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      Rafa launches Fergie attack

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      Venison 86
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      Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Jan 09, 2009 03:36:59 pm
      Video clip on the 2nd page of this thread http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php?topic=12120.msg226646#msg226646

      LINK

      Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has launched an astonishing attack on Sir Alex Ferguson and has accused the Manchester United manager of attempting to start 'early' mind games in the Premier League title race.

      Benitez takes his table-topping side to Stoke on Saturday looking to reinforce their position at the summit, but he has been angered by comments from Ferguson.

      The Reds could move 10 points clear of third-placed United, who would enjoy the luxury of three games in hand, with victory at the Britannia Stadium but Ferguson has suggested that the Liverpool could choke under the pressure.

      Ferguson's observation has caused an outburst from Benitez and the Spaniard has launched criticism of the Old Trafford boss, claiming he is the only manager to avoid punishment in the current Respect campaign.

      Benitez said: "We had a meeting in Manchester with managers and the Football Association about the respect campaign.
      Ban

      "And I was very clear, forget the campaign because Mr Ferguson was killing the referees, killing Mr (Martin) Atkinson, killing Mr (Keith) Hackett.

      "But I have seen some facts. On 1st November, they played Hull and Mr Ferguson had a two-match touchline ban and a ÂŁ10,000 fine after confronting Mike Dean, the referee, for improper conduct.

      "We started the Respect campaign, and that was when (Javier) Mascherano was sent off (last season) at Old Trafford.

      "The referee (Steve Bennett) was the referee when they played against Wigan - he could not see the handball against Wigan by Rio Ferdinand, he did not give a penalty. They won the game and they won the title in this game.

      "I think it will be the same referee who will be in charge of their game in hand this season (against Wigan).

      Tricks

      "During the Respect campaign - and this is a fact - Mr Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and Keith Hackett.

      "He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things."

      Benitez also feels that Ferguson's suggestion that Liverpool can not handle the pressure at the top of the table is only an example of the Scot's infamous psychological tricks.

      "I was surprised but I have to talk about facts," added Benitez. "I think that is important. I think they (United) are nervous because we are at the top of the table.

      "I want to be clear. I don't want to play mind games too early and I think that they want to start."
      « Last Edit: Jan 09, 2009 07:17:58 pm by JD »
      dunlop liddell shankly
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #1: Jan 09, 2009 03:40:10 pm
      Well said Rafa lad.
      Reslivo
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #2: Jan 09, 2009 03:45:27 pm
      :lmao:

      Oh ol' Red nose will be fuming when he reads this.

      Rafa for PM!
      Podge
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #3: Jan 09, 2009 03:47:07 pm
      Tell em Rafa !!! The gaffer certainly knows how to highlight the pettiness and stupidity of other managers and take them down a peg or two.........Mourinhio immediatley springs to mind !! :D
      JD
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #4: Jan 09, 2009 03:47:19 pm
      How the Guardian have reported it...

      In his 22 years at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson has shown a remarkable ability to get under the skin of his counterparts at other clubs. Rafael BenĂ­tez today became the latest to fail to contain his fury with the Manchester United manager, the Liverpool manager launching an astonishing attack on Ferguson that ranged from United's supposed influence with referees to the FA lenience towards the club via the topic of United's recent complaints over the fixture list.

      BenĂ­tez claimed that Ferguson was "the only manager who will not be punished" for criticising referees, accused him of "killing" the Respect campaign and saved particular vitriol for Ferguson's claims earlier this month that United had been "handicapped" by the Premier League fixture list.

      "He [Ferguson] was talking about the fixtures," said BenĂ­tez in a press conference that brought echoes of Kevin Keegan's infamous "I would love it ..." outburst as Newcastle manager in 1996. "Two years ago we were playing a lot of early kick-offs away on Saturdays when United were playing on Sundays. And we didn't say anything. Now he is complaining about everything, that everybody is against United.

      "But the second half of the season will see them playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table, it is a fantastic advantage. But at Christmas, United played on the 29th and the rest of the teams played on the 28th. We were away against Newcastle two days after playing Bolton. They were playing about 40 hours later, they were not complaining then."

      "If he wants to talk about fixtures, and have a level playing field as you say in England. There are two options if we don't want more problems with fixtures. One is the same as in Spain, the draw for the first part of the league is known, everyone knows which weekend. In the second-half everyone plays the opposite, so you all know. Sky and Setanta have the right to choose their games and it will be the same for everyone. So Mr Ferguson will not be complaining about fixtures and a campaign against United.

      "Or there is another option. That Mr Ferguson organises the fixtures in his office and sends it to us and everyone will know and cannot complain. That is simple."

