 12th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

its the sun saying bulls**t as all ways we know what the sun is like for its crap and they dont like us so untill i read it lfc site its just bull we know they would all love to see us slip up so it is just bull to put the players in to minds

Rafa The Gaffer - December 12th, 2008 at 4:28 pm

It’s called The S*n because it’s been boycotted on Merseyside for 19 years. If you want to know more Google “Liverpool boycott of The Sun”. Happy reading.

bobbyc - December 12th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

IF HE DIDNT THINK LIVERPOOL could win the league then why is he there ?
I cant imagine him saying this but if he did he is playing mind games cause he knows how hard it is goona be to get united to drop points,

elnino_7 - December 12th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

the “SUN” of a BITCH

R.J. - December 12th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

In reply to Paul, again
Did you read Alan’s opinion of our fullbacks, especially Arbeloa? See, it’s not just me that can clearly see that our fullbacks are way below par.
As far as Rafa’s comments are concerned, deep down, he knows we are in with a real shout this year. I think it’s just his way of reminding everyone that out of the “big four” we should on paper, be the outsiders.
The first thing Rafa did when he came to Liverpool was try and replace Finnan.
He has signed four right backs since he’s been in charge. Josemi, Kromcamp, Arbeloa and Deggen, none of whom are as good as Finnan who he inherited.
Don’t get me wrong, Rafa has made some fantastic signings which have ultimately closed the gap year on year, and his best attribute as a manager has been that he holds his hands up when he makes bad signings and generally quickly gets rid. (Nunez, Josemi, Kromcamp, Pellegrino etc.
I think and hope it must be staring him in the face that he needs a LB, RB and a right winger.
I believe the title will ultimately be decided in the January transfer window and I think if we got Bale, Raffina and Joaquin we would really take some beating. Come on you reds!!!!!

bigrafa - December 12th, 2008 at 5:08 pm

It is unlikely little rafa would be so harsh at liverpool’s title hopes. Especially if you look at some of the young liverpool youths emerging from the academy.

kermit - December 12th, 2008 at 5:49 pm

i agree with the guy who says he envies how man utd play, but that is all about the caracter of the coach ferguson likes a cavalier attitude to football swashbucking attacking play , benitez is way too cautious to have more attacking minded players in his team
his theory of football is simply not to lose and that i m unsure about
for me its about scoring more than other teams and conceding less its simple really thats the way man u are set up , but liverpoool are often set up not to be beaten and to soak pressure and hit teams on the break, two defensive midfielder thats a great idea when we play away to barcelona real madrid or inter milan, but against premier league minnows i dont think so

kermit - December 12th, 2008 at 5:52 pm

i think torres and keane will produce lots after xmas lots of goals, thats my prediction and like stevie said at the start of the year we will be there or there about but wont win it, i find this idea of pushsiong chelsea all the way or man u to be more disheartening than rafas comments to be honest , it s like he knows already we wont win it but we will push one of them to the title , he would be happy with a title charge, and thats not right , he ought to be happy to win and niothing less is good enough
for this reason i think we will not win the league unless torres steps up to the plate and says yeah i want to win it, i dont think stevie has it in him to do it on his own, so watch out for keane and torres come april late may i bet they have a bagful of goals between them

Alan - December 12th, 2008 at 6:35 pm

Keane has struggled for a while now but you can really see him settling in. When we played the match against PSV he played very well and set up a superb goal. It was just unlucky he didnt get a chance to score.

Rafa The Gaffer - December 12th, 2008 at 6:37 pm

Hey Kermit the Manc, Bugger off!

EVERTON - December 12th, 2008 at 6:42 pm

LOOKS LIKE SOME1 IS WISING UP HAHAHAHA

Rafa The Gaffer - December 12th, 2008 at 7:13 pm

It’s all about education, something which obviously passed you by

EVERTON - December 12th, 2008 at 7:18 pm

UR ALL CNTS. WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE LIVERPOOL AND THE SUN WAS ALL TRUE HAHAHAHA. EVERTON WILL FINISH ABOVE YOU WANKERS. HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA

Stevie D - December 12th, 2008 at 8:31 pm

Its obvious rafa is looking for more transfer funds.think about it,top at the window (hopefully) and if we dont buy and end up third or fourth the yanks get the blame,spend in the window an finish third or fourth rafa gets the blame.yanks cant lose then they can sack rafa.
Of course thats if the rag is printing the truth (lol).

YozzaScouser - December 12th, 2008 at 10:44 pm

The Scum is never to be trusted , twisted words , and LFC official has denial up.
Rafa Believes in his Squad , never doubt this , certain players fair enough , but the squad as a whole , he has faith in, he has said all the time he has been here that we have great potential to be the best and to break into the top sides.
the comment about seeking more transfer funds , is a good argument actually , and may not be far from the truth.

