The view from Liverpool fans is that Benitez is totally composed during the press conference, not anger or emotion on show, therefore he can’t have done a Keegan. Maybe they truly believe Benitez is doing them a service in this press conference, taking some of the attention away from their jail bird captain? Or maybe they think he is playing Ferguson at his own game?
The problem with these arguments is that it is not usual behaviour to attention a pre-match press conference with a list of information about an opposing manager and team. What provoked it? Ferguson wondering whether Liverpool would have the bottle to win the league? Why did that convince Rafa that the most reasonable thing to do was to compile a list of complaints?
To quote one penalty decision that wrongly went in United’s favour, like that means anything, like it’s never happened to Liverpool, is either utterly moronic or utterly mad. To start off the rant by mentioning a time when Ferguson was punished by the FA for failing to uphold the Respect campaign, then a minute later claim Ferguson is “the only manager in the league that cannot be punished” does not make sense. He’s mad or stupid.
As for Rafa doing a Keegan, it is not the emotion, it is not the lack of composure, it’s not even really what he said, rather the fact he said it. He sat in front of a room of cameras and spouted off a list of supposed ‘facts’ which actually weren’t facts at all (as proven by his own admission that Ferguson has been punished for lack of respect) from a piece of paper he’d brought along with him. This wasn’t a case of him being suddenly caught off guard with a question. The fact that it was entirely pre-meditated makes it worse than Keegan. He actually thought it would be a good idea to do what he did!
The Guardian 9.1.09:
What Ferguson makes of Benítez’s outburst is not yet clear but, after the initial shock, it is not difficult to imagine a sunrise of a smile crossing face. Benítez may have insisted he was not taking on Ferguson at mind games but, seriously, the only question it has posed is this: are the Premier League leaders feeling the pressure?
We have been here before, of course. Kevin Keegan is always cited as the man who lost the plot because of Ferguson’s strategic psychological ploys, but the list of those who have suffered in the slipstream of the United manager stretches even further. Arsène Wenger has been left trembling with anger at times while the debonair Jose Mourinho had dark smudges beneath his eyes by the time he left Stamford Bridge; his thick plume of once-silky hair had become a greying bouffant and his glare was wild. OK, that may have had something to do with the viperous politics at Stamford Bridge, but Ferguson’s one-upmanship certainly did not help either.
In the case of Keegan, Newcastle United had fallen away in the final months of the 1995-96 season and, with hopes of the title by then slim, the manager flipped during an interview with Sky after a 1-0 win against Leeds, jabbing out his finger and embarking on that infamous “love it” rant about Ferguson and his team. “God, I felt sorry for him,” Ferguson later recalled. “At first it made me feel a bit guilty. Then I thought to myself that I had done nothing wrong. Although I was disappointed when he attacked me, I just put it down to pressure.”
The modern-day Ferguson prefers the drip-drip approach. Benítez’s temper glands were pricked by a sentence, hidden in a long interview with Ferguson in United’s club magazine, in which he questioned whether Liverpool would get “nervous” in the second half of the season. On the face of it, it seems like nothing more than a throwaway line. Indeed, an argument could be made that Benítez needs to stop being so precious. But then consider the fact it was also in this publication that Ferguson mischievously expressed his surprise about Liverpool’s willingness to pay £20m for Robbie Keane at the start of the season. A coincidence? Never underestimate Ferguson. This is a dedicated student of human nature, armed with a fierce intellect and an acute understanding of the modern media. A man like this would have known how his quotes would be turned into back-pagestories.
The really strange thing is that Ferguson has never said anything particularly detrimental about Benítez. Perhaps that is what Benítez dislikes. Who knows? Ferguson works in mysterious ways, but one certainty is that Benítez’s rant has invited more questions about his state of mind than that of the oldest, wiliest manager in the business.
The Times 9.1.09:
The phoney war in the Barclays Premier League title race gave way to full-scale psychological conflict yesterday as Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, embarked on a remarkable outburst aimed at Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Manchester United manager, whose team take on Chelsea tomorrow afternoon, took a pot-shot at Liverpool this week by questioning whether the league leaders could cope with the pressure, but Benítez responded with interest in a premeditated tirade, saying that Ferguson appears to be above the law.
