Rafa: Expectations are Unfair
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Rafa Benitez believes nobody should expect Liverpool to win The Premier League in the current climate, because their nearest rivals are spending much more money.
Benitez was speaking after Manchester City became the nation’s richest football club, securing the imminent takeover by Abu Dhabi United Group.
While City and United were able to splash upwards of £30 million on Robinho and Dimitar Berbatov respectively, Liverpool had to keep to their means with the modest £8 million capture of Albert Riera.
United now have seven players signed for over £18 million, while Liverpool have only two, and it is for that reason that Benitez believes any title triumph would be more impressive than the efforts of the teams around them.
“We are here to win every trophy, but now we have United, Chelsea and City spending big, big money. Also this year, Aston Villa, and then you’ve got the quality of Arsenal," explained the Spaniard.
“Our supporters need to know that we are always doing our best, but it cannot be a case of ‘oh you’ve spent £20 million so you should win’.
“We spent £20 million on [Fernando] Torres last year and £20 million on Robbie Keane this year, and people are saying we have to win the title now.
“United has £20 million for Nani, £20 million for [Owen] Hargreaves, £18 million for [Michael] Carrick, £30 million for [Wayne] Rooney, £30 million for [Rio] Ferdinand, £20 million for Anderson, and some of these players can sit on the bench.
“People need to understand that it is not easy to win the title, so it is important to support the team and take the pressure away.”
Benitez has had to take a deep look at how to improve his side’s sum of parts this season, hence the signing of a left-side wideman in Riera.
“He's the kind of player all managers like and the supporters will be very happy,” Benitez added.
"He is good in the air, has a good delivery and a good left foot, he is also strong and he can be really good for us."
Riera’s time at Manchester City will have left many a fan wondering why Benitez has such faith in Riera, but the 26-year-old insists he has improved beyond all recognition since then.
“It was a different moment, when I came to City it was January, so I was joining halfway through the season,” Riera explained.
“I was 22 years old, I have plenty more experience, I played in a Uefa Cup final, and I’m now a Spain international.
“Now I am prepared to play for a big big club like this one.”
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i am sure nobody expect liverpool to win the premiership.
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btw, anyone know how much he has spent or the previous manager?
I think the Liverpool bosses are paying their noses to make their managers happy.
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man utd, chelsea, arsenal, man city
liverpool go UEFA cup.
unless got owners with money
or brian clough revive from his grave and take over as liverpool manager
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tis bastard just wan his owner to spend money la
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Originally posted by kopiosatu:
man utd, chelsea, arsenal, man city
liverpool go UEFA cup.
unless got owners with money
or brian clough revive from his grave and take over as liverpool manager
brian clough? he was forest's manager wasnt he? i think liverpool needs bob paisley. -
Originally posted by dragg:
brian clough? he was forest's manager wasnt he? i think liverpool needs bob paisley.ya. brian clough took normal players and led them to european club glory.
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those days Nottingham Forest had the likes of Peter Silton, Viv anderson, Martin O'neil and Tervor Francis who are not considered as "normal players" IMHO...
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as usual he blame everybody but himself.
why sign so many unknown player in the first place? is it because they are less than 10million? if he could avoid signing 2-3 such player, he could have bought barry.
maybe some bro can mention so of the flop signing he has made thru his stay at anfield.
1. voronin--- back on loan in germany.
2. kuyt-- not that good, but not sure why rafa still sticking on him.
3. bellamy.
4. many spaniands, dont even bother to remember their name.
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rafa.. don't worry i don't belive u will win =)
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man utd will relegate within 5 seasons from now
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Originally posted by NG QIBO AARON AUBREY:
man utd will relegate within 5 seasons from now
......
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Funny. HAHA
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Ah Ben is giving himself a good excuse for not doing the Number 1 reason why he is employed.
He have a decent group of players that he can build on.
The strange thing is he is commiting suicide by kicking out the reliable players and keeping his useless pet.
He is the reason why Liverpool will never win the EPL title.
The tinker-king have got to go.
The Liverpool captain is obviously losing his patience over his manager that he have declared himself unfit for the man utd match.
Ah Ben is actually stupid enough to fall into trap by saying Stevie will play to show that he is in control.
Bellamy - I dun agreed that he is a flop as he is the only player that raring to give 110% for every match as compared to his lazy spanish comrade.
He earned and deserved the Liverpool shirt than any one.
It is very sad and tiring for the fans to experience the same old crap from the manager that thinks he know every thing.