The Benitez Thread

[OneMoSalah 8,886]

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 7,486]

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 7,486]

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

[Corner 456]

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.

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.

Okay, maybe we don't understand each other, so I'll just ignore the previous argument.

What makes you think I don't fully experience the treatment we get? Because I'm born in a different country. I have had the same upbringing as a lot of the fans booing, have lived in the same area and have supported Chelsea for as long as some also. You can't just make assumptions like that.

I'm not judging anyone mate. I understand why they feel like they do and I understand why they're making sure the Chelsea board know how they feel. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with them. I've never once shown any shred of disrespect towards those fans. If anything, I've done my best to understand why the feel like they do. Something the Chelsea board have not done.

How is that the difference between you and I? Of course I understand why they do it, and I respect their opinion. You can't just make assumptions about other people so quickly.

[Rmpr 8,977]

Okay, maybe we don't understand each other, so I'll just ignore the previous argument.

What makes you think I don't fully experience the treatment we get? Because I'm born in a different country. I have had the same upbringing as a lot of the fans booing, have lived in the same area and have supported Chelsea for as long as some also. You can't just make assumptions like that.

I'm not judging anyone mate. I understand why they feel like they do and I understand why they're making sure the Chelsea board know how they feel. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with them. I've never once shown any shred of disrespect towards those fans. If anything, I've done my best to understand why the feel like they do. Something the Chelsea board have not done.

How is that the difference between you and I? Of course I understand why they do it, and I respect their opinion. You can't just make assumptions about other people so quickly.

Maybe you do respect and understand them, maybe I just got over the top with the discussion, I dont know!

One thing though...

You are confusing the cultural aspect I mentioned. I said that no abroad fan will fully have the same vision and feeling a British Londonist Chelsea Fan has. I have made very clear it does not make you a better fan, it just make you a different fan. For someone to trully experience it, you need to grow being a part of it. For isntance, only the ones who frequently go to the pubs on Fulham Road, travel with the team and participate and live Chelsea on a daily basis can grasp that sensation.

It happens with any culture, anywhere in the world. Another example, you will never understand Carioca`s way of life (Rio de Janeiro): Samba, Carnival, Beach, Footvolley, Feijoada on Saturdays, Favelas, Steakhouses, etc. You simply wont, you can learn as much as you want, you will only understand it once you live in that routine for a long time. Even I, who is a Brazilian and live close to Rio dont quite get it. That was all I said, you have to be part of the group to fully and trully understand how it feels and what it means.

I never meant to downgrade or disrespect you. I just want some people to be more sensible and less of warriors, that cant see that things are not black or white. Sorry!

Nonetheless, this conversation is getting off-topic, let just finish it here!

[Corner 456]

Maybe you do respect and understand them, maybe I just got over the top with the discussion, I dont know!

One thing though...

You are confusing the cultural aspect I mentioned. I said that no abroad fan will fully have the same vision and feeling a British Londonist Chelsea Fan has. I have made very clear it does not make you a better fan, it just make you a different fan. For someone to trully experience it, you need to grow being a part of it. For isntance, only the ones who frequently go to the pubs on Fulham Road, travel with the team and participate and live Chelsea on a daily basis can grasp that sensation.

It happens with any culture, anywhere in the world. Another example, you will never understand Carioca`s way of life (Rio de Janeiro): Samba, Carnival, Beach, Footvolley, Feijoada on Saturdays, Favelas, Steakhouses, etc. You simply wont, you can learn as much as you want, you will only understand it once you live in that routine for a long time. Even I, who is a Brazilian and live close to Rio dont quite get it. That was all I said, you have to be part of the group to fully and trully understand how it feels and what it means.

I never meant to downgrade or disrespect you. I just want some people to be more sensible and less of warriors, that cant see that things are not black or white. Sorry!

Nonetheless, this conversation is getting off-topic, let just finish it here!

Okay, you should have been clearer before. Now I know what you mean. Before, you mentioned nationality but you didn't say anything about the cultural aspect.

But no hard feelings and back on topic.

[Madmax 9,219]

Can't have it both ways, the team and the manager win or lose together. So, credit where it's due - well done yesterday, Benitez.

[didierforever 7,349]

there is absolutely no middle ground on this forum. 135 (fantastic and absolutely mind blowing) (45 against leeds and 90 against villa) minutes would have benitez almost crowned as the best manager ever while 135 horrendous minutes prior to that (45 against leeds and 90 against corianthians) had made most of us call for his head (i am one of those).

[Laylabelle 9,534]

He like the team to have the element of surprise lol..mega shite one week..mega good the next!

[Rupert 130]

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

The" Special One" is hanging on by the skin of his teeth at Reañ Madrid - jeered by 80% of the crowd, hated by many for the way he has stunk out the name of Real Madrid and what he has done to the clihg and losing badly to opponents. He has one one La Liga, Rafa won two when he was much younger with a much poorer team. Why would you want one and not the other?

[Strike 7,486]

The" Special One" is hanging on by the skin of his teeth at Reañ Madrid - jeered by 80% of the crowd, hated by many for the way he has stunk out the name of Real Madrid and what he has done to the clihg and losing badly to opponents. He has one one La Liga, Rafa won two when he was much younger with a much poorer team. Why would you want one and not the other?

wtf? are you seriously saying that Rafael Benitez is a better option than Mourinho? MIND=BLOWN

[Strike 7,486]

Let me begin by saying, firstly, Mourinho took a Porto team to Champions League glory, then came to Chelsea and got us to be the best team in the league for 2 years and if it weren't for the Luis Garcia ghost goal or the 2007 shootout loss, we would have been within touching distance of a CL back then.

he went to Inter, got the players performing. Eto'o for Ibra + 56mil. what a masterstroke. Sneijder - world beater then. Got Cambiasso, Lucio etc dig deep and pull off Another Champions League win

Just because he's stuck with a Madrid team full of players who are not playing for the team, doesn't mean that he suddenly turned into a bad manager.

Compare him to Rafa and you've got a total mismatch. Plus, Rafa - never accepted by fans. Plus, Jose would get total control of transfers.Plus Rafa would just be a puppet strung by Gourlay and Emenalo. Plus, Mourinho will have the burning desire to win the CL at Chelsea. that'll keep him going.