The Benitez Thread

[Rmpr 8,977]

8-0, 5-1 in the same week and morons are still having a go at Rafa. He is too good for some of you. The rest of us can sit back and enjoy the expertise of this fine man. He won the La Liga twice with a team that had not won it in the previous 30 years. With or without the morons among us he will bring glory to Chelsea and do it in high style but with personal modesty.

Exactly wins 8-0 and 5-1 and people still moan. Is it any wonder why other clubs fans do say we are mugs and that we are fickle and ungrateful etc etc. Just because hes Rafa Benitez people want him out even though hes a more proven and much more established manager than Robbie was.

People actually have dignity, something way more important than winning.

[Corner 456]

You dont have the right because you dont understand them. I have heavily criticized them for booing Rafa and after talking with our hardcore fans and listening to some fancasts, I was able to get a sense of how they felt.

I still wouldnt boo any manager or player, but now, I understand the ones that do.

I was man enough to recognise my mistake and apologise for the memeber I had a discussion about it (the boo effect). Like it or not, this football club belongs to the traditional british fans that have lived and breathed Chelsea for many years and trully experience being a Blue Londonist. Only they know how it hurts to see a Loserpool "legend" who honestly meant those horrible phrases about CFC being at the sideline of Stamford Bridge.

It does not mean they are better fans or anything, please no. What I am saying is that we have to understand their point of view, because if everything falls apart, they are the ones who will hold the club together. So, until we accept that and experience it, we have no right to criticize them!

Just because you understand why they're doing it, that does not make it okay for them to do so.

I understand a lot of horrible things people to every day and why they do them, but it does not make it okay. That's just not a valid reason for me.

[Rmpr 8,977]

Just because you understand why they're doing it, that does not make it okay for them to do so.

I understand a lot of horrible things people to every day and why they do them, but it does not make it okay. That's just not a valid reason for me.

Clearly did not get what I was saying...

If one really wants to learn and try to understand the other side, one needs to start looking for a logical and reasonable answer to why some of our fans would do bash Benitez. When I say I do understand how they feel, I am actually saying I accept how they feel. Our hardcore fans are the foundation of Chelsea and they have more right to claim this club than a Brazilian, Scotish and Ireland. If fans at SB feel the Board is trolling with their dignity and pride by apointing a Loserpool Fan, they have the right to do whatever they believe will make Roman hears them. Again, I personally wouldnt do it, but I get it.

[OneMoSalah 8,776]

You dont have the right because you dont understand them. I have heavily criticized them for booing Rafa and after talking with our hardcore fans and listening to some fancasts, I was able to get a sense of how they felt.

I still wouldnt boo any manager or player, but now, I understand the ones that do.

I was man enough to recognise my mistake and apologise for the memeber I had a discussion about it (the boo effect). Like it or not, this football club belongs to the traditional british fans that have lived and breathed Chelsea for many years and trully experience being a Blue Londonist. Only they know how it hurts to see a Loserpool "legend" who honestly meant those horrible phrases about CFC being at the sideline of Stamford Bridge.

It does not mean they are better fans or anything, please no. What I am saying is that we have to understand their point of view, because if everything falls apart, they are the ones who will hold the club together. So, until we accept that and experience it, we have no right to criticize them!

How do I not have to right to criticize them when I do understand them. I know it was a difficult appointment to take because of the Liverpool thing but I thought Chelsea fans were better than the way they had acted at the Man City game. I thought they would have maybe forgiven Benitez and supported him from the start but they didn't. I instantly thought I'm going to give Rafa a chance to prove himself, hes a good manager, can turn the ship around as many interim coaches have done before and hopefully he can win one of the trophies we are in. I thought Chelsea fans were smart enough to do the same and support him as hes now going to be in the clubs history if you like it or not - positively for winning a cup or negatively for being the 9th manager in 8 years or whatever under Roman.

The Rafa quotes, did you honestly expect him to say anything else, or anything like "No Chelsea fans are better than Liverpool fans because they have plastic flags", he was going to say something, its mind games, they are used to annoy managers to try and stress the manager and the other team members out to distract them from preparing for a game. Jose was a mastermind at using mind games, he annoyed Guardiola with them and caused Pep to loose the rag and do an angry press conference about it before a CL game 2 years ago. He also annoyed a lot of people in Italy due to his mind games, arrogance and his ego. People loved Brian Clough for such bold comments and stuff, people also loved Mourinho because he was very psychological before games to try and unsettle coaches and players to give himself and his team an advantage so for Liverpool fans or even people who don't like Chelsea in general Rafa would have been seen as good guy for saying that.

