I think we need to look at this like an Investigation or a puzzle. Their are tons of instances when the manager could be blamed for a teams poor performance. However, I dont think this is one of those cases. This is the same coach who gave us the FA Cup, Champions League Trophy, top standings in the league under his tenure. I dont think he all of a sudden forgot how to coach a football team.
I think their is a very,very simple answer.
I think the loss of Xabi Alonso took something from this team. He may of not had the captains armband on, but I think he was a great on field commander and could rally the team together to play as one. Generals get the glory and the Stars, but the field commanders do the work, they are with the soldiers in the trenches.
So, yes, I think it was (1) player who put them on this path. DO we blame Rafa for losing Alonso? Maybe, we dont know the full story. Would he have stayed in Liverpool w/out the whole Gareth Barry, transfer saga? Yes, I think so. I think that made Alonso feel like he wasn't wanted or needed. Liverpool certainly did not handle that deal well. I think Gerrard was crushed and is lost w/out him. I think Gerrard and Alonso were a 1-2 punch which worked so well together that Gerrard doesn't know how to play without him. I think the addition of Torres was supposed to be the final piece, the trifecta for a run of Championships and losing Alonso destroyed that plan.
If Alonso was still in Liverpool then it would be a completely different team.
« Last Edit: Dec 20, 2009 07:20:21 pm by JD »
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