Just seen this on another forum and thought it made a lot of sense, what do you all think ?I would prefer the league title, but if I was asked 'League or CL' a few seasons ago, I really wouldn't have given a toss as long as I felt that we could possibly do either.
In a funny way, by winning the CL Rafa has made his job that little bit harder. No longer is that trophy considered good enough (wanting what we cant have?).
In a bizarre way I think Rafas job might be more secure had we lost the Istanbul shootout - in that case he would have twice taken us so close to 'the holy grail', perhaps he would soon drag us over the finish line.
However now we have the Champions League, it doesnt feel so unobtainable, and therefore less attractive.
If Rafa Benitez has done so much that you now expect 'more' than just a European Cup, then surely he has done a great job?
Only one team can win the league, and unfortunatly Liverpool probably have had for a fair few years now the fourth best hand in which to play. Put it this way, if Man Utd come second this season, it should be considered a very poor season for them. With the money they spent on top of the squad they already had, they should walk the league.
So my point is, dont devalue the Champions League. Dont treat it as some competition that is easy to progres in. It isnt, the only reason it is seen that way because we have a brilliant manager who has made it look easy.
This season he isnt having the best of times, but we will probably end up in the league position we should probably finish in. I dont even think we have gone that far backwards this season, just the likes of Everton, Villa and Man City have improved vastly.
Lets not get too greedy too soon, lets enjoy the successes we have along the way to any future league titles that im still sure will come our way if we stick with Rafa.
Dont forget, when he took over, he had a squad with very little. Owen left immediatly and that left him with Steven Gerrard, and a workmanlike full back called Jamie Carragher.
We have alot more than that now, but still not enough. The modern game requires a squad of 22 players. It takes time to even build squad depth like that, and that was Rafas first job. Get rid of the dross and get some decent quality depth. He needed to buy alot of players, therefore could only shop in the £8 sort of region, which will always get hits and misses, but never world class.
Now, he can buy just a couple of individuals to add to the basis its taken 3 years to build. He knew that it would take a long long time to get to the title. We are still progressing I believe, this season that progression has slowed, but it hasnt stopped.
To those of you who answered no (WILL RAFA BRING US 19) . Can you not see the only reason you are saying that is because Rafa has given us so much European glory. Do you think if you were offered no league titles, but a European cup in Rafas first five seasons before he took the job you would have answered no?
If you would have done, you have unbelievably rIdiculous expectations, which, if voiced loudly enough will hurt the club so much it could stop us ever winning the league again.