I understand the point about peoples point of views, totally 100% but I thought, we, as Chelsea fans are all more intelligent and would just give him a chance. I thought they would put the team first, rather than all this negativity with all the booing at games and that. It was a disgrace to hear all of that, absolutely disgusting. The players would of heard and felt that they were in a hostile atmosphere.... at a home game.

[Strike 7,217]

still not entirely convinced that rafa should be an option to consider beyond this season.

[Muzchap 8,966]

How do I not have to right to criticize them when I do understand them. I know it was a difficult appointment to take because of the Liverpool thing but I thought Chelsea fans were better than the way they had acted at the Man City game. I thought they would have maybe forgiven Benitez and supported him from the start but they didn't. I instantly thought I'm going to give Rafa a chance to prove himself, hes a good manager, can turn the ship around as many interim coaches have done before and hopefully he can win one of the trophies we are in. I thought Chelsea fans were smart enough to do the same and support him as hes now going to be in the clubs history if you like it or not - positively for winning a cup or negatively for being the 9th manager in 8 years or whatever under Roman.

The Rafa quotes, did you honestly expect him to say anything else, or anything like "No Chelsea fans are better than Liverpool fans because they have plastic flags", he was going to say something, its mind games, they are used to annoy managers to try and stress the manager and the other team members out to distract them from preparing for a game. Jose was a mastermind at using mind games, he annoyed Guardiola with them and caused Pep to loose the rag and do an angry press conference about it before a CL game 2 years ago. He also annoyed a lot of people in Italy due to his mind games, arrogance and his ego. People loved Brian Clough for such bold comments and stuff, people also loved Mourinho because he was very psychological before games to try and unsettle coaches and players to give himself and his team an advantage so for Liverpool fans or even people who don't like Chelsea in general Rafa would have been seen as good guy for saying that.

I understand the point about peoples point of views, totally 100% but I thought, we, as Chelsea fans are all more intelligent and would just give him a chance. I thought they would put the team first, rather than all this negativity with all the booing at games and that. It was a disgrace to hear all of that, absolutely disgusting. The players would of heard and felt that they were in a hostile atmosphere.... at a home game.

I was there today, apart from the 16th min only one RDM there was NO booing!!!

Coincidence we win handsomely!!!

Now, somebody try to tell me that booing the manager didnt create a shit, hostile environment that fucked our team up!

Since the booing has largely stopped - our performances and results have increased. Fair enough the CWC really hurt, it's cost me a stage 1 warning as well - but is that ALL RB's fault? No! At worst it's 50/50 for manager and players.

If people get behind the team, rise above petty comments made years ago - we could really go places with this team!

I mean look how cool Piazon was today and the players we have out on Loan - the futures bright, the futures blue!!!

[Muzchap 8,966]

still not entirely convinced that rafa should be an option to consider beyond this season.

If Pep ain't coming I don't know who would be better? Maybe Low from Germany?

Apart from that the bottom of the barrel is looking pretty murky

[Strike 7,217]

If Pep ain't coming I don't know who would be better? Maybe Low from Germany?

Apart from that the bottom of the barrel is looking pretty murky

Jose Mourinho. The Special One. end of.

[OneMoSalah 8,776]

If Pep ain't coming I don't know who would be better? Maybe Low from Germany?

Apart from that the bottom of the barrel is looking pretty murky

Rafa will be third choice before Pep and Mourinho if he gets sacked/resigns. There is an extra 12 months option for his contract in case Pep takes another year out/Jose isn't available and Joachim Low said he won't consider his future until after the 2014 World Cup at least.

All the top managers/decnet up and coming coaches are in jobs at good clubs or Roman won't go for them (British coaches)

- Fergie United till he dies... (which isn't very long to be fair) hes 70, United will be his last job for sure.

- Klopp is trying to build Dortmund into an incredible force in Germany.

- Moyes is attainable but very unlikely because Roman wants a foreign big name usually, also said he'd like to manager in Germany one day. Also highly rated at United.

- Mourinho at Madrid. PSG and City want him too and he'd go there because they are looking for instant success like he usually is.

- Stramaccioni (hes a top manager in the making at least) is doing well at Inter and will want to earn his stripes there first before doing anything.

- Guardiola seems United bound.

- Van Gaal is the Holland boss. Probably close to retiring as hes like 124.

- Hiddink retiring end of season.

- Ancelotti, already had doubt he'd ever ever consider coming back after being sacked a year after making history for finishing second.

- AVB (yes I said it haha) at Spurs, won't ever ever ever ever ever ever come back as long as he lives. Like it or not he's likely to become a top coach one way or another.

- Benitez will probably be the answer.

- Zeman, if anyone would ever consider him, he always seems to be managing in Italy.

- Bielsa, doubt we'd go for him as well.

