Rafa says Finnan is rubbish

[Falconhoof]

I hate Finnan, he's got to go, fumes Rafa

[Hassony]

he obviously misses the competition from Kronkamp

[Buzz]

I thought he was pretty consistant but to have played every game this season too!! Maybe reliable is be a better description, oh yeah, and this bit caught my eye.

"We want to do something before the end of the season. All of the players are important and I cannot talk about the situation of each player," he said.

 

"It's fair to say I am really pleased with my squad and would like to progress with all the players."

And I thought Rafa wanted a smaller squad. If we get some quality newbies and keep all current players, were looking at a very large, but excellent in depth quality squad!!

[Paul B]

Looks like curtains for the poor Irishman there. Over to you, Chris.

Edited April 6, 2007 by Paul B

[Guest Kaizer]

I agree with Rafa, there are room for improvement with Finnan and his covering of his defensive zone at the back right post, I`m not sure Rafa has told him to abandon it like he does from time to time and gift our opponents both time and space to convert chances from the specific area.

 

I did not notice this as much last season as I have this season, maybe because I was not aware of it or maybe because it did not happen as often.

 

Finnan had a better season last season in this aspect, but I think he has improved going forward this season on the other hand.

Edited April 6, 2007 by Kaizer

[McBain]

Finnan's been our most consistent player this season. So i disagree with Rafa

[Chili Palmer]

Finnan's been our most consistent player this season. So i disagree with Rafa

 

I think Rafa knows that Finnan has been one of our better players this year but there is nothing wrong with making sure Finnan doesn't take anything for granted and keeps his levels up for the rest of the season.

[Knox_Harrington]

I think Rafa's actually talking about the importance of rotation much more than criticising Finnan.

[Rimbeux]

I agree with Rafa, there are room for improvement with Finnan and his covering of his defensive zone at the back right post, I`m not sure Rafa has told him to abandon it like he does from time to time and gift our opponents both time and space to convert chances from the specific area.

 

I did not notice this as much last season as I have this season, maybe because I was not aware of it or maybe because it did not happen as often.

 

Finnan had a better season last season in this aspect, but I think he has improved going forward this season on the other hand.

 

With whantever respect is due, and that's up for offer, you're chatting through your rear.

[guernseygareth]

maybe just a 'just cos you're always in the team - don't get comfy' sort of thing?

 

certainly, that's how my bias interprets it.

[bazz]

maybe just a 'just cos you're always in the team - don't get comfy' sort of thing?

 

certainly, that's how my bias interprets it.

 

 

Thats the way I see it too.

 

If Rafa wasn't happy with his form, then when why did he pick him in every game then? Rafa has built a large squad of players and Finnan has been one of his most consistent performers and therefore has been picked for almost every game. This is not criticism, but just keeping players on their toes.

 

If Rafa is indeed saying that he needs to improve, I think that he says the same to Gerrard and doesn't mean that he wants Finnan replaced. Every player can improve.

 

Here are some quotes from the official site during Rafa's interview:

 

 

You mention Steve Finnan ? do you agree he's often an unsung hero?

 

He's a good player. You don't always notice, but he's always there. The quality of his crosses is good. Now you are seeing the best of him because Arbeloa is pushing him.

 

Was that your intention in signing another right-back in January?

 

It's the same with all the players, for example Mascherano and Xabi. It's important to have two options in each position. If you want to compete at a high level on four fronts you need that.

 

 

When you arrived, were you convinced about Finnan?

 

I had reports and some people were saying, hmm. The season before I think he was not playing at his level. Now he is. Gerard Houllier said to me that he was a good player, but people weren't telling me he was fantastic. He's played really well over the three years. Steve was very professional and showed his quality.

[Kite]

Tsk! No one asked me. I thought he was fantastic and still do.

[Mikey]

I think Rafa's actually talking about the importance of rotation much more than criticising Finnan.

I think you're right, this season his level has dropped slightly according to Rafa, and in his opinion its directly related to playing more games.

 

Hopefully if Arbeloa continues as he's started then he will be rested more over the next few seasons - I mean he's 31 now isn't he?

[floyd the barber]

errrrrrrrrr sorry rafa, disagreing with you here.

 

finnan had a poor first month, but has been by far our most consitent player since..even more so than carra.

 

Maybe this is a bit of a motivational chat.

[Maldini]

Contract negotiations

[yellow jumper]

don't think he's been quite as good defensively this year, but probably better going forward. still the most underrated right back in europe and a key member of our squad.

[Mr Makaveli]

Finnan has consistently been under-rated by many. I admit that we do give him his dues here on this site, but that's only cause we know everything

[Guest Linton]

I think it's just that he is one of few players that haven't had any competition for a few years. Yet, he has performed like a champion. But now we have Arbeloa and it looks like he could give him some real competition. Rafa's not stupid and he must know that he is one of the best, if not the best around.

[floyd]

One of Liverpool's most consistent performers claims he is not bothered about the lack of plaudits which come his way.

Steve Finnan says he is happy to miss out on column inches as long as he is helping the team to win trophies.

 

"I've never minded not getting plaudits. It's a question I've been asked many times, but I'm really not bothered," said the right-back.

 

"It's always been more important to me that the team plays well. There are other lads in the team who are playing well but don't always get the praise. In football you always expect the lads who are getting the goals to get most attention, and they deserve it.

 

"I'm happy with how things are going for me, but more especially for the team."

 

Meanwhile, Finnan has spoken of his desire to stay on Merseyside for the foreseeable future.

 

"I would definitely like to sign for more time, but that's up to other people," said the Irish international.

 

"Everyone can see the club is heading in the right direction with the new owners. It's an exciting time. Everyone wants to be a part of it, especially me.

 

official site

[Dominus Maximus]

Finnan's been our most consistent player this season. So i disagree with Rafa

 

Me too, very much indeed

[crisps]

defo one of the thread titles of the year along with rafa to buy all the strikers in italy