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RAFA'S TACTICAL COCK-UP
RAFA BENITEZ will take charge of Liverpool for the 151st time in the Premier League against Manchester City today.
His record for the first 150 games reads W81 D35 L34. Predecessor Gerard Houllier's record for his first 150 games read W81 D35 L34. Spooky symmetry.
Yet, by common consent, Houllier was at the fag end of his reign. No longer could he point to three cups in one season - it was the title that was being demanded.
Carragher demands end to boardroom rows - click here for full story
The Kop's loyalty probably gave Houllier one year too many. Now it looks like the club could make the same mistake with Benitez.
The Spaniard still basks in the adulation of the majority of Kopites, whose bond with him has grown even stronger given his tactics in the boardroom power battle.
Maybe, however, they should look a little more closely at his tactics on the pitch, especially over the two legs of the Champions League semi-final.
Bizarre
Liverpool's triumphs under Benitez have been built on the back of incredible individual perfomances from Steven Gerrard, in Istanbul and at the Millennium Stadium.
With Gerrard peripheral, surely Benitez should have sent on Peter Crouch as the Blues flagged at the Bridge?
Taking off Fernando Torres in extra-time was bizarre. Even with a hamstring niggle, what was Benitez saving his star striker for?
As for psychological tactics, winding up Didier Drogba was an ever bigger own goal than John Arne Riise's.
Of course, Benitez's Champions League CV is impressive and European adventure is part of the club's heritage. Under Benitez, European success has been consistent but at what cost to their title hopes?
After being thumped 3-0 by Manchester United in March, former skipper Jamie Redknapp said Liverpool will never win the Premier League under Benitez. I can't help but agree.
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Derby keep strong
DERBY will go down as the worst team in Premier League history but not one of the most foolish.
Look down the Championship and witness the debris of teams like Southampton and Leicester, who spent far too much on players and facilities and have plunged into crisis.
In contrast, Derby will bounce back certainly leaner and possibly stronger.
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Coppell is a man of principle
STEVE COPPELL has put principle above all else by suspending Emerse Fae and Ibrahima Sonko for refusing to play in Reading's reserves.
If he gets tired of management, Coppell should be given major role at the FA. Then football would truly learn the meaning of the word respect.
Look at fergies first 150 games see who has the most wins you would probably have sacked him
Posted by: paul booth | May 04, 2008 at 02:29 PM | Report this comment