EVERTON - December 12th, 2008 at 11:05 pm

I MEANT WHAT HAPPENED AT THE STADIUM BOUT 20 YEARS AGO AND THE SUN SAID THAT LIVERPOOL FANS WERE TO BLAME AND THE FANS PISSED ON THE POLICE. HAHAHAHAHA IT WAS TRUE AND ALL OF LIVERPOOL KNOWS IT

red - December 12th, 2008 at 11:25 pm

everton…you’re a fucking cunt

Ulrik Fredrik - December 13th, 2008 at 4:17 am

Really? He said that? Pretty odd if you ask me. I’d be livid if I were a Liverpool fan. Rafa’s comments border on being a plain insult to his own team! LOL.

mark - December 13th, 2008 at 5:04 am

fuck off everton, go and post on your own shit teams site, or are you too embarrassed?

kermit - December 13th, 2008 at 8:24 am

isnt a manc is a liverpool supporter, but yeah utd play better football

paul hates man u - December 13th, 2008 at 10:05 am

i hope you drop dead neverton and your shit football team as well

Jsug - December 13th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

WTF THEIR A TOP TOP TEAM…………………..

FOOKOFF-BITTER-BLUE-SHIATE - December 13th, 2008 at 12:49 pm

EVERTON as Bill said, if you were playing at the bottom of the garden I’d draw the curtains. rush scored 1, rush scored 2, la la la l al…..

dave stopher - December 13th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

I would love to see liverpool win it like!!!!

dave in ireland - December 13th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

A couple of weeks ago I predicted that the Hull game would be the one to see what Liverpool are made of . 2- 2 at half time now, to go one and win this one will be a big moment for us . Fingers crossed .

kermit - December 13th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

this game is fucking brilliant we should be 4-2 up by now though, i think are really lucky, its halftime and its a really good game

Alan - December 13th, 2008 at 4:19 pm

Bring on el zhar and ngog and seal it up

dave in ireland - December 13th, 2008 at 6:01 pm

I rest my case . 4 points out of 12 against sides we should be pasting . Rafa has made his mind up about Robbie Keane , totally humiliating . Torres out , no place for Keane, brings on El Zhar , Babel and Lucas and watches Dirk Kuyt have a nightmare for 90 min , Would you,f you were the one sanctioning players have any faith in giving more money to Rafa . I doubt it .

DAVE! Is pissed off. - December 13th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Get the yanks out.

Get hamsik, silva, bale, Blaszykowski (or what ever his name is), a decent striker to partner torres (cavenaghi, podolski…), and highjack the mancs bids for the serb tosic (quality player).

loan lucas, ngog, babel, more young players out to prem clubs to gain exp.

Rafa sort it out (everyone knows what the fuckin cnts at the Scum said isnt true) u should sort our team it its a fuckin disgrace. If we want prem league wins we gotta play like the bollocks. And stop buyin shitty flops.

We need to sort our selves out. Too long have we gone with out a prem league title. The time is now.

Start the RAFALUTION!

kermit - December 13th, 2008 at 7:18 pm

have to agree dave robbie should ve been brought on after fifty mins, benayun went missing for large spells of the game , kuyt game but couldnt finish , i cant understand why rafa didnt bring keane on, i dont get it, but i still think keane could do a great job for us, hes just not a lone striker neither is dirk

kermit - December 13th, 2008 at 7:21 pm

and why play at home with masxcherano he was shite again, i m so fucking mad at rafa, babel coming on after 81 mins wtf isa he meant to do in nine mins, saying that we played really well throughout this match and deserved to win it by a hatful, i just dont understand why he didn t bring keane on i just don t get it

DAVE! Is pissed off. - December 13th, 2008 at 11:50 pm

Never sell lucas. Hes such a quality player. His confidence is low cos he doesnt play in the right position. He was the youngest player to get the Bola de Ouro. Dont let him go send him on a loan 2 get experience.

JDM - December 14th, 2008 at 2:52 am

Just watched the LIV vs HULL game, very dissapointed. of course there are some positives, but all the positives aren’t gunna win us the league, nor is drawing at home to mid table teams. i no Hull r in 6th, and credit to them becos they were the only this season to actually come to Anfield and actually go for a win! I’m English but live in Aussie, and i have to stay up till 4:30am to watch a game we really shouldve won! come on boys get it together! If you really want the league its about time you really showed it!

kermit - December 14th, 2008 at 5:01 pm

with arsenal and man u failing to capitalise and chelsea one nil down to west ham at half time it seems rafa wont have any more excuses all the others teams are beating themselves

Stevie D - December 14th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

Thank you west ham.

keano - December 15th, 2008 at 12:55 pm

im wondering how the owner is thinking we gave him 20m for keane and he is leaving him on the bench . keane would have won that game for liverpool . lost faith in rafa long time ago . an other striker he wont give a chance . if torres dont come back soon title will be utd s again .rafa will play him on his own up front ,kick long balls so he will run after them and blow a hamstring again.

mighty reds - December 15th, 2008 at 1:19 pm

you guys should show some little faith. we are gonna win this league

loewe - February 9th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

Wow, exactly what I have been searching for and you came up on the first page of google so you must be doing something right!!

anonymous - February 9th, 2010 at 12:44 pm

COPY AND PASTE IF YOU HATE MANU