Just had a little think while taking the dog for a walk.
You know that? I don't think Rafa is even gonna get a phone call, let alone an interview. FSG might consider him, that doesn't mean they're gonna be on the phone though. They'll consider all the options, but I feel only a couple/few will actually be spoken to about the position.
At this moment in time, Martinez is a cert to be spoken to, Villas Boas highly likely, Rafa I doubt.
Let me explain why, I won't wear the rose tinted glasses.
Martinez
Seems like a genuinely nice guy, gets on well with the media, squeeky clean reputation, managed in the Premier League for a number of years with a small side battling at the bottom of the league each year. Young and enthusiastic, has a footballing philosophy, lived in the country for a long time, works with what he has at his disposal, seems tactically sound even with the level of players at his hand. Gets on well with players and retains the best ones. Has made massive profits on player sales. Good youth development, doesn't moan or complain about senior figures above him, gets on with his job, the ultimate yes man. Signs players as cheap as possible, from under the radar as much as possible that also possess good technical ability. Well respected in the league. The "cheaper" more "common sense" appointment for FSG.
Villas Boas
The man FSG considered before they were "forced" to appoint Kenny. It was win-win, as they got onside with the fans at first, being new owners. HOWEVER, an appointment now would be seriously called into question. Yes he is young and won things at Porto, but from a neutrals perspective who may not know much about the game, "Villas Boas tried his best to destroy Chelsea" and thats how it would appear to the casual who won't look deeper into what really happened. On the face it will appear the man doesn't get on with players at all and his media side isn't good either.
I think FSG would feel like they face a backlash by this appointment, simply because of what happened at Chelsea. FSG may feel like this would be a "laughing stock" appointment. (but I'd argue that Martinez would be more than that to many people)
He'd demand a certain amount of money for new players and wouldn't be the ultimate "yes man" either.
FSG don't do tricky. Can't see AVB happening.
Rafa
I just don't think they will want to get into another former manager, after seeing the "destruction" at the club before under his management and then seeing him go to Inter and do more of the same. Poor owners at both clubs or not, they won't take that into account. I feel FSG now feel burnt by Kenny, and will tread very carefully with Rafa. However, the plus is, Rafa could do the job tomorrow and already be prepared in a number of areas. I wouldn't mind him coming back, He knows the club, he knows the city. That works in his favor, but do FSG give a sh*t about that? I don't think this "think tank" would be advising this either, Rafa wasn't like by numerous people in the game, mainly in this league.
They've already sacked Kenny to. I don't think they'll offer it to Rafa, as much as some of us would like him back.
Conclusion/vibe/opinion/final thoughts
My head and gut feeling, is telling me Martinez is going to be our manager next season.
Whether it will last very long again for the manager, I have my doubts. It could just be earlier than we all expect to, they might not speak to anybody else after speaking to Martinez.
For me, although I have my reservations, I just think his charm will get him the job. When you hear him speak he leaves a good impression. This will be something that the owners think about, AFTER the interview.
I think FSG like there "yes men" and someone who will never question funds available to them and work with what they have. Success may provide extra funds, but only success.
This is one of the reasons Kenny was sacked. Kenny knows what we needed and wasn't afraid to take it to them. They DO NOT want to be challenged.....Martinez is a perfect manager in there eyes.
It was obviously gonna be announced in the media that an approach was made, simply because Martinez is still in a job and LFC would have had to make a move to Wigan, Wigan chose to announce that.
Would you get behind Martinez?
