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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has been told he needs to win the Premier League title to save his job by club co-owner George Gillett, according to the Sunday Express.
On a rare visit to Merseyside Gillett let it be known that he blamed Rafa's rant against Sir Alex Ferguson for Liverpool's slump in form and has demanded that the Spaniard rectify the situation.
Gillett, who refuses to bow to Benitez’s demands for complete control over transfer policy before agreeing to a new four-year contract, also believes that the Liverpool boss likes to be constantly linked with other big jobs.
Meanwhile, one of the Premier League's top referees has revealed that some of the game's top stars ask to get booked so they can skive off games and go on holiday, report The News of the World.
The astonishing betrayal of fans by prima donna players was exposed by top Premier League ref Steve Bennett. The league's bosses have now launched a probe into the claims and said: "We will be asking Bennett for an explanation."
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Juande Ramos has told The People that he warned chairman Daniel Levy that selling Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov was "too risky".
Spurs cashed in on their prized assets last summer, selling Keane to Liverpool and Berbatov to Man United but have since re-signed Keane, along with Jermain Defoe and Pascal Chimbonda.
Ramos said: "It was too risky but they paid no attention to me and things turned out badly. That is where my problems at Spurs started."
The Keane debacle is also the focus of the Sunday Telegraph, who claim the Republic of Ireland striker will retain his "pride" with a dignified silence on his thoughts about Benitez and his rough ride at Liverpool.
Keane, who returned to Tottenham on the final day of the transfer window following six unhappy months on Merseyside, said: "I'm one of those respectful persons - and I'm not getting into a slagging match."
England manager Fabio Capello has handed on-loan AC Milan midfielder David Beckham the chance to equal Bobby Moore's 108 cap record if selected to play in the friendly against Spain in Seville on 11 February, report The Observer.
Also in the England squad is Everton defender Phil Jagielka, who expertly marked Fernando Torres during his side's victory against Liverpool. However perhaps the most shocking inclusion is that of the West Ham forward Carlton Cole, who has fired in front of goal recently, scoring six times in the past seven games.
The Sunday Mirror report that Luiz Felipe Scolari's love affair with the Chelsea fans is well and truly over after they turned on him following the Blues 0-0 draw with Hull City at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian boss was jeered with chants of "you don't know what you're doing".
And finally, the News of the World claim that a trio of Arsenal stars will quit the Emirates if Arsene Wenger's side miss out on Champions League football.
Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas are all increasingly concerned at Arsenal's lack of silverware and ambition - and the final straw will come if they finish outside the top four.
Comments
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Posted by Ashim Sachdev on 02/08/2009
Sod George Gillet. there's one man to do this job and it is Rafa. Instead of doing so much of the talking, George Gillet and Tom Hicks should sell up. It's time for them to leave and be left out for good.
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Posted by dandyxon on 02/08/2009
Man Utd have the greatest style of football. United will win both the Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup & Carling Cup as well. We have a very good and understanding manager who knows how to tackle the team with goos results.
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Posted by Zola on 02/08/2009
Fire Rafa now, he has been horrible this year and needs to go. Sorry, but draws won't win you the title.
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Posted by Stasi Prandalos on 02/08/2009
The Liverpool Amercian shareholders have created a mess, their troubles & pending financial problems have no doubt affected Rafa Benitez- it will become increasingly difficult for him to compartmentalize these issues and manage the team with all his energy, passion and commitment and then have at the same time have to deal with the confusion they are bringing on - his outbourst on Sir Alex Ferguson is a clear sign of the stress building up within him as he is now so close to winning the Permier League and having to deal with the American Shareholders problems, their rivalry.Liverpool need total stability & consistency at Shareholder/Board level with this they will win the Premier League.
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Posted by shayan on 02/08/2009
guess we are going to say bye bye to rafa then. Lol
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Posted by Wyn Sutuntivorakoon on 02/08/2009
gotta feel sorry for Arsenal. All their top stars left and they're forced to play most of their youth players. If Robin Van Persie, Fabregas, and Adebayor leave Arsenal have no way in being in Champions League football unless they buy some real quality players during the summer transfer window.
