2021/22 Rafael Benitez

[Carloblues]

Any team outside of about 4-5 clubs can say that though mate - being realistic we are as likely to win the league as we are to win a trophy particularly when Guardiola goes all out for the cups and you have Chelsea, Utd, RS etc able to field 2x full strength 11's of quality in multiple competitions.

Being realistic we are at minimum 12 months off being where we need to be squad wise to mount a realistic challenge - the cups for me are a distraction this year whilst we still have players like Coleman, Keane and Iwobi in the starting 11.

I wouldn't say that, youve got a lot more chance of having a good cup run than you have of winning the league.

Leicester won the fa cup last season when they have only once finished in the top 4 in recent years.

In the last 10 years alone you've had the likes of Watford, palace, villa , hull, Pompey, stoke all getting to the fa cup final


Didn't Bradford or someone equally as poo get to the final of the league cup a fee years ago and played the mighty swansea?

We should be going all out every year to win a trophy, because if not what's the point?

 

[Devanski]

Couldn't give a toss about the cup comps this season tbh - the team isn't strong enough to go all the way at present.

My focus is solely on the league - get into europe and earn more dough from finishing positions etc and see us recruit better next summer then focus on the cups.

FB, you do know that you’re not really the coach? That’s RB! ?

 

[Nymzee]

 

[ProZ]

We will have no more body shaming of Rafael on our forum please, this is a family forum which is PG sponsored. Fat peoples lives matter too you know.

 

[ProZ]

Only Rafael can rock a blazer and shorts, what a man, my manager.

 

[ForeverBlue92]

I wouldn't say that, youve got a lot more chance of having a good cup run than you have of winning the league.

Leicester won the fa cup last season when they have only once finished in the top 4 in recent years.

In the last 10 years alone you've had the likes of Watford, palace, villa , hull, Pompey, stoke all getting to the fa cup final


Didn't Bradford or someone equally as poo get to the final of the league cup a fee years ago and played the mighty swansea?

We should be going all out every year to win a trophy, because if not what's the point?

Anyone can win the cup - but its being realistic to admit we likely wont win it this season all things considered bar a complete RS luck fluke draw up until the Final.

The priority for me is European qualification because it opens the door for better players, money to get around FFP etc. We all know as soon as we draw City/Chelsea/Utd/RS our arses are out we aint strong enough.

Leicester won the cup last season because they have genuine quality throughout their squad and avoided Man City whereas we never get that luck and are an injury or two away from Kenny, Gomes, Iwobi, Kean, Nkounkou etc. being in the side.

I do think Benitez will field decent sides but I'll be dissapointed if he plays the likes or DCL, Richarlison, Doucoure in the early rounds its completely unnecessary when the league is our bread and butter.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Play a strong team tomorrow. No excuses.

 

[EverTheOptimist]

His main strength is cup competitions, where in one off game and he uses his tactical nous.

I expect some decent cup runs under him, both domestic cups he'll take serious every season he is here.

 

[MisterJ]

Only Rafael can rock a blazer and shorts, what a man, my manager.

I'm glad somebody else raised that as I just couldn't work that picture out...

 

[brieverton]

Very difficult balancing act between cups and league, with the squad we have.

My inclination is to priortise league placing, but suffer a cup upset and he'll get it from every side.

For me, you have to get to a final to make a cup run at least partly worthwhile, and thats a big ask for us.

 

[Milkman]

Only Rafael can rock a blazer and shorts, what a man, my manager.

Meh, it's been done.

 

[Toast]

 

[Bluestar]

Very difficult balancing act between cups and league, with the squad we have.

My inclination is to priortise league placing, but suffer a cup upset and he'll get it from every side.

For me, you have to get to a final to make a cup run at least partly worthwhile, and thats a big ask for us.

Only a few games and you are in the quarters.

Often, top teams get drawn against each other and one gets knocked out.

We have to be trying in at cup competitions, don't we?

We don’t have Europe, our schedule is not too congested. At some point we need a trophy for our own esteem.

 

[witchdoc187]

I'm glad somebody else raised that as I just couldn't work that picture out...

I still can't. Looks like the referee giving the players a talking to and Rafael has been photoshopped over the top part

 

[gazzaa2]

Can't believe I'm typing this but......looking at Arsenal and Arteta you can really see the difference a competent and experienced manager like ....arggh...Benitez can make.
Arteta looks totally out of his depth and the policy of just buying young players looks totally flawed ( unless the Arsenal board are prepared to put up with poor results for 2 years whilst that group of players grow together)
Benitez on the other hand seems to have a plan and ( at least at the moment ) , have motivated players made them much fitter and is getting a good return from players who struggled at the end of last season.
I think that is what you get from someone with experience.

Looks like Moshiri has pulled off a masterstroke at last.