Are you Pro or Anti Rafa? (A silly question, but it's a topic of conversation)

4th November - Lyon Vs Liverpool (Europe)

Walk into any pub in Manchester and a common question to ask would be, ‘are you and blue or red’? In Liverpool the same question used to be asked, but now it’s being followed with by, ‘and are you pro or anti Rafa?

No club that has won 1 of their last 8 games are going to be happy with their station. Such a run heightens the need for points, performance and stability. The current run at Liverpool is no different.

The heightened emotional feelings I felt prior to Matchday 4 were unlike most early November fixtures. This game meant so much and a good performance and 3 points were required, but not needed.

The former was achieved; unfortunately the 3 points were snatched from our paws in the cruellest of ways (credit to Lyon in that regard, they remained positive, it says a lot about a team that comes from behind, that’s why Manchester United have been so successful under Ferguson, he instils that belief and determination in players.

Two injury time goals have cost us dearly against Lyon. If we’d resisted their late onslaughts we’d have the same points, however in the world of injury time we’re 6 points inferior. Why can’t Football have a buzzer at the culmination of a game like Rugby League and save us all the torture of additional minutes.

After Wednesday’s game and the manner of the draw, which felt (and still feels) like a crushing defeat and the end of Champions League football for the season, it’s difficult to see positivity and plus-points.

I’ll try to though…

We went to Lyon, the best team in France, and played them off the park. Apart from the goal, and Reina coming off his line twice; one sorting out a defensive mix-up with Kyrgiakos, the other intervening with his head, I can’t remember our no.25 having much to do.

We had the lion’s share of possession, and created several chances with it. Torres’ snap shot after 12 minutes was unlucky to be fired into the keeper’s leg (a keeper who had a very good game); Kuyt forced a fine save soon after from a relatively tame but clever shot/lob/poke that was tipped over the bar; Voronin (who I don’t think is of the calibre needed at the club, but we can’t afford anyone else) should have scored in the 1st half when his excellent run resulted in an unconfident effort being saved by ?????????; Babel’s shot was as clean and as fierce a shot as you’ll see all season, which even caused a Manchester United supporting friend of mine to text with his approval.

People say Benitez doesn’t make astute substitutions, and there didn’t seem to be much praise in Thursday’s newspapers for his introduction of the Dutchman on this occasion, how strange.

In midfield Mascherano and Lucas stultified and contained Lyon’s creative force, while cleverly distributing possession, to begin spells of attacking play with composure and intelligence.

Daniel Agger, who was playing with a back injury, showcased his in-depth understanding of the game, tracking runs, winning balls and making runs with the ball into and beyond midfield, something much needed from central defenders at Liverpool.

Despite his lack of pace Carragher made positive, bold runs down the right flank, wanting to continue in the same vein as the faster, and more attack-minded full-backs at the club; Insua, Johnson, Degen and Aurelio.

Benayoun and Kuyt saw much of the ball and posed problems for the opposing defenders throughout. It still frustrates and bewilders me that a team can have so much of the possession, goal
chances and attacking threat, and end the game equal on goals. The importance of this fixture only aggravates me more. That’s football though, and that’s how it always has been and always
will be. This is an odd way is relatively comforting, as it provides a reason for the gut-wrenching equalisers, last minute goals, and referring decisions that shock and disgust supporters across the
globe

One thing I can’t explain or justify is the barrage of texts I received following Wednesday’s game. ‘RAFA DONT NO WOT HES DOIN’, and ‘RAFAS GOTTA GO NOW’, just two
examples, from two moronic friends, who support Liverpool. These friends didn’t receive replies, I think my inactive thumbs spoke volumes, but hopefully they’ve read this and thought about
their knee-jerk views. No doubt they’ve got the head in the clouds, reading tabloid trash about Rafa, and not other more valued sources.

This blog started out as simple match reports, but due to off-pitch rumours and problems, it’s developed into something else.

Positivity and not frustration is what’s needed however. Rafa will be telling his team to focus on 2 important Premier league games, starting with Birmingham at Anfield on Monday, with Man
City’s visit in two weeks.

6 points before the trip to Hungary, followed by the shorter journey to Goodison will then be on the agenda. One game at a time.

Fiorentina need to win against Lyon to cement their place in the last 16. As long as we win in Hungary, and Lyon don’t lose in Italy, then the game at Anfield in early December has the
possibility of another magical European night.

If Johnson, Skrtel, Aurelio, Riera, Gerrard, Torres and Aquilani all fit for that game, with Liverpool needing a win, even a 3-goal winning margin, well, it’s been stated already in the press,
miracles do happen at Liverpool Football Club. This event wouldn’t be regarded in the same vein as turning water into wine, or walking on water, just a resolute and focused team, performing to
their ability, fighting for each other and believing in themselves.