INNER CITEH BLUES

MATCH PREVIEW
Manchester City, Anfield
21st Nov’09, 12:45 UK

If Rafael Benitez leaves at the end of this season, or any sooner, he would leave behind not so much a legacy, but most likely another promising and unfulfilled chapter in Liverpool FC’s Premier League era. After Gerrard Houllier’s unfortunate capitulation that followed a moving revival - which came on the back of the official end of the Boot Room tradition – it would be a huge step back from what was arguably the club’s greatest European night only 5 seasons ago.

To leave behind not further great European triumphs or League successes, but instead just endless saturated and tired discussion/debates of what he did and didn’t do, his managerial shortcomings and all would’ve been a grossly unfair hallmark of his tenure here.

Perhaps the hallmark of the Rafatollah era would’ve probably been the endless questions on his judgment as his decisions have often been derided and brought painful consternations amongst even the most faithful of Kopites, let alone the incessant and unforgiving media.

However, jokes aside, if I had a chance to put my two cents worth on what would be the hallmark of Rafa’s era, I would opt for a probably uncommon answer.

Timing.

To say the hallmark of Rafa’s tenure had been the debates that raged over his decisions would’ve not been inaccurate for many a supporter, however, jokes aside, a careful observation of his reign so far would evidence great and littered examples of impeccable timing.

Perhaps the most damaging yet exhilarating one yet would be his 2004/05 European Champions League triumph over the mighty AC Milan. Many have speculated that he is currently his own victim for this very success. This victory itself was even littered by further examples of almost divine timing – from Hamann’s introduction at the second half, to Smicer’s redemption goal after four seasons of loneliness, to the countless timely yet desperate lunges by Gerrard and co.

There are also many other good examples– the manner of the qualification into the knock-out stages of the afore-mentioned Champions League win, the manner of his FA Cup victory the following season, the numerous inspired substitutions he made, Gerrard’s huge Chelsea turnaround (though this might not be directly connected to Rafa), the tactical switch of Carra to centrehalf (although this is partly one the lasts of Houllier’s great legacy, but credit to Rafa too for sticking to Houllier’s judgement), the tactical switch to the right for Gerrard, the purchase of Alonso when the Kop was crying out for another Molby, the signing of Torres when the Kop finished crying for the next Molby and started crying for another God, the (finally) end of Parry’s tenure, last season’s 4 goal victories over Real Madrid and the Mancs and many others.

All the above came at the right time. Just when we thought we were out, he pulled us back in. Just when we thought we’d meander, he shepherded our fierce loyalty and passion back in.

Nowadays, many can somewhat feel the moment coming - that moment of another Rafa milestone. Every single time, this feeling will be preceded by a really fitting setting, a setting with a lot of relevance about it.

But not everything was as well-timed though. There was of course the infamous spat with the Yanks, where he was accused of breaking the club’s tradition of washing dirty linen in public (although that wasn’t the only tradition broken following the Yanks’ takeover), the now famous Rafa’s Rant on Fergie, his now old habit of rotation, his puzzling substitutions, his selling of club darling Alonso, the confession of his man-love for Barry and many other examples too.

Gareth Barry.

Speaking of the 28 year old, this Saturday’s match will be the first time Rafa comes face to face with the player he openly courted last season. A player whom, on his day would’ve given Hargreaves and Carrick a really good run for their money in the center of England’s midfield, turned his back at Rafa at the end of last season and signed for Citeh this summer. He’s not having a particularly great season so far. Rafa’s comments about prioritizing Barry over Keane in a recent interview with The Times might hold some relevance too. Not to mention Rafa’s remarks after Barry signing for Citeh. Barry will have something to prove, although unfortunately only possibly against Aquilani, the successor of the player he was allegedly replacing.

This match has plenty of relevance indeed. In case many have forgotten, it was against Citeh at Anfield back in August’04 that the club won after going down 1-0 at halftime. The last time we did something like that was May’99 against Spurs. That wasn’t the only comeback in Rafa’s first season, and tenure. In fact, many would argue that comebacks are the hallmark of Rafa’s reign.

This match will also reunite Rafa with Craig Bellamy, a player whom he had to sell to fund the transfer of Fernando Torres, his replacement. Although, in the same interview mentioned above, Rafa mentioned he’d wanted Keane too actually, a player of similar ilk to Bellamy - able to play as the second striker, across the line behind the main striker. Bellamy is playing very well so far, and has finally looked settled, even forcing Tevez to the bench. It’s anyone’s guess if Rafa would’ve wanted Keane if Bellamy was still around. This game might just give us a hint of a combination Rafa might’ve ended up with, should he have had enough funds in the last two seasons without having to sell, though it’ll be from the tactically unproven Mark Hughes.

Mark Hughes, the man who held Liverpool to a draw at Anfield last season, one of the 11 draws suffered, 7 of which were at home, which was effectively Liverpool’s Achilles heel.

And despite spending close to 100 million pounds on 5 marquee players for this season, and facing the inner Citeh blues as to doubts of his credentials as a top manager, especially following Citeh’s current drawing form plus an unsettled lineup plus transfers choices, it won’t be Hughes lining up for the media spotlight initially reserved for him before the season began.

It’ll be Benitez instead, who is coming into the match on an even worse record of 1 win in the last 9 games, having lost 5 games already this season, while standing at a qualification knife’s edge in the Champions League. Not to mention with a healthy list of injured players.

This match is also coming off a two week international break, which gave some respite to Rafa’s squad for prior to an already season-defining run of 6 games starting with this game.

And the whole world will be watching too, because it’s the earliest game this Saturday with its afternoon kick-off. It’s like someone had set this up. It’s as if everyone’s expecting a show.

Talk about timing.

This Saturday couldn’t come any sooner.