Source: Daily_Mail
Rafa's Conspiracy Files: Just what is driving the Liverpool manager crazy?
Rafael Benitez appears to be losing the plot.[LNB]The Spaniard's Liverpool [LNB]side lost further ground in the Barclays Premier League title race after drawing 1-1 at Wigan, and the Anfield boss afterwards claimed he became 'crazy' in the second half. [LNB] [LNB]Benitez garbled: 'We had control of the game in the first half and didn't kill it off. In the second half it was a crazy game. [LNB]The many faces of Rafa Benitez... Relaxed Rafa[LNB] Retiring Rafa[LNB] Raging Rafa[LNB] Max Rafa (AKA Peter Kay)[LNB] Rioting Rafa[LNB] CONSPIRACY? Rafa says: 'I do know what is happening, but I can't say anything about it. It's crazy' 'When you don't control crazy games you don't win points. I don't know what is happening. [LNB]'Actually I do know, but I can't say anything about it. It is just crazy. [LNB]'You can't control what you can't change. It could be like this for years. [LNB] TODAY'S POLL What is causing Rafa Benitez's unusual behaviour?[LNB]VOTE POLL RESULTS Close[LNB] All polls[LNB]Click to view yesterday's poll results[LNB] 'Alex Ferguson has been here for 22 years and you can see what it means when you have been here for so long. The past three games have something in common I don't like.'[LNB]Benitez refused to explain whether his anger was directed at his players for letting slip a 41st-minute lead handed to them by Yossi Benayoun, at referee Phil Dowd who awarded the late penalty from which Mido equalised, or the outside influence of his old enemy, Manchester United[LNB]boss Sir Alex Ferguson.[LNB] WEB EXCLUSIVE: Subbed Stevie G wasn't injured - Rafa baffles Reds again[LNB]Crazy Rafa blames the world and admits: I don't know what is happening at Liverpool anymore[LNB]Wigan 1 Liverpool 1: Mido's debut spot-on to punish stuttering Liverpool[LNB]HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez losing it?[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB]So, is Benitez losing the plot? Here's the evidence to suggest he is:[LNB]RESULTS [LNB] [LNB] CONSPIRACY? Rafa says: 'The second half of the season will see United playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table, it is a fantastic advantage.' Four draws and only one win in 2009 has seen Liverpool squander top spot on the Premier League. [LNB]And that one victory was against Championship side Preston in the FA Cup.[LNB]Liverpool are now third in the table after League draws at Stoke, home to Merseyside rivals and at Wigan. [LNB] Wigan warrior: Mido scores to deny Liverpool victory at the JJB Stadium[LNB]THAT RANT AT FERGIE [LNB] CONSPIRACY? Rafa says: '[Ferguson] is the only manager in the league who cannot be punished' Remember, the amazing press conference where Benitez had a pop at old foe Ferguson earlier this month?[LNB]Click here to watch it all again - VIDEO: Rafa's Rant![LNB]Since his attack on Fergie, Benitez has failed to produce a win. Meanwhile, European and world champions United have produce six stunning victories. The latest being a thumping 5-0 rout of West Brom.[LNB] [LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... IS LIVERPOOL BOSS RAFA BENITEZ LOSING IT? Following the Anfield manager's bizarre press conference at Wigan, do you think Rafa is cracking up? What's causing his meltdown? Is Fergie getting to him? Can the Reds still mount a decent title challenge?[LNB][LNB]TELL US WHAT YOU THINK[LNB] Sir Alex has kept his cool throughout, steadily chipping away at Liverpool's title aspirations as United march on.[LNB]Here's what the United manager said the day after Rafa's rant: 'People say every season, it's going to be three or four teams challenging for the title,' said Ferguson. 'But I'm of the opinion it comes down to two teams when you enter the last month.[LNB]'Chelsea have contested the league for the last four years and I think they have the experience to be our main rivals again. You have to think that will count for something. It's a change for Liverpool fans and players to even be talking about winning the league. They haven't been able to do that for 19 years, or at least a good few years.'[LNB] Sparring partner: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson[LNB]TACTICS CONSPIRACY? Rafa says: 'The club have been slow dealing with Daniel Agger. He told me he wants to stay, but he is waiting and waiting and does not know what is going on.' Dirk Kuyt has been fantastic for Benitez this season. So much so that Juventus have expressed an interest in signing the Dutchman. But the Liverpool boss failed to name the forward in his starting XI at Wigan - and didn't even bring him on as a substitute until the 75th minute at the JJB.[LNB]Hauling off Liverpool's living legend - and consistent match-winner - Steven Gerrard five minutes from the final whistle, when the Reds should have been pushing for a winner, was widely seen as a mistake.[LNB]Benitez explained that his captain was tired. [LNB]Why does he keep picking Lucas? And why did he spend £20million on Robbie Keane when he clearly doesn't rate him?[LNB] Best of friends: Benitez welcomes Robbie Keane to Liverpool last summer[LNB]ANFIELD ANGST CONSPIRACY? Rafa says: 'The owners feel the manager's decisions need to be subject to the chief executive. The only person who can decide the value of a player to his squad is the manager.' Benitez's refusal to sign a new contract at Anfield has highlighted deep division within the Liverpool hierarchy. [LNB]It is reported that the Spaniard is at loggerheads with chief executive Rick Parry over his role in transfer policy and influence over the club's academy. [LNB]His difficulties with American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have boiled over into public attacks, including criticism of the club's handling of the lack of contract negotiations with Daniel Agger.[LNB]Click here to read more. [LNB][LNB]So, what is eating away at Rafa? Is the Liverpool boss having a meltdown? Does rafa have a case to answer? Have your say...[LNB] WEB EXCLUSIVE: Subbed Stevie G wasn't injured - Rafa baffles Reds again[LNB]Crazy Rafa blames the world and admits: I don't know what is happening at Liverpool anymore[LNB]Wigan 1 Liverpool 1: Mido's debut spot-on to punish stuttering Liverpool[LNB]HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez losing it?[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB]
