A while ago, I posted that even Jose wouldn't have got us better results.
Rafa was on good terms with the owners when we came 2nd. So much has happened during the Hicks & Gillet reign, and i am sure Rafa has not revealed it all, that NO manager would have gotten us a good table ranking under this regime.
Getting 2nd was a damn good achievement. I just know that if he has the backing of the owners, Rafa will do well for us. History has shown that if the owners and Rafa are not on the same page, it will go tits up.
So please, everyone - before you slag Rafa, understand his working conditions.
I for one would only want him back if the owners can work with him and offer their full support. Because I believe he is an excellent manager who just needs the correct environment to succeed.
We all say he lost the dressing room - well i think its obvious those same players are no different today. Rafa didn't lose the dressing room - the overpaid players just lost the passion.
So before anyone slags him off for getting us in 7th place - think which manager would have gotten us better under Hicks & Gillet?
would have been able to work with that squad and got us higher in the league. Our position came down to tactics, Substitutions, playing players out of position, lack of attacking idea's and of course starting lineups.
