Source: Telegraph
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez deserves transfer control fact
A word keeps cropping up, swiftly followed by giggles. The word is "fact'', currently used to underline any point. "It's a fact.'' "This is a fact.'' "Just facts.'' All are expressions that punctuated Rafael Benitez's ill-judged diatribe against Sir Alex Ferguson. [LNB]Well, here are some "facts'' to consider as football debates whether "Rafa's cracking up'' in the pithy opinion of United and Everton fans. [LNB]Here are some "facts'' to offset the unfair criticism Benitez receives during his contractual impasse with Liverpool's board over transfer policy. The "facts'' are that Nemanja Vidic, Anderson, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey all graced Benitez's transfer wish-list before Premier League rivals exploited Liverpool hesitancy. [LNB]It may not yet be "fact'' that Liverpool will lose Benitez to Real Madrid but it's a real fear. Benitez, whose roots run deep at Real, will be accorded a regal welcome when Liverpool visit the Bernabeu in the Champions League on Feb 22. [LNB]If Benitez goes, Pepe Reina and Javier Mascherano could follow. Why risk alienating a manager who has masterminded a European Cup triumph, is revered by almost everyone in the Anfield dressing room and is adored by the Kop? If Benitez wants more control over transfers, give it to him. He's worth it. That's a fact. [LNB]Lastly, it's interesting to note that come hell, high water or extra-time heartbreak, football clubs stoically carry on. Within minutes of the final whistle blowing on Burnley's Carling Cup dream, guests in the Turf Moor corporate boxes strained to hear Owen Coyle's interview on the TV monitors. [LNB]The PA system drowned out Coyle's verdict on his team's epic display. All you could hear was "the time for the winning golden goal ticket was…'' followed by notices about raffle winners and sundry sponsors announcements. Football life goes on. [LNB]
