However, surely the time has come for Rafa to throw away this cautionary approach this season, and simply go for broke because he really does have nothing to lose.
We all must agree that this season has been one of those that is probably best forgotten. Everything that can go wrong, has. Injuries, bizarre refereeing decisions, even more bizarre tactics and team selections, loss of concentration resulting in far too many last minute goals. A combination of events that have simply destroyed all of the confidence and self belief achieved in the previous season.
As a supporter, of course I want us to be successful and win things, but realistically only one team in Europe can win the Champions League, and only one team can win the Premiership. The next targets are then Champions League qualification, the FA Cup and Carling Cup.
We are now entering the last 15 mins of the season, we are effectively 3-1 down, unfortunately the very best we can now achieve is Champions League qualification via the fourth spot, which at this moment in time is looking highly unlikely.
Now is not the time for safety first, we simply have to go for broke because if nothing else we can as supporters regain some pride from our brave attempt, rather than despair at the sheer lack of fortitude and guts our current approach is having.
Lets no longer worry about the opposition, let's go for broke and FF's earn back the respect of the supporters, who have stood by you all season with unbelievable patience despite your best attempts to make that nigh on impossible.