      Benítez also accused Ferguson and his club of influencing referees at Old Trafford — "We know what happens every time we go to Old Trafford. They are always going man to man with the referees, especially at half-time when they walk close to the referees and they are talking and talking" — and said that, despite his fiery outburst being evidence to the contrary, his club would not be affected by Manchester United's mind games.

      "I have decided that I had a lot of information and I have been watching every single week what has been going on. Then they started talking about us, but every single week we know they will be talking," he said. "But we want to stay at the top and maybe they will talk about us right to the end."


      Not too sure of the reasons behind Benitez' outburst.  But he has got more than a fair point.
      Reslivo
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #5: Jan 09, 2009 03:49:45 pm
      To be honest, I think he's just sick of Fergie like the rest of us.

      Reason enough, I reckon ;)
      Court LFC
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #6: Jan 09, 2009 03:54:11 pm
      F***ing love it.

      I cannot wait for Fergies reply.
      Reslivo
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #7: Jan 09, 2009 03:55:42 pm
      Found this at the Offal (the rest is basically the same):

      "Talking about football, because I want to finish with this and the mind games. We know what happens when we go to Old Trafford. Mr Scolari maybe needs to know to use zonal marking against the staff of United because they are always using man to man with the referees when they go to the bench and especially at half-time when they are walking close to the referees and talking and talking and talking."

      JD
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #8: Jan 09, 2009 03:56:14 pm
      Let's play spot the difference should we.

      Quote from Sky Sports News
      Sky have the right to choose their games and it will be the same for everyone. So Mr Ferguson will not be complaining about fixtures and a campaign against United.

      Quote from The Guardian
      Sky and Setanta have the right to choose their games and it will be the same for everyone. So Mr Ferguson will not be complaining about fixtures and a campaign against United.

      Maybe Sky shouldn't put Rafa's comments in speech marks?
      Court LFC
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #9: Jan 09, 2009 03:58:53 pm
      The two reports are quite different to be honest.
      redkenny
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #10: Jan 09, 2009 04:01:29 pm
      Heard Rafa earlier on Radio City. He didn't really sound annoyed.

      It'll be plastered all over the papers tomorrow. And no doubt blown out of all proportion.
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #11: Jan 09, 2009 04:02:44 pm
      Can't say anything to the media without them stirring it up. 

      And they wonder why some Managers never give them a hint!
      smigger15
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #12: Jan 09, 2009 04:03:55 pm
      Absolute quality Rafa.  I don't think for one minute he's playing mind games, I think Rafa is like the rest of us and is pissed off with the moaning from Ferguson about everything if it doesn't suit him.

      Rafa has basically told it as it is, fact.

      Hope the other manager's back him up, but somehow I don't think they will  ::)


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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #13: Jan 09, 2009 04:06:26 pm
      :lmao: Rafa is soo good at this, Jose could never get the better of him, and neither will Fergie
      solodee
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      Rafa Benitez blasts Alex Ferguson (....and the FA too?)
      Reply #14: Jan 09, 2009 04:06:40 pm
      Rafa Benitez blast at Manchester United chief Alex Ferguson - Liverpool FC latest
      JAN 9 2009 JAMES PEARCE

      http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-22658011/

      RAFA BENITEZ today launched an astonishing attack on Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. (Watch below)
      The Liverpool boss claimed Ferguson is “the only manager who will not be punished” for outspoken attacks on referees.
      Benitez said: “We had a meeting in Manchester with managers and the Football Association about the respect campaign.

      “And I was very clear, forget the campaign because Mr Ferguson was killing the referees, killing Mr (Martin) Atkinson, killing Mr (Keith) Hackett.”
      Benitez also hit back at Ferguson’s comments earlier this week that the Premier League’s fixtures had been weighted against United.
      ________________________ ________________________ ____

      Pls go to the link to watch the interview

      Ferguson said Liverpool is a joke?  :f_steam:

      Reslivo
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #15: Jan 09, 2009 04:07:27 pm
      United dickheads on RedCafĂŠ think Rafa's cracked.

      I'd say differently. Thick as two short planks are those tossers.
      JD
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #16: Jan 09, 2009 04:18:57 pm
      solodee
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #17: Jan 09, 2009 04:20:47 pm
      http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...ool/7820798.stm

      "I was surprised by what has been said, but maybe they (Manchester United) are nervous because we are at the top of the table.

      "But I want to talk about facts. I want to be clear, I do not want to play mind games too early, although they seem to want to start.

      "But I have seen some facts. On November 1, they played Hull and Mr Ferguson had a two-match touchline ban and a ÂŁ10,000 fine after confronting Mike Dean, the referee, for improper conduct.

      "We started the Respect campaign, and that was when (Javier) Mascherano was sent off (last season) at Old Trafford.

      "The referee (Steve Bennett) was the referee when they played against Wigan - he could not see the handball against Wigan by Rio Ferdinand, he did not give a penalty. They won the game and they won the title in this game.