The Spaniard even claimed that Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Chelsea manager, should “man-mark” Ferguson and his coaching staff at Old Trafford tomorrow to ensure that they cannot try to influence Howard Webb, the referee.
Reading from prepared notes, Benítez ran through a list of “facts” about the champions’ manager. Benítez was accused by some journalists of rising to Ferguson’s bait and falling for the “mind games” that famously drew an overemotional response from Kevin Keegan, the Newcastle United manager at the time, in the heat of the title race in the 1995-96 campaign.
Football365 9.1.09:
In a remarkable press conference Rafa Benitez read from a dossier detailing his grievances about Sir Alex Ferguson – stressing this was not mind games but ‘facts’. He says Sir Alex is “the only manager who will not be punished” for talking about referees, claiming he “was killing the referees, killing Mr Atkinson, killing Mr Hackett”. Remarkable stuff.
The Times 10.1.09:
Benítez, in his fifth season at Anfield, must have known this week that his team were finally getting under Ferguson’s skin when he heard the United manager question — in the club’s official magazine, no less — whether Liverpool, without a league title since 1990, would have the mental strength to last the course.
This should have been music to Benítez’s ears. Instead it triggered an unexpected reaction yesterday lunchtime as the Liverpool manager produced an A4 sheet from which he read a series of longstanding gripes about Ferguson.
Shortly after his rant in front of the television cameras yesterday, newspaper journalists asked whether his reaction may have played into Ferguson’s hands. “Everyone can see that I’m talking about facts,” he replied. “I’m just saying things that everybody can see.”
So why bother responding? “Why not?” Benítez said. “He has been talking about Liverpool ever since we beat Chelsea.”
So you don’t think Ferguson will be rubbing his hands with glee upon seeing this footage? “I don’t think so,” he said.
Perhaps Benítez will be proved right. Perhaps, by suggesting that United and their manager enjoy preferential treatment from referees and from the game’s authorities, he is acting as the perfect counterweight to Ferguson’s persistent and very deliberate claims to the contrary. It is just that, coming from Benítez (rather than, say, Mourinho at his most Machiavellian in his Chelsea days), it sounded strange. Not completely out of character, but still strange.
FACT – Fat Spanish Waiter Has Lost The Plot
Man Utd News 24/7
If it all serves to make one referee not give a penalty on Sunday, will he see it as a job well done though
This tirade seems to have been deliberately timed to emerge just before Manchester United take on Chelsea in what is obviously one of the most important games of the season. To my mind a deliberate attempt to influence the referee and officials at this game to ensure that any decisions don’t go in United’s favour!
Graham ’3 yellow cards’ Poll has endorsed Benitez’s comments about Fergie. As if it wasn’t bad enough for him to condone Terry’s actions as he is England captain, he now wades in with this. Fucking cunt.
He’s just trying to claim the media spotlight as per usual and probably still bemoaning the fact that referees aren’t treated like they are in Italy, where they are able to take tables at top restaurants like the footballers do without even reserving, as he said in his book apparently….Full of his own self-importance but too dizzy to realise that refs probably get treated like that in Italy because they’re open to taking bribes…stupid muppet
oh and the ref on sunday is Howard Webb apparently, so he’s obviously not thought it through because he’s probably the most capable ref in the premiership
Do you not know the respond from the former referee, Poll, you Man U fan! Be sensible how Benitez destroyed former Chelsea’s boss?
Bit nervous about this, I think the timing from the fat scouse manager will work against us and he’s obviously good at this sort of thing with wot happened in Spain.
Poll’s comments do not help!
It’s about time somebody spoke out about Fergie lambasting referees over and over again without getting punished. Let’s face it the man’s a great winner but a very poor loser. And he has been saying some really nasty things about most every referee in the country. And he does it to pressure referees to give his team advantages. It’s as simple as that.
My only managerial experience is from Football Manager, so I’ve got no experience in professional management let alone as top-flight title chasing manager but shouldn’t Rafa be more concerned about how to beat Stoke at the Britannia? Its a loud ground with an aggressive crowd and an even more aggressive team, whom as i recall managed to hold pool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Rather he seems to prefer distracting himself/his staff into compiling a dossier that in no way would affect their ability to win the match. You can guarantee such pre-meditated actions would NEVER be done by Sir for the simple fact that they are a complete waste of time when theres 3 points to be won.