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Posted by E M Muga on 02/08/2009
Benitez can't win the title! The way he played against Pompey.......if he play the same to Arsenal or Man United or Aston Villa.......he will be beaten by no less than 4 goals....
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Posted by Togarmah Neslon on 02/08/2009
I believe that Arsenal will lift a silverware again. it May not be this year but next season defiantly. Arsen need to star buying STAR players if he wants to win a championship next season.
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Posted by MattyP on 02/08/2009
Rafa has spent alot of money and fair enough if he doesn't win it this year he should go, You can win titles in spain and you can win the champions league but the premier league is the hardest league of them all. He has had five years of spending and building the rafalution this year all or nothing.
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Posted by Amir Ezwan on 02/08/2009
No doubt Man Utd will win all the major trophies this year.
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Posted by Torres09 on 02/08/2009
Ashim Sachdev, I agree, if they don't sell soon they will have the fans to answer to. Zola, you must have been smoking something illegal my friend. Rafa's is the best thing to hit Liverpool since the 80's but I bet you are not a fan.
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Posted by Riez from Malaysia on 02/08/2009
Rafa cannot leave Liverpool.. Give Rafa change to handle team this season
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Posted by Aditya on 02/08/2009
@Matty
Mate, he has still spent less than Chelsea and Manchester United in terms of NET AMOUNT spent. Arsenal is the only team which has made a profit, but look where they are right now. Chelsea, for all the money spent, is in 4th place! We're challenging for top spot having spent around a net amount of 8 million pounds now that we've sold Keane. The only addition has been Riera as Dossena hasn't been a regular. If he reploughs that 16 million pounds for next season, imagine how much we'll benefit.
And finally, THIS STORY IS TOSH because Guilleme Ballague, one of the most reputed Spanish journalists has claimed that Rafa is close to signing a new deal and this was agreed to by BOTH OWNERS.
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Posted by Lex on 02/08/2009
Arsenal stars to quit if they miss out on Champions league football? Aren't they the players who are supposed to carry us into the Champions league? Just know that if you quit Arsenal then that is the beginning of the end for your career.
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Posted by rocky on 02/08/2009
how can u all blame rafa, the man who has done more for this club than ever,we r going to win the title and all who doubt rara should support another team, and dont praise him wen we do win.
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Posted by MyTeam on 02/08/2009
If all club owners have the same attitude as George Gillett, there will be only one manager left in the premier league come May 2009. Congratulations Sir Alex.
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Posted by Dave on 02/08/2009
seems like a silly threat, especially if Hicks is on Rafa's side. i mean, if that's the case, and the two seem to be at odds on almost everything to do with the club, the threat of sacking him is moot.
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Posted by Joseph on 02/08/2009
Yankee boss to Rafa: "Win title or you go"
Liverpool fans to Yankees: "Go, and Rafa will win the title.."
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Posted by jagjit on 02/08/2009
Chelsea should start getting a new manager immeadiately as Luiz is no way going to get them anywhere
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Posted by ah1867 on 02/08/2009
I wonder if George Gillett is giving the same ultimatums to the people running his hockey team which also sputtered as of late. Maybe he should just get out of sports altogether because he has never been a winner in this industry altogether. Rafa is the best thing that has happened to Liverpool in a long time.
In Rafa We Trust.
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Posted by SwitGunner on 02/08/2009
V Persie & Fab leaving Arsenal? I'll take it with a pinch of salt. They will leave one day for certain. But for not getting the silverware this season? I'll bet my last dollar against it. Ade may do so but not VP and Fab. I agree with Neslon. With Rosicky and Eduardo on their way back from their long term injuries, Fab coming back at the same time, with Arshavin coming in, I can't wait for the closing of this season. It would be an awesome Arsenal ready to hold their Top 4 and a spoiler to the title chase. But I must agree that the team need a good CDM and more players to bring depth to the squad.
As for Liverpool, the other BCL team that I support, Rafa is not the very best but at least his record speaks volume. He brought some little pride to Liverpool after such a long time. The two Americans are businessmen. They are not soccer managers. Perfect he may not be, but at the moment, Rafa is the man.
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Posted by Anonymous on 02/08/2009
What is it with Pepe Reina ? He got a touch on both shots from Pompey but should have stopped both of them . The world rotates on its' axis & Benitez never rotates his goalie ? Why is that ? An unfit Torres is better for 15 minutes coming off the bench than out there for 90 minutes. The more blunders from Reina means Torres should be on the park longer ....when he is fit ...
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Posted by Mario on 02/08/2009
Rafa the Gaffa should be begged to stay. He has turned the club around 2 fold. All the posters who thus far have said he should go on this thread are no doubt worrying opposition supporters. The americans have been here 2 seconds and have brought nothing but a bag full of crap and headaches. The sooner they leave, the sooner we regain stability and the sooner the reign returns. If Rafa leaves so will have the squad surely in a statement of disgust. Go back and play with your baseBALLS in america and amke as much noise there as you like
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Posted by Fizz on 02/08/2009
Rafa trapped from Sir Alex's mind games. That's when they started to slump. Everybody knows the mind games don't they? Remember Mourinho and Sir Alex last time?
As for the Yankees, they have points. They are YANKEES for God's sake. They only want profitable investment. Why would they give Rafa total buying power? In this time of economic breakdown? Yankees? What Rafa was thinking? He want power like Arsene and Sir Alex. Both of them are old timers. Rafa? 5 years? Rafa want super-power? Hey Manchester City!!!
Poor Arsenal. That's why Henry, Viera etc. left. Can't just win the title with just "entertaining football". With just kids some more???
Chelsea. Hahaha. Now you wished Mourinho was there right??? Hahaha. Those are Mourinho's soldiers. The super-general left. Chaos. Period.
Glory Glory Manchester United. You'll see they on their full glory in the next few weeks. They says... hero fell first... then got up and never looked back.
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Posted by Freddy Kong on 02/08/2009
The Yankee should hand over the power to bring in players to the club to the manager Rafa and not Rick Parry.Due to the manager is the person crafting out the team and not Rick Parry.
The Yankee are not that financially sound bring the club to another height as the Stadium is a good example they are unable to find cash to fund it.They are trying to get more cash from investor if the become Champion of EPL or Europe.The Yankees have already trying to milk very coin out of Liverpools.
Without the new stadium there will not have extra cash for Rafa to keep his plan rolling.
It seen that Real is paving the way for Rafa to return to Spain to manage them...with they say the manager having the call for transfer and sack the sporting director.
So If I am the yankee I should start typing a resignation letter sooner then later.
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Posted by Revan on 02/08/2009
Of course easy to say for the owners, Gillett and Hicks. They made this club become so indepted that they can't even afford to secure the renewal of contracts, let alone the manager, but players also. They don't want to sell the club because of their greed and that is why they left the ultimatum to rafa if he doesn't win title, he goes...beacause that is what they want. after he's gone, they will sell star players to pay their depts and after they got their money and ruin the club, they will sell it for more profit and this is how liverpool will end up playing in other divisions like leeds utd all that because of two dumd asses that don't even understand the game.
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Posted by Bobby Jack on 02/08/2009
Hicks and Gillet are a couple of ignorant Texas rednecks (albeit wealth ones) who have no clue what football means to England and the rest of the world. They have no understanding of the game and no passion for the Reds...it's just an investment to them that has not panned out.
Rafa is the best manager Pool has had in ages...remember Gerrard Houlier...what a joke! The Reds have been competitive every year and have won the Champion's League on Rafa's watch. He has brought in QUALITY young players who will power the club for a number of years.
Gillet needs to butt out and sell out.
Who would take Rafa's place...look at the shuffling of manager's among the other EPL clubs and what does it get them...NOTHING! It's consistency like Sir Alex and Wenger that keep clubs at the top of the table. Even Chelski is having problems since they let Jose Mourhino (who I can't stand but respect) go his merry way.
WE CAN WIN THE LEAGUE! YOU GOTTA BELIEVE..
Hard Core Reds Fan in Denver, CO
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Posted by Dennis on 02/08/2009
If arsenal so-called "stars" leave arsenal then they will join some other team and be just average players there. At arsenal, they are a part of a movement which I am sure will end in silverware. I think everyone forgets that arsenal is only 5 points off champions league spot, and what, nine points off the title?
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Posted by Kinny Riddle on 02/08/2009
It's amazing how the media can blow the whole story up just by one comment.
In a meeting with the Liverpool protestors, Gillett blamed Liverpool's recent form on Rafa's so-called "rant", and somehow that got interpreted as demanding that Rafa win the league or else. Absolutely unbelievable.
Either bring up the actual words or shut up, you shameless media hacks!
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Posted by Andy G on 02/08/2009
Clearly saying to Rafa that he needs to win the Premiership or he's out is only going to put more pressure on the team. That's a big step from the owner's talk earlier saying that they wanted him to be there for another 5 years. Rafa has turned the club around since he came and I would much rather that he stays and the "owners", if you can even call them that because they clearly don't know what they're doing, are the ones that go. Especially now with Stevie G out for a few weeks, this is the last thing the team needs.
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Posted by omontho on 02/08/2009
Don't disturb Rafa for the moment.
He is doing a good job and possibly Liverpool might have it at the end!He is the best decade manager in Liverpool!
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Posted by Ernest on 02/08/2009
As usual blame the Americans.. How about keep Crouch insteed of purchasing Keane. Grow some jewels and stop the crying.. All we here in the states is that it's the owners fault. Last I new it was the job of the well payed coach to get the best out of the players. The players are payed very well... If you are looking to win the primership toughen up.. you can pick on the yankees all you want if it gives you a crutch.. We want to see proud strong football teams with proud fans.. Not a pack of finger pointing,whinners. Thats what the football is all about. All of FIFA has become a blame game. Now the FA to......
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Posted by Tresmontes on 02/09/2009
If the owners push Benitez out in a manner perceived as unfair by the players then the club should also kiss goodbye its best spanish players, starting with Torres who is unconditially Rafa's.
This revolution may well mean that Liverpool would lose, at least for some years, its current status of being a Top Four club in the Premier.
After this, the Yankees will have no option but to sell in a rush( they won't be able to walk the streets of Liverpool) and under the future club's and the economy's circumstances the amount they would be able to get will leave them bankrupt.
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Posted by Ken on 02/09/2009
As a LFC supporter, it was getting difficult to support Rafa these last few weeks. Thank you Gillett & Hicks for reminding this Liverpool fan who we should really be getting rid of. We will have no peace until these "business" men are ejected from their positions.
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Posted by chris on 02/09/2009
I believe yes rafa is a good manager but the only problem ive got is when your winning with one team dont keep swapping it around untill someone gets injured, otherwise the team dosnt gel and you end up with a team with no confidence and upset players, Should of given keen more play to build a game relationship with team players sat on bench dosnt do that, and for Rafa needs to realize there are no weak sides in the premier league uniteds last 9 games have all been 1nils that says it all.
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Posted by kaos on 02/09/2009
We won against Portsmouth, who cares who played or how we played. Rafa would never play the side he did against Portsmouth against the top teams. Haven't liverpool beaten Chelsea twice and Man u ? Rafa is the man to take them to the Premiership, get rid of the Americans, get some stability.
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Posted by Owners-shouldn't-be-in-football on 02/09/2009
The American owners need to stop shorthanding Rafa the "legitimate title contending money" he needs if they want a title. They're providing him the amount a 4th or 5th place team would need to hold their spot in the table, and yet with it he's vying for 1st place. Stop forcing him to sign players he doesn't want, and know won't fit in his squad, and allow him to purchase and sign the players he wants and knows will work. He's not asking to sign Kaka for 100 million pounds, he wanted Gareth Barry, and instead was forced to sign Keane who he knew he didn't want and wouldn't work. Get OWNERS out of the decision making process. How long have they been coaching? How many titles have they won? How much experience do they have?
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Posted by nika on 02/09/2009
Gillet and Hicks are just venture capitalists hoping to make a quick profit when they bought into LFC. Long-term success of the club is not in their agenda. Now with the banks on their back, they are deflecting the pressure onto Rafa and the players. Rafa is the right man to bring success to Anfield. Give him the authority over things that they want him to be accountable for. Enough of the Yankees' deception, the fans are hoping for their defection. The off-field distractions are enough proof that Messrs. Gillet & Hicks are messing up the club.
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Posted by Anonymous on 02/09/2009
Rafa should stay for the sake of all non-pool fans.
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Posted by stanley victor on 02/09/2009
rafa should strengthen his midfield and a good 2nd choice keeper and 1 good striking partner for torres lucas mascherrano is not good enough for gerrard and alonso too slow at times good chance for liverpool to win EPL owners should not add pressure to rafa but to support him and cohesive as a team stick to the team anthem you'll never walk alone please it's been too long almost 2 decades without EPL title it's now or never ok?
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Posted by Darwin Shinde on 02/09/2009
Rafa has been a huge disappointment for me. I have long resigned to the fact that if we do not change our Rabi, we should kiss goodbye to serious silverware like the Premiership crown.
For me, Rafa does not inspire any confidence and self-belief into our Liverpool side. Liverpool treat nonentities with far too much respect.
Rafa does not even seem to know that attack is the best form of defence. He gets a quality striker in Robbie Keane and lets him warm the bench?1?
Rafa also gives far too little game time to his perpetual substitutes in the squad, whom he expects to perform when his stars are injured or he underrates his opponents, like he did experimennt with Portsmouth.
I mean, just what business has Liverpool got drawing games with Premier League upstarts like Stoke City and expect to lift the Premiership at the same time!
Please, please, let Rafa start a new spanish challenge!
Big Darwin,
Lusaka, Zambia
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Posted by evertonianforever on 02/09/2009
Bye-Bye Rafa.......better get onto some of those "big jobs"....and quick!
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Posted by Roy on 02/09/2009
Rafa ain't getting enough of financial support & control over Reds.
Yes, "Go, and Rafa will win the title.."
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Posted by Olamide on 02/09/2009
Big Phil has failed both the fans and players. I believe he should leave. with the way he handles matches its obvious he's a confused being.
see no team stoping united this seasons, but i remain a true blue for life.
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Posted by yusuf on 02/09/2009
is it natural to right off Rafa about losing 1 match and finishing first of champs league pool.
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Posted by Arthur on 02/09/2009
Maybe Rafa should not have attacked Sir Alex... but one thing is for sure that rafa is the best man for the job... i believe in my team and i believe in Rafa ... And i believe that liverpool can win the title... the title is now Man U's to loose... and we are the comeback kings... we react better if we trail ... we are trailing ... we can be victorous... there are enough games left... this is a two house race between the two best clubs in the world... may the best club win!!!
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Posted by Kev on 02/09/2009
Benitez is a joke of a manager. What he has had on his side so far is luck but that will run out in time it always does. Resting Torres and playing N'gog when Liverpool have a free weekend next week thanks to their farcical display against Everton in the cup. Surely not having to play any domestic football for two weeks would be rest enough for any genuine professionals.
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Posted by mubangamulenga on 02/10/2009
Sometimes I wonder if some of these posts are sent by genuine LFC fans. Haven't people seen the progress LFC has made under RAFA?
Give the man a chance to land number 19.
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Posted by david on 02/11/2009
hicks and gillett are both a bunch of miserable trying wealthy foolz imagine trying 2 force out the best thing that ever happened to them
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Posted by Jackson W. Speare, II on 02/13/2009
I am a Man U fan, but I admire and respect the level of work that Raf has done for Liverpool. Presently, they are playing very well and could post some problems for Man U's desire to retain the title.
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Posted by Komomo on 02/19/2009
Eventhough everytime Liverpool scored, Rafa never look to be happy or excited. But I still like him. Because of him, Liverpool became Champions of Europe in 2005. Winning in Istanbul is the best ever Final I've seen.
Posted by Wee on 02/20/2009
alright guys
i think we should judge this when it comes to may
it's too early to say anything
i remembered last year that rafa did complained about rick parry was too slow when he miss out on dan gosling who is now an evertonian
he is the slowest CEO ever!
Posted by suleman musa on 02/21/2009
Rafa is the best in the world so far all he need is a chance to prove becauce the pressure in him by fans and owneres is interrupting him, so please let him do it i believe he will make it and make the reds proud.
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