I'd have gone for 2-3 seasons, but that would have been so difficult with the sly sports mob and the xenophobic press. It was clear we needed strengthening, but ideally it should have happened when we finished second.
I'm always curious as to why some people say 'Rafa lost us the league' because we finished second. Firstly, we never actually had it to effectively lose. Secondly, we did usually create a lot chances in the games we drew, it's just that we never converted them. My own belief that for much of 08-09 we were by far and away the best team - and we scored a bucket load of goals, which ain't bad for what some people call a defensive coach.
Personally, I don't think Rafa told the players not to score so I don't see how we can say he lost us the league.
I'd love to see him back one day, I'm sure he'd enjoy working with Mr Henry et al, they seem to understand and are keen to learn. The previous lot were intellectually not at the races as regards football.
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