Only time will tell if this is Rafa’s ‘Keegan’ moment, but its certainly a curious insight into the psyche of a manager whom I always thought was preoccupied with nothing but football.
Just this second watched Sky News and heard something that made me piss myself with laughter.
Neil Collins, sports Editor from the London Lite (Cheap newspaper), commenting on Benitez’s outburst:
‘Absolutely spot on! Fergie seems to think he’s bullet proof and the FA are scared of him. He has no respect for referees either. Benitez should be commended for his comments and the FA should not be punished for speaking the truth’. What a fucking cunt.
As Scott has highlighted in his previous articles, all managers (including Benitez) have a go at the referee and, of course it’s absolute rubbish for Benitez to suggest on the one hand that Fergie is never punished – before citing a couple of instances where he was actually punished. Quite funny how Benitez has the cheek to moan about fixtures when he forgets that we went to Japan.
Typical ABU scum in this country are quick to highlight Fergie’s comments and quietly ignore their own managers’ shortcomings. All managers moan and complain about the referee – and when Fergie does get punished, look how quick the ABUs are to forget about it.
Livershite are whiter than white? Pull the other one, for heaven’s sake. How many times has Gerrard gone unpunished for his dives? Fergie will have slept very soundly last night after watching the Waiter crack up on TV.
redgister why do you come on here? and real madrid are the most successful team in the world, so learn your history – i heard its a strong subject down in the self pity city
Laughed my nuts off. If Fatman is going to talk facts at the very least get them right. Saying SAF is the only manager that can do that, just after mentioning he had been banned by the FA. Shithead, crapping himself, Saint Stevieme being sent down, the FA refusing to let the Scumbags play their home games at HMP Walton, squeaking bum time at Analfield already.
Think we all know that United get hard done all the time. The penalty at Chelsea last year given by the same linesman that didn’t flag for a more stonewall one at Boro about 3 weeks before that. Mr Atkinson’s performance in the FA cup against Porstmouth (introducing a new tackle “The Distin” into football).
Rafata brilliant haven’t laughed so much in years. Did Keegan’s dad know your mum Rafata?
the press are backing him then!
Another interesting reaction was Guillem Ballague’s piece on Benitez knowing what he’s doing etc etc. But not surprising looking at other part of his site (Torres’s exclusive! Win Liverpool’s jersey signed by Rafa!!). A real Livepool love fest.
United win/Scousers draw – what will Rafa say on Sunday evening ?
Interesting how most people who have been in the game inc. George Graham, Graham poll, Andy Townsend have backed what Rafa has said. Looks like opinion is shifting against old whisky nose. MU really have to win tomorrow or the spotlight will really shine on his team. Bring it on!
Fergie should be remembered as a great manager and a great servant to Man Utd, instead he will be remembered as a hypocrite and a moaning old git.
Ah yes, Graham “3 Yellow” Poll. That great font of knowledge and wisdom. The same man who thinks England captains ought be above the law. The same man who seeks celebrity status for referees. And you’re happy for him to promote your cause?
Did Andy Townsend need to explain his views with his graphics screen and stylus like he usually does?
GG is likely to say anything if the envelope is big enough.
Great support for your cause, lol.
Franco – good one.
George Graham – banned from the game for accepting dodgy payments
Graham Poll – fame hungry failure. 3 yellow cards, remember?
Their opinion is worth anything to you? If they were saying Liverpool stood no chance of winning the league this season, would you take their opinion seriously? Joker.
Great that it is howard webb, the arsenal lover. We always lose to arsenal when he’s around but we always win in non arsenal match. Glad that it is not that corrupted shit like mike riley and matt clatterburg or even rob styles. DO your homework rafa u shit fat waitress. SAF got punished before u stupid twat.
it is really too late for Poll. He is retired now, am i right ?
sweet talking.
WAS GEORGE GRAHAM NOT SACKED BY ARSENAL WHEN THEY DISCOVERED HE WAS NOT MAN ENOUGH TO CHALLENGE SIR ALEX FERGUSSON FOR THE TITLE?
