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One man's trash is another man's treasure

Last updated : 28 February 2013 By Robert Ursell
Rafa The Gaffer always provokes opinion, and usually divides it.

He is not the Messiah Kopites will have you believe, nor is he the Spanish Mike Bassett. 

He is undoubtedly a knowledgeable and talented coach who has some obvious flaws. 

Putting aside my ongoing tirades against dour football, a Benitez trait which Stamford Bridge has had to endure in recent weeks, it is difficult to compete in modern league football with a defensive mindset. 

Attacking has improved and more goals are being scored all over the world.

Bearing in mind the student of the game Benitez is, it is somewhat curious as to why his approach hasn't evolved with the game.


At best he has stagnated since his penultimate Anfield season.

At worst, the Spaniard often described as an 'Italian Coach' has gone backwards since his Valencia days.

Perhaps he has spent too long away from his country, where the beautiful game currently resides.

The Benitez Ultras currently sitting on The Kop refusing to appreciate Brendan Rodgers are every bit as guilty as the Chelsea fans who attempted to oust Rafa from day one.

Maybe they don't protest anywhere near as vocally and visually as 'The Plastics', as Scousers damningly refer to their West London counterparts.


However, they hypocritically condemn the Chelsea faithful for not giving a new manager fair opportunity to prove himself.

There also similarities between Roberto Di Matteo's Chelsea reign and Rafa's Liverpool tenure.

Both presided over a fortuitous Champions League win, (I am not attempting to belittle the triumphs, but both were thoroughly outplayed in the process of winning their final on penalties) and both won the hearts of their respective followings with their personalities as much as their coaching skills. 


Now both sets of fans pine for previous managers, something which doesn't help the current incumbent, or the team.

Admittedly, one environment is infinitely more toxic than the other, and it is a comparatively tiny number of desenting voices on Merseyside, but the slightest murmurings of discontent from Liverpool's world famous loyal following simply cannot have a positive effect.


Another parallel between the two situations, an undeniably subjective one, and one which I realise is going to see a lot of people disagree with me, is the current quality of each coach.

I emphasise the word subjective, but.... I would comfortably take Rodgers over Rafa, and Rafa over Robbie.

To Reds' fans who will no doubt grit their teeth at my insistence that Brendan is a better captain to have currently steering my ship than the man who brought 'Number Five', I would like to point you in the direction of the current holders of that most coveted of trophies, who unanimously and passionately profess that Rafa is unfit, (to manage) and Di Matteo is an excellent young manager, despite losing out on the Birmingham City vacancy less than two years ago.
 
Sometimes, an emotional attachment can obscure imperfections.
 
One man's trash is another man's treasure.
 
You can view Robert's website at www.four6zero.com and follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/urse10