Title: Rafa The Muppet
Achoo - December 12, 2008 12:45 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
RAFA BENITEZ wrote off Liverpool’s title chances and admitted: It ain’t going to happen.
The Reds are top of the Premier League going into tomorrow’s trip to Hull.
But boss Benitez said: “For us to win the league we need Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal to mess up their season.
"It is very rare that three teams all mess up.
“So there’s no point waiting for our direct adversaries to slip up because it won’t happen.
“They all have a lot greater financial means than us.”
It is an astonishing admission from Spaniard Benitez which will not go down well in the corridors of power at Anfield.
American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett do not want to hear anyone dismissing Liverpool’s hopes of landing the title for the first time since 1990.
The Reds are one point clear of second-placed Chelsea and six ahead of Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
Former Valencia chief Benitez is hoping to land a new deal.
But he added: “For me, Valencia and Liverpool are similar — for them to win, the bigger clubs have to do badly.
“When I won La Liga with Valencia that’s what happened, Real Madrid and Barcelona were in transition, so it was easier.”
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Rkane - December 12, 2008 12:48 AM (GMT)
Are you just calling him a muppet to keep in tradition or because of this article?
Marc Overmarsbar - December 12, 2008 12:51 AM (GMT)
:blink: Doesn't sound like something he'd say at all. Strange one.
Achoo - December 12, 2008 12:52 AM (GMT)
Bit of both.
I can see the sense in playing down Liverpools chances but not to that extent.
Also Liverpool arent like Valencia, they are better and go in to each season expecting a trophy, Valencia go in to a season hoping for one
Rkane - December 12, 2008 01:02 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Achoo @ Dec 12 2008, 12:52 AM) |
Bit of both.
I can see the sense in playing down Liverpools chances but not to that extent.
Also Liverpool arent like Valencia, they are better and go in to each season expecting a trophy, Valencia go in to a season hoping for one |
I think you're right, it is an odd one.
Paper bollocks perhaps? Then again, given some of the quotes they would have to be blatant lies and false comments to excuse that.
adzzzbatch - December 12, 2008 01:17 AM (GMT)
Sometimes when you see benitez on tv, you can see he says things he doesn't actually mean by his body language and by the way he says it.
I think he likes to "chat shit" for the sake of it.
Achoo - December 12, 2008 03:23 AM (GMT)
Would be interesting to hear what the Liverpool fans on here think.
Tibs, i know youre lurking on GW and will see this so let us know
Bibs, you too
Isnt there another one as well/
arsenal901 - December 12, 2008 06:44 AM (GMT)
i dont think his english is that good.. his words are being taken out of context.. :coffee:
Mr Brighterside - December 12, 2008 07:37 AM (GMT)
maybe he's going for the wenger route of accepting anything but reality? liverpool are as much a contender as anyone else.
Bimbo Lanre Fatokun - December 12, 2008 07:51 AM (GMT)
Liverpool will not, ever, win the league under Benitez.
Bit silly to say, though. :good:
Gunnersaurus - December 12, 2008 08:02 AM (GMT)
Reverse Psycology from Benitez but he is right, they will never win it.
Untill he stops tinkering with the team then they will always be just a good cup side.
bristolgoon - December 12, 2008 08:13 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (arsenal901 @ Dec 12 2008, 06:44 AM) |
| i dont think his english is that good.. his words are being taken out of context.. :coffee: |
Sort of. He is not saying that they cannot win the league.
| QUOTE |
| “So there’s no point waiting for our direct adversaries to slip up because it won’t happen. |
What he is saying is that just beating the other 3 top teams is not enough and that they have to make sure they do the work against all the other sides. He is right. It is also what we have to do and what we have not been doing so far. We have beaten the other top teams so far but we have not done the basic job against the other sides. The reporters have taken his words and twisted them to mean something completely different from what he actually said and meant. So whats new.
Rkane - December 12, 2008 09:10 AM (GMT)
The part about Valencia can't be misinterpretated though. Comparing Liverpool to them is a bit of a joke.
Gunnersaurus - December 12, 2008 09:50 AM (GMT)
Well yeah, he likes to play the peasant but he's spent over 100M in his time there so their spending power is hardly that of Evertons.
Dr. Gaius Baltar - December 12, 2008 10:37 AM (GMT)
ConeYule - December 12, 2008 02:45 PM (GMT)
Would this 'muppet' be the same Rafa who's team is top of the league at the moment? ;)
Jens' Jolly Red Face - December 12, 2008 03:16 PM (GMT)
could it be that he meant for his words to be taken as the reporter did and is playing politics with Gillette and Hicks, whom I think he despises? His remark about not having money to spend, whether fair or not, was certainly aimed at them. There's also rumors that there's some spatting going on over his new contract. I think it was actually the owners, or their spokesmen, who released some statement about Rafa stalling because he wants too much money?
