Details can win you games just ask Rafa, I dont think there is any manager out there who would agree with this more. I'm pretty sure Rafa has his very own micromanagent obsession methods as he prepares the team for their next match.
While we're here Obsessing over things like for example ... The substitution over Robbie Keane against West Brom the other night. I'm fairly positive Rafa himself will run back over videos of that game and see where improvements can be made. Rafa doesnt for one minute come accross as a man to rest on his laurels, which in my opinion is a b.loody credible trait to have as a manager. Keeping the players on their toes by telling them where they could improve their game is far better than telling them how good they are as individuals, as running the risk of complacency would inevitability enter their minds.
As for us forum members discussing some of the more microscopic points of how the lads faired and obviously I include the manager in that. I think its fair enough, if not only to spark some insightful posts on these boards but to share any favorable or adverse concerns about the team. Believe me I have posted on other forums just how delighted I was with our win over West Brom, plus the fact Torres was given a run out and also how our very own (in my opinion) underated fullback Arbeloa took his goal. But like this forum the 'Keane subbstitution' did spark up some debate.
One of the best times to stand back and look for improvements, is when you've just won a game. Like I said before Rafa no doubt will be doing this as he doest come accross as a man who rests on his laurels. As the fans we get the extra mortal to discuss ontop of the team, Rafa himself.
As it stands so far this season I'm absolutley delighted with the way we have grinded out performances and of course I'm over the moon as to where we currently stand in the Premiership. I'm optimistic now that we can make a fist of it this year as far as a title challenge goes, I dont necceserily think we'll win the league but thats for another debate. I'd be gratified with a genuine title challenge at long last.
I find it no coincedence whatsoever that we find ourselves in such a commanding position due to the lack of Rafa's rotational methods. Yes, enter the boring old topic of rotation that has been done to death. Whether certain people consider this to be "microscopic management" or even the 'stick to beat Rafa with', I personally dont but opinions vary. Firstly many other factors will of aided us into our lofty position so far like the appointment of Sammy Lee for example. The motivator, the man with the big Scouse heart will of only served as a positive in firing the players up. Maybe the siging of Riera too who has given us that much needed balance down the left. But I tell you what, if people do consider Riera's signing to be that significant in getting us to this current position he must be one hell of a player to do that. I dont underestimate the positives he, Sammy Lee and others alike have had on the team this season. But I personally cant look much further past the fact that Rafa has cut down on his rotation systems, compared to the past. Surely its no coincidence ? Yes he's changes personel around here and there and formations to, but to the extent in which he has done in the past. Something like 75 changes were made in our first fifteen games last season or possibly the season before, they are ridiculous numbers in my opinion. He has pretty much tried rotation in his four previous seasons, by December more or less even earlier in some cases we've been out of the title race. Many people have argued that rotating players earlier on in the season will keep them fresher for the second half of it, well thats no good for man nor beast if we're already out of the league is it.
I'm very glad to see Rafa alter his approach slightly and go back to the more orthordox style of management, and I also appreciate the need to rest players here and there. I understand that Rafa will need to make some changes here and there, but instead of 'mass rotating' seven players for a game he's seemingly cut it down to one or two which in my opinion is a much more sensible approach. I think with the chance the players have been given this year to find co-hessiveness, confidence, momentum and understanding the team has benefitted alot more. The players have been aloud to find their rythm and groove and build up a head of steam, surely this has served to benefit the team. Even the most 'Pro rotationilist' of supporters must surely see the benefits of playing a more largely settled team this time around. Its micromangement at its best ! Well that is if you consider the rotation debate micromangement. A negative in discussion has potentially been turned around into a positive and thats something I'm sure all Liverpool supporters can appreciate.
« Last Edit: Nov 12, 2008 01:30:29 am by LFC-Red »
Logged