[Muzchap 8,966]

Jose Mourinho. The Special One. end of.

Rafa will third choice before Pep and Mourinho if he gets sacked/resigns. There is an extra 12 months option for his contract in case Pep takes another year out/Jose isn't available and Joachim Low said he won't consider his future until after the 2014 World Cup at least.

Cheers guys

Just don't see JM coming back

I also don't see Pep here, think with the cancer thing of current Barca manager, he'll go back there...

So could be RB until 2014 then

[Strike 7,217]

Cheers guys

Just don't see JM coming back

I also don't see Pep here, think with the cancer thing of current Barca manager, he'll go back there...

So could be RB until 2014 then

i have my hopes up that pep wants a change of scenery and mourinho wants to come back to England

[Muzchap 8,966]

i have my hopes up that pep wants a change of scenery and mourinho wants to come back to England

Well @hutcho CFC convinced me to be positive - so will keep an open mind

I just have a sneaky feeling ManU are plotting for JM - I have no facts or evidence, just an awful gut feeling to quote Obi Wan - it's like a million voices cried out in pain and terror - i feel a disturbance in the force...

[OneMoSalah 8,776]

i have my hopes up that pep wants a change of scenery and mourinho wants to come back to England

I'd love to see Gianfranco Zola, Paolo Di Canio, Gus Poyet or Didier Drogba (we can only wish) as manager at one point. Would be great to get any of them four tbh. Got to love Di Canio, hes such a crazy character hahaha.

[Corner 456]

Clearly did not get what I was saying...

If one really wants to learn and try to understand the other side, one needs to start looking for a logical and reasonable answer to why some of our fans would do bash Benitez. When I say I do understand how they feel, I am actually saying I accept how they feel. Our hardcore fans are the foundation of Chelsea and they have more right to claim this club than a Brazilian, Scotish and Ireland. If fans at SB feel the Board is trolling with their dignity and pride by apointing a Loserpool Fan, they have the right to do whatever they believe will make Roman hears them. Again, I personally would do it, but I get it.

No, I understand what you're saying. And I understand that a lot of fans have been hurt by the appointment of Benitez. What really pisses me of though is that those same fans do not stop to think how they hurt the players by booing. Some of the players on the pitch that have to listen to it only arrived here in the summer and are very young. They can't find it easy to deal with after moving country, leaving behind friends and family and starting a new life.

Just imagine moving country and leaving behind your old life to start a new job. Imagine yourself walking into your new workplace and the first thing you hear is booing, negative comments and just a negative atmosphere. Imagine how that would affect you?

Nationality has nothing to do with it. We're all people and we're all Chelsea fans at the end of the day. I grew up watching Chelsea since I was born just like most English Chelsea fans. I come from an English background but am born in Ireland. Does that make me less of a Chelsea fan?

You and other Chelsea fans can make as many excuses for booing him. I will do my best to understand every one of them but I will never agree with it.

[Rmpr 8,977]

How do I not have to right to criticize them when I do understand them. I know it was a difficult appointment to take because of the Liverpool thing but I thought Chelsea fans were better than the way they had acted at the Man City game. I thought they would have maybe forgiven Benitez and supported him from the start but they didn't. I instantly thought I'm going to give Rafa a chance to prove himself, hes a good manager, can turn the ship around as many interim coaches have done before and hopefully he can win one of the trophies we are in. I thought Chelsea fans were smart enough to do the same and support him as hes now going to be in the clubs history if you like it or not - positively for winning a cup or negatively for being the 9th manager in 8 years or whatever under Roman.

The Rafa quotes, did you honestly expect him to say anything else, or anything like "No Chelsea fans are better than Liverpool fans because they have plastic flags", he was going to say something, its mind games, they are used to annoy managers to try and stress the manager and the other team members out to distract them from preparing for a game. Jose was a mastermind at using mind games, he annoyed Guardiola with them and caused Pep to loose the rag and do an angry press conference about it before a CL game 2 years ago. He also annoyed a lot of people in Italy due to his mind games, arrogance and his ego. People loved Brian Clough for such bold comments and stuff, people also loved Mourinho because he was very psychological before games to try and unsettle coaches and players to give himself and his team an advantage so for Liverpool fans or even people who don't like Chelsea in general Rafa would have been seen as good guy for saying that.

I understand the point about peoples point of views, totally 100% but I thought, we, as Chelsea fans are all more intelligent and would just give him a chance. I thought they would put the team first, rather than all this negativity with all the booing at games and that. It was a disgrace to hear all of that, absolutely disgusting. The players would of heard and felt that they were in a hostile atmosphere.... at a home game.

No, you dont understand!