      There is another option - Mr Ferguson organises the fixtures in his office and sends it to us and everyone will know and cannot complain

      "I think it will be the same referee who will be in charge of their game in hand this season (against Wigan).

      "During the Respect campaign - and this is a fact - Mr Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and Keith Hackett.

      "He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things.

      "Then he was talking about the fixtures. Two years ago we were playing a lot of early kick-offs away on Saturdays when United were playing on Sundays. And we didn't say anything.

      "Now he is complaining about everything, that everybody is against United. But the second half of the season will see them playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table, it is a fantastic advantage.

      "But at Christmas, United played on the 29th and the rest of the teams played on the 28th. We were away against Newcastle two days after playing Bolton. They were playing about 40 hours later, they were not complaining then.

      "And about his behaviour with referees. The Southampton manager he knows how Mr Ferguson works and how he works, he was very clear. I am not playing mind games, just facts.

      "If he wants to talk about fixtures, and have a level playing field as you say in England. There are two options if we don't want more problems with fixtures.

      "One is the same as in Spain, the draw for the first part of the league is known, everyone knows which weekend. In the second-half everyone plays the opposite, so you all know.

      "Sky and Setanta have the right to choose their games and it will be the same for everyone. So Mr Ferguson will not be complaining about fixtures and a campaign against United.

      Rafa wasn't fazed by being 3-0 down at half time against the best team in the world in a Champions League final. This hasn't fazed him either.

      "Or there is another option. That Mr Ferguson organises the fixtures in his office and sends it to us and everyone will know and cannot complain. That is simple.

      "We know what happens every time we go to Old Trafford and the United staff. They are always going man to man with the referees, especially at half-time when they walk close to the referees and they are talking and talking.

      "All managers need to know is that only Mr Ferguson can talk about the fixtures, can talk about referees and nothing happens.

      "We need to know that I am taking about facts, not my impression. There are things that everyone can see every single week.

      "Are they under pressure? Maybe they were not thinking that we would be at the top of the table in January. But we are at the top of the table and they are nervous.

      "I am not telling the authorities what to do. But I have been here for five years and know how things are going on. I will be watching United's game with Chelsea.

      "The result does not matter to us, if we win at Stoke that result does not matter.
      "I was surprised United wanted to start the mind games too early, maybe it is because we are top of the table. But I only wanted to explain our position.

      "It is a massive difference to play early on a Saturday, say, after a European match in midweek.

      "But they will play the second half of the season with home matches against the other top teams, and that is a massive advantage to them.

      "They cannot complain about the fixtures after they were playing on 29 December while the rest played on the 28th.

      "I have decided that I had a lot of information and I have been watching every single week what has been going on. Then they started talking about us, but every single week we know they will be talking.

      "But we want to stay at the top and maybe they will talk about us right to the end.
      "To hear someone talking when he has problems with referees every single week, and now complaining about the fixtures and complaining about everything, I think that is not fair.

      "You can see every single week how they put (referees) under pressure, we know this. We have seen it before. We have seen players sent off at Old Trafford and we do not see our opponents sent off.

      "It is part of the game. But to complain and to always have an advantage is not fair.
      "We had a meeting in Manchester with managers and FA about the Respect campaign. And I was very clear, forget the campaign because Mr Ferguson was killing the referees, killing Mr Atkinson, killing Mr Hackett.

      "But he is not punished. How can you talk about the respect campaign and criticise the referee every single week?

      "You can analyse the facts and come to your own decision and ideas.
      "There is still no news about my contract, my agent has not received any documents so he is a little bit disappointed. But we will see.

      "I would rather not talk too much about this, though, when we have an important game ahead."
      ________________________ ________________________ ________

      The text in full

      smigger15
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #18: Jan 09, 2009 04:21:45 pm
      That's exactly what he said, I was watching it on SSN
      Shay
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #19: Jan 09, 2009 04:24:26 pm
      Good on ya Rafa.  Tell the whiskey-nosed c*nt to f*ck off.

      Just watched it on Echo website - Rafa wasn't looking angry, just stating facts (and playing mind games IMHO  ;)  )
      JD
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #20: Jan 09, 2009 04:25:17 pm
      Knock Fergie off his F***ing perch Rafa!
      smigger15
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #21: Jan 09, 2009 04:27:59 pm
      I always think I could'nt love Rafa anymore than I do, then he goes and does this.  The love goes deeper  ;D
      redtiptoe
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      Re: Rafa launches Fergie attack
      Reply #22: Jan 09, 2009 04:38:21 pm
      jus read it on the off site, well said rafa cant wait for the press to pick the bones out of this one. Fergie needs to be put in his place. Love the bit about the zonal marking round the technical area genius rafa. IRWT

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