In any case ... Good times!!! :clap:
Xaviola - December 12, 2008 03:33 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
But he added: “For me, Valencia and Liverpool are similar — for them to win, the bigger clubs have to do badly.
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:blink:
I don't think liverpool fans will be too happy to hear that :lol:
The Christmas Yossarian - December 12, 2008 04:23 PM (GMT)
He's spent ridiculous amounts of money to get to where he is at the moment and he's still complaining about money.
Twat.
Darth Vela - December 12, 2008 05:01 PM (GMT)
Undoubtedly there is an element of journos twisting what he said but he has either tried to play the press for his own reasons and it has back-fired or else he hasn't yet figured out how to deal with the press properly...either one shows that he is under a bit of pressure atm.
The Ghost of Christmas Jens - December 12, 2008 05:44 PM (GMT)
He's not said anywhere in the interview that Liverpool aren't genuine title contenders. That's the journo adding his/her own spin.
I, too, had to scoff at the suggestion that Arsenal have more financial clout than the Scousers.
Imagine what Wenger could do with Arsenal if he had Rafa's money... :drool:
St. Nicklas - December 12, 2008 06:12 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (The Ghost of Christmas Jens @ Dec 12 2008, 05:44 PM) |
He's not said anywhere in the interview that Liverpool aren't genuine title contenders. That's the journo adding his/her own spin.
I, too, had to scoff at the suggestion that Arsenal have more financial clout than the Scousers.
Imagine what Wenger could do with Arsenal if he had Rafa's money... :drool: |
Buy some unproven 15 year old?
Babel is Boss - December 12, 2008 06:13 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Achoo @ Dec 12 2008, 12:45 AM) |
| QUOTE | RAFA BENITEZ wrote off Liverpool’s title chances and admitted: It ain’t going to happen.
The Reds are top of the Premier League going into tomorrow’s trip to Hull.
But boss Benitez said: “For us to win the league we need Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal to mess up their season.
"It is very rare that three teams all mess up.
“So there’s no point waiting for our direct adversaries to slip up because it won’t happen.
“They all have a lot greater financial means than us.”
It is an astonishing admission from Spaniard Benitez which will not go down well in the corridors of power at Anfield.
American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett do not want to hear anyone dismissing Liverpool’s hopes of landing the title for the first time since 1990.
The Reds are one point clear of second-placed Chelsea and six ahead of Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
Former Valencia chief Benitez is hoping to land a new deal.
But he added: “For me, Valencia and Liverpool are similar — for them to win, the bigger clubs have to do badly.
“When I won La Liga with Valencia that’s what happened, Real Madrid and Barcelona were in transition, so it was easier.”
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But boss Benitez said: “For us to win the league we need Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal to mess up their season.
It certainly helps.
"It is very rare that three teams all mess up.
Which is true.
“They all have a lot greater financial means than us.”
It's not about the money we've spent in the past, that's irrelevant, it's about the money we can spend. So this is also true.
He hasn't once said that we won't win the league, just that to do it we have to take advantage of when other teams mess up, something which doesn't often happen.
Arsenal probably do have more money to spend than Liverpool, what with a massive stadium and numerous statements that Wenger has it to spend, he just chooses not to. Benitez likes to chop and change each season to improve the team which is why he'll spend more.
More tabloid bollocks.
Jens' Jolly Red Face - December 12, 2008 06:22 PM (GMT)
bibbles, you don't think there was any politicking going on there -- no shots at the owners?
Babel is Boss - December 12, 2008 06:28 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Jens' Jolly Red Face @ Dec 12 2008, 06:22 PM) |
| bibbles, you don't think there was any politicking going on there -- no shots at the owners? |
It wouldn't surprise me if he was giving the owners a bit of a nudge, but then there always will be when releations have been a bit frosty recently.
His answer could be that he thinks we'll win this season - he gets criticism saying he's delusional.
He answers saying we won't - criticism that he's making excuses.
arsenal901 - December 12, 2008 08:36 PM (GMT)
Amaury Christmas - December 12, 2008 08:57 PM (GMT)
Odd quotes really, especially the bit about needing us, Chavs and United to feck up for them to win it - I know Pool fans are putting a lot of the spin down to the Sun and what not but they don't seem overly concerned that Benitez has said something like this despite them being top of the pile nearing Xmas. Benitez doesn't seem to be denying an interview took place and spin and no spin, they are weird comments to make.......
arsenal901 - December 13, 2008 12:53 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Amaury Christmas @ Dec 12 2008, 08:57 PM) |
| Odd quotes really, especially the bit about needing us, Chavs and United to feck up for them to win it - I know Pool fans are putting a lot of the spin down to the Sun and what not but they don't seem overly concerned that Benitez has said something like this despite them being top of the pile nearing Xmas. Benitez doesn't seem to be denying an interview took place and spin and no spin, they are weird comments to make....... |
check my post before urs..