If you did understand, you wouldnt write some of the things you did and you would not try to convince them.

What you are trying to argue is that it is smarter and better for the team to get behind the manager (whoever he is). Well, let me tell you that the same people who boo Benitez know it. What I wasnt able to grasp at the begining (and now I do) is that the bashing is all about the heart, not the head. The criticism of Benitez is not solely on the way he downgraded us, it is greater than that. It is very loud way (the strongest they found) to demonstrate their upsetment and to make a very clear statement - that their feelings wont be treated like shit. The ultimate goal they have is to be able to have a voice in the decisions made by our Board, they want their wills to be (at least) taken into consideration. RDM sack and Rafa apoitment is only what ignited what have been some dispointments added all together (RDM, Torres, Benitez, Lampard, Cole, Drogba, Wilkins, Mourinho, etc). People just want to be sure we wont be treated like shit again.

Some will say it is radical and what they really want is to get rid of Roman, global exposure, expensive flops, etc. That they want to return being a traditional London club. I say this is bullshit!

Again, I am not is saying Benitez is the worst manager ever and he is the source of everything bad that happened, but he also is not the only reason for our latest results. I posted that if it was for him to lose CWC, why not let RDM have a chance and sack him after a possible failure? Also, I have made it very clear since he first signed that I will always hate him, but I admited he was the best available option and he has the credentials to possibly succeed. I think it is pretty possible to get behind the team, even accept he did a great job and still want him to fuck off.

No, I understand what you're saying. And I understand that a lot of fans have been hurt by the appointment of Benitez. What really pisses me of though is that those same fans do not stop to think how they hurt the players by booing. Some of the players on the pitch that have to listen to it only arrived here in the summer and are very young. They can't find it easy to deal with after moving country, leaving behind friends and family and starting a new life.

Just imagine moving country and leaving behind your old life to start a new job. Imagine yourself walking into your new workplace and the first thing you hear is booing, negative comments and just a negative atmosphere. Imagine how that would affect you?

Nationality has nothing to do with it. We're all people and we're all Chelsea fans at the end of the day. I grew up watching Chelsea since I was born just like most English Chelsea fans. I come from an English background but am born in Ireland. Does that make me less of a Chelsea fan?

You and other Chelsea fans can make as many excuses for booing him. I will do my best to understand every one of them but I will never agree with it.

You say you understand, but you quote me with some arguments I didnt use.

The point is I dont agree with the booing, I would never do such act and I do think they are harmful in some ways. However, I dont try to convince the ones that do it. I know it ruins the home atmosphere (for the players) and it makes it easier for the opposition, but if we achieve a bigger voice at the club, it will be all worth it.

I dont think you are less of a Chelsea fan, but you are not someone who fully experience it to get the sense of how shit treatment our club gives its fans really is. I am in no better position either, but I dont judge them.

That is my whole point, if you dont fully understand the ones who boo Rafa, dont get involved and dont criticize. I am not asking you to agree or to boo (I wont), just have some respect.

The difference is that I get why they do it and respect their opinion.

[Strike 7,217]

The Managerial Shortlist should look something like this imo

1. The Special One

2. Pep

3. Joachim Loew

4. Rafael Benitez

1. Jose - Under fire in Madrid and wants to return to England. Loves Chelsea and would like to build a 2nd team here. World Class Manager. Adored by the fans. Respected by the players. Proven in the Premier League and I think he'll be determined to win the Champions League at Chelsea

2. Pep - Pep's lack of Premiership experience puts him 2nd for me but still, he's a world class manager. took over an out-of-sorts Barcelona team and the first thing he did was sell Ronaldinho and Deco. Built his own team and stamped his authority at Barca with 3 league titles and 2 CL wins.

3. Loew - He's been a national team manager but a very active one at that. Can build a team of fast skilful players playing to a quick counter-attacking strategy.

4. Rafa - Last resort - Rafa. Good experience and proven especially in the CL. a little negative(defensive) in his approach maybe but that is useful in CL games where we have to keep things tight. Sadly not a World Class manager

[Rmpr 8,977]

The Managerial Shortlist should look something like this imo

1. The Special One

2. Pep

3. Jurgen Klopp

4. Rafael Benitez

FIXED!

[Strike 7,217]

FIXED!

Jurgen Klopp. will he leave Borussia? he's building his own dynasty there

anyway, it's irrelevant. Jurgen Klopp won't get total control of the first team affairs. he will be puppet-stringed by gourlay and emenalo. would love to see a manager in charge of transfers - pep or jose.

Joachim Loew is simply a bigger name than Klopp. Similar to Klopp in many ways but Loew commands more respect and has built up a goodish reputation. he'll have more of an impact here. hence he is 3rd