Source: Daily_Mail
Benitez: Should he stay or should he go? The arguments over whether Liverpool stick or twist on Rafa
The uncertainty over Rafa Benitez's future as Liverpool boss drags on despite their victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League.Benitez insists he is staying at Anfield even though he is no closer to signing a new contract.As owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett prepare to table another offer to the Spaniard, Sportsmail asks the big question: should he stay or should he go?[LNB] Pressure: Rafa Benitez needs to win trophies at Liverpool[LNB] We have picked our five reasons why Benitez must be kept, with another five that suggest his time on Merseyside is up.[LNB]As always, you can let us know whether you think Benitez is the right man to lead Liverpool on by posting your comments.[LNB] Rafa will stay! Benitez pledge after Liverpool rock the Bernabeu[LNB]Rafa's the Real deal! Carragher hails boss Benitez as a tactical genius after Madrid triumph[LNB]Goodbye Rafa? Not yet - Anfield officials scotch rumours of Benitez exit after bookies suspend betting on Liverpool boss quitting[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB]Stay RafaEuropeBenitez has a superb record in the Champions League since taking charge of Liverpool in 2004. Incredibly, he delivered the trophy in his first season with the Reds and has taken them to another final and a semi-final.TacticsAs Jamie Carragher pointed out after Liverpool beat Real Madrid, Benitez's organisational skills are first class. The number of crucial results against Europe's finest tell you that Rafa knows what he's doing.[LNB]Reign in Spain: Liverpool outwitted Real Madrid in the Champions League[LNB] StabilityTime is rarely on any manager's side but Liverpool would be advised to study Manchester United's willingness to persevere with Sir Alex Ferguson. Success does not come overnight and Benitez has improved Liverpool since his arrival.SupportDespite his weak points, Benitez crucially has the support of both the players and fans at Anfield. If Hicks and Gillett pull the trigger, they can expect a massive backlash from inside and outside the dressing room.Lack of replacementsLet's pretend Benitez is sacked tomorrow. Who do Liverpool replace him with? Jose Mourinho? The Portuguese may not fancy the job and Reds fans would struggle to accept him. Martin O'Neill? Yet to be tested at the highest level in England. David Moyes? No way. Suddenly, the idea of losing Benitez seems rather silly.[LNB]Go Rafa Premier LeagueBenitez failed to win the title in his first four years and despite a storming start, they now look doomed to lose out to rivals Manchester United - again. The longer he goes on without ending their 19-year hunt for the league, the more the pressure will weigh down on his shoulders.TransfersWhere Benitez can proudly boast of bringing in Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina, he must hang his head in shame at signing Jermaine Pennant, Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena. Serious doubts remain about his judgment in the transfer market.[LNB]Failure: Robbie Keane cost £20m but left after six months[LNB] RotationThe wild changes that dominated Liverpool's recent years have been eased but Benitez still likes to rotate - and often at the expense of results. Surely the time has come for him to finally settle on a first-choice XI?Youth policyLegend Steve Heighway quit as the head of Liverpool's academy last season after a bitter falling out with Benitez, who Heighway accused of undermining his work with the youngsters. The plain fact is that the Reds do not have a single regular first-team player who has emerged through the club's youth ranks under Benitez.Mind games madnessWhen Benitez launched a strong attack on Ferguson earlier this season, many applauded his bravery. In hindsight, the move now seems silly. One piece of advice all Premier League managers should follow is not to enter into a war of words with Fergie and United. Rafa will stay! Benitez pledge after Liverpool rock the Bernabeu[LNB]Rafa's the Real deal! Carragher hails boss Benitez as a tactical genius after Madrid triumph[LNB]Goodbye Rafa? Not yet - Anfield officials scotch rumours of Benitez exit after bookies suspend betting on Liverpool boss quitting[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB] [LNB]