adzzzbatch - December 13, 2008 12:55 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Amaury Christmas @ Dec 12 2008, 08:57 PM) |
| Odd quotes really, especially the bit about needing us, Chavs and United to feck up for them to win it - I know Pool fans are putting a lot of the spin down to the Sun and what not but they don't seem overly concerned that Benitez has said something like this despite them being top of the pile nearing Xmas. Benitez doesn't seem to be denying an interview took place and spin and no spin, they are weird comments to make....... |
Well sir twat face has said he needs us too.
adzzzbatch - December 13, 2008 01:34 AM (GMT)
Watch out there is a TiB about... :flash:
TorresIsBoss - December 13, 2008 01:51 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (adzzzbatch @ Dec 13 2008, 01:34 AM) |
| Watch out there is a TiB about... :flash: |
| QUOTE |
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has dismissed as "stupid" suggestions that he has a defeatist approach to the Anfield club's title chances, and insists that if they are still top after Christmas then they will be 80 per cent towards the crown.
The Spaniard was irritated to see claims that Liverpool would only win the Barclays Premier League if their main rivals "messed up" in the remainder of the campaign. |
| QUOTE |
| "I was surprised to read what I was supposed to have said. But really not surprised, because everyone in Liverpool knows about this [paper], it was not true." |
Now, back into hibernation - try not to wake me again you little scamps.
Santa, That Elf... - December 13, 2008 08:22 AM (GMT)
Rkane - December 13, 2008 11:10 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| "I was surprised to read what I was supposed to have said. But really not surprised, because everyone in Liverpool knows about this [paper], it was not true." |
Ah, he's hiding behind that old chestnut.
Hiding behind your fans paranoia? Tut tut.
Babel is Boss - December 13, 2008 11:31 AM (GMT)
Having not taken much notice at this, what paper was this actually from?
Achoo - December 13, 2008 11:39 AM (GMT)
That particular piece was from The Sun.
Its been reported in other papers as well though
Babel is Boss - December 13, 2008 11:55 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Achoo @ Dec 13 2008, 11:39 AM) |
That particular piece was from The Sun.
Its been reported in other papers as well though |
So yes.... more tabloid bollocks.
TorresIsBoss - December 13, 2008 12:09 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Babel is Boss @ Dec 13 2008, 11:31 AM) |
| Having not taken much notice at this, what paper was this actually from? |
The scum mistranslated a French article, which is completely unlike the Sun - a paper that has proven to be very honest and trustworthy.
Amaury Christmas - December 13, 2008 12:15 PM (GMT)
Has anyone seen this French article though. In what context was he supposedly actually saying it?
Santa, That Elf... - December 13, 2008 02:51 PM (GMT)
I've read elsewhere it was a rehashed story from a couple of years ago. Equally believable as mistranslating it so far as The Sun are concerned.
Ach - October 11, 2009 07:16 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
RAFA BENITEZ has told Liverpool's joint owner George Gillett: We can win the title if we are tranquil and confident.
In a meeting with fans last week, Gillett questioned the £128million Benitez has spent without winning the title.
But the Kop chief, who still has the backing of co-owner Tom Hicks, said: "I will not talk about figures - it's not my role.
"The most important thing was to totally change this team which takes part now every year in the Champions League.
"The knockout stages of the Champions League, for example, bring in a lot of money.
"We sell players when it's necessary to reinvest and we have bought several top-level players and that means today the value of the club is higher.
"The title of champion of England is not my obsession, although it is my priority and we're doing everything we can in that sense.
"But I am convinced that to win the Premier League we must be close to first place during several seasons.
"It was the case for us last season. We're very close on condition that we are tranquil and confident."
Liverpool have already lost three of their first eight league games.
They also collapsed 2-0 in the Champions League at Fiorentina in what was described as one of the worst showings of a Liverpool team in years.
But Benitez said: "We had a complicated start to the season with injuries to many players and others that joined us a bit late.
"We won our first Champions League game before losing against Fiorentina. Of course it's going to be difficult but we hope to rediscover our level of performance.
"In previous years we have started badly but now all our players are back we will return to our highest level."
Speaking on French TV, Benitez ripped into his backline for the way they conceded in Italy last week.
He added: "Our defence for Fiorentina's first goal was a total disaster.
"The Premier League and the Champions League are different competitions. The first is played on endurance and the other on direct elimination.
"Our squad is good enough but during the year there will be injuries we'll have to manage."
Benitez repeated his mantra that Liverpool cannot compete financially with Manchester United or Chelsea - yet another dig at cash-strapped Yanks Gilett and Hicks.
He added: "In the Premier League the other teams are very strong and have huge financial means.
"In the last five seasons we've had 82 points and then 86 points last season, which is a record for the club.
"We are close to the others but you close the gap with the ability to sign one or two players of great quality.
"We're capable of getting close to Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea but the budgets are not the same."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport...l#ixzz0TekeTtLh
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:haha: