2021/22 Rafael Benitez

[ToffeeTim]

No, I am just realistic, we have no money.

Results do matter but should be put in context. I actually agree atm that Benitiez should be under pressure because of some of the choices he's making but I've yet to see a realistic call for who we'd get in to replace him who would be a safer bet.

I think this is the riskiest appointment out there other than Steven Gerrard. An appointment that was doomed from day 1 because he's well past his best and has too much baggage.

Anyone who still thinks this is the right appointment is surely having a laugh

 

[windymiller]

Will Rondon lead the line?

Probably not, but I bet he gets time on the pitch. For some reason.

 

[willo30]

You said no money was wasted. I disagree.

How is the jury out on Rondon? He is nowhere near good enough

You make your decision on 13 games whilst he's getting up to fitness? We don't know if it's wasted yet.

Under normal circumstances he is never a starter so I don't see the issue with him.

We've always had players like this as back up. Kone and Niasse spring to mind recently.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Who has said we can only judge him when he has a fully fit squad?

I don't recall anyone saying that. Maybe judge him when he only has 1 or 2 injuries might be closer to it.

Well we have 2 first team injuries tomorrow with Richarlison back from suspension. It was 3 on Sunday.

 

[ToffeeTim]

You make your decision on 13 games whilst he's getting up to fitness? We don't know if it's wasted yet.

Under normal circumstances he is never a starter so I don't see the issue with him.

We've always had players like this as back up. Kone and Niasse spring to mind recently.

Any player who hasn't been injured and can't get to full fitness by the beginning of December probably shouldn't be playing top flight football, or indeed any level of the professional game.

Do you actually think that's a valid excuse? How could he possibly not be fit by December? Maybe he's just not very good.

 

[whiteshadow]

Well we have 2 first team injuries tomorrow with Richarlison back from suspension. It was 3 on Sunday.

People have been judging him way before that point though ...

 

[windymiller]

Bingo

Hate Benitez all you want, blues. This club is riddled with disease and he's but a symptom, not a cause.

You have to manage the symptoms when you treat the disease, though. If you've got a hernia you don't get told "don't take any painkillers to get rid of your symptoms, you have to wait until after the surgery". Then you get abdominal adhesions. Everton that.

 

[ToffeeTim]

People have been judging him way before that point though ...

Yes because every game counts. This isn't pre season.

 

[nsno-chris]

What's that got to with it? He's only been here 13 games and hasn't played all of them.

He may become useful when used sparingly. Jury is out on him.

Because he was utter gash in his so called prime. Now, he’s just a fat lump

 

[windymiller]

Brands no but Benitez hasn't wasted any yet.

You think Rondon was a good signing?! Or do you think he's playing for free?

 

[willo30]

Any player who hasn't been injured and can't get to full fitness by the beginning of December probably shouldn't be playing top flight football, or indeed any level of the professional game.

Do you actually think that's a valid excuse? How could he possibly not be fit by December? Maybe he's just not very good.

Thought he was unlucky Sunday not to score. Definitely looked fitter. Would be better if he was coming off the bench for the last 10 minutes though but needs must.

 

[MACCA75]

You make your decision on 13 games whilst he's getting up to fitness? We don't know if it's wasted yet.

Under normal circumstances he is never a starter so I don't see the issue with him.

We've always had players like this as back up. Kone and Niasse spring to mind recently.

Getting up to fitness!? How unfit was he? Kone was far better than this chump.

 

[Stephen Gibson]

According to Rafael when the stadium gets built our players will know how to pass to eachother & not aimlessly punt it upfield or only sling in a cross with no plan b. Maybe we should sack Rafael & put Laing O'Rourke in charge.

 

[Marius57]

You make your decision on 13 games whilst he's getting up to fitness? We don't know if it's wasted yet.

Under normal circumstances he is never a starter so I don't see the issue with him.

We've always had players like this as back up. Kone and Niasse spring to mind recently.

How long does he need like? I mean he said that was still training even the morning he signed for us to make.sure he was as fit as possible. It's been 3 months on and he still looks incredibly unfit. He also missed the international games to get his fitness up.

Kone and niasse at least worked hard and did actually score goals.

Rondon has far from earnt being even mentioned in the same sentence as niasse, let alone considered his equal.

 

[willo30]

You think Rondon was a good signing?! Or do you think he's playing for free?

I don't know yet. But I think he looked better Sunday.