Marvin

Uncle Bob I thought you'd never return

In that interview when asked about being a replacement for Alonso he says (in Italian) "Let me stop you right there.." That was enought to convince me he is going to be awesome.

Aren't they effectively owned by Joe Lewis who is a billionaire although I've no idea how much he has actually put in.

He'll fit in well then

So if we sign Djourcoff.....

Thought he was better in the Reading game than he has been of late and again against Stoke. Not hard admittedly since has has been utter gash

Kuyt looks as if hes starting to come back into form.

I've always thought we should make more use of quantum mechanics in our attacking play

We'll be serving at the top table.

So how exactly is Rafa refusing to bake the cake? Are you suggesting he is telling everyone to play sh*t to get rid of the owners

And have a manager that has refused to talk up a lack of investment in his squad letting everyone know he's happy with what he's got and the choices are all his, despite what may be the case. He's focused on the players he has and what they can do and there is nothing coming from him or his players about players they've lost or would like but cannot have. Has he not implied that Torres and Gerrard might have to be sold? Do you think he's happy with that?

oh the irony

I think henceforth he should be known as that

I liked for him for his skill but I seem to remember there being many games when he was fairly anonymous.

You are right but it is interesting that 3 of the the players you mention Rafa almost certainly would have been familiar with personally before signing and less subject to the views of scouts. I think it is fair to say his signings from La Liga have been more successful than the others. Our scouting seems to have been rubbish for years

Were the players toilets frozen? That would explain a lot.

If the owners were to put in say half the total cost of sacking the manager for transfers this window it could give the manager and the team a big boost and could turn things round this season. Not saying it will happen of course.

In a minute - just looking for Lord Lucan

I love the idea of rafa watching this stuff on Sky with the volume turned off.

I agree I don't think Le Tallec'as appearance was for that reason. However, if Rafa's approach is scientific then why would he not use psychology which is also a science and not intuitive as you suggest?

Another urban myth exposed

This chap ? http://community.footballpools.com/blog/20...om-lisbon-hell/

Yes there is the possiblity that Rafa has completely taken leave of his senses

I don't think they are mutually exclusive at all but if it came down to having to make a choice I'd rather 4th than the Europa Cup. Having said that if we won it I would be delighted.

If it were to come down to a choice between winning a significant but inferior trophy and retaining the opportunity to win the most prestigious trophy in world club football how can anyone choose the former? That to me is aiming low rather than for the heights to which we should aspire