WAS GRAHAM POLL NOT THE MAN (WHO CLAIMS TO BE A REFEREE) THAT GAVE A SINGLE PLAYER THREE YELLOW CARDS IN A SINGLE GAME?
WHAT WAS ANDY TOWNSEND?
TALK ABOUT PEOPLE THAT ARE WORTHY OF MENTIONING AND NOT JUST ANYONE THAT COMES ACROSS YOUR BRAIN.
YOU WILL SOON TELL US WHAT RAFAEL NADAL SAID BECAUSE HE IS A FRIEND OF CASILLAS.
Laffin’ out loud (or LOL to all you writers who use SMS text language) at all this… to lighten this up a bit, a few comments…
Firstly, Andy – you mention that “Let’s face it the man’s a great winner but a very poor loser…” Blimey, for a minute then, I thought you were going to say summat negative about Ferguson… There’s a famous quote that states “show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser…” The day Ferguson stops showing that passion about United is the day I’ll be truly worried…
Anyway, all the press attention on this is because it’s been said about Ferguson.. I think if the same statements were made about half the managers in the Premier League, I reckon you’d get the same response… there are dozens of managers who have criticised referees this season – from Joe Kinnear’s assessment of Martin Atkinson being a “Mickey Mouse referee” (did he mean scouse?) earlier this season, to Harry Redknapp’s withering comments about ‘Scary’ Steve Tanner in Tottenham’s recent trip to West Brom…
I guess the unfortunate thing about this is that these ‘experts’ are asked by journos for their tuppence’worth on this subject because editors think it sells papers… and who are we to argue when we’re sitting here discussing it!!!
My last comments on this is that, if it was meant to be part of ‘mind games’, I reckon Benitez is about three months too early… After all, they always say the secret to good comedy is timing…
Franco: from what I heard Andy Townsend thought Fat boy was wrong to say what he did. like his opinion matters anyway.
I am sick to the fuckin stomach of all these ABU’S saying things like “Great speech” and “he was very calm” etc etc. Tonight Collybore has come out and said “he is only saying what EVERYONE thinks” This from the same man who has also said Villa have a chance to win the league this season. I can’t fucking stand the bitter, bird beating, stat spouting, dogging cunt!
On 5 live they were praising him as well. I just hope the dippers lose or draw then we beat Rent boys. What will all the media and fans say then? Probably something along the lines of “he may have just fucked liverpools season”. cunts the lot of them.
Franciz: “Be sensible how Benitez destroyed former Chelsea’s boss” What the fuck are you on about pal?
HA HA HA. WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS VIDEO?
Lets see what the ABU media have got to say now after dippers dropped points to Stoke.
Fat Beni’s red faced tyrade of imagined facts has just made him the laughing stock of the world.
I am in australia and it was reported with giggles on the news.
Fox sports
(Laughs) “Just wait for it,here it is”
euro sports much the same.
He was an angry red faced comical bufoon.
However dont worry fat beni keegan lived it down, even David Icke has regained credibility. I am sure you will b remembered for being the slightly better than average manager you are. Just one who made a fool of himself in public.
King Eric, are you educated or civilised? You are a shame in this post and I do not understand why this kind of low-level rubbish can be admitted!
the spanish keegan! lets be honest he took his eye of stoke to come up wit an idiotic rant and the only people who thought it was a wise movewere the abu prss and ex dipperpool pundits in the media aka woman beater collymore and big nose phil thompson
rafa has been exposed as a fat over rated wanker and the knight of the real that is sir alex ferguson must be chuckling himself to sleep tonight
ps will we have a minutes silence when stevie gets sent down? and will be in a cell with celebrity victim micheal “10 more years ” sheilds?
Rafa the Basher said post game today, that he was saying what nobody had dared to say to Fergie for 20 years. The man is DELUDED! He really believes that he is the only geezer to have ever mauled with Fergie. Rafa, Fergie has mauled with far more worthy adversaries than you, and NONE of them had to use scripted text. Shows Rafa has no natural WIT or spontaneous banter, whereas Fergie is able to give throwaway humour quips all bloody day. Viva Fergie.
Well to be honest, most Liverpool fan’s are probably soaking all the reaction up, loving every second. Every time they read a Man Utd fan’s comment about Rafa’s press conference, they smile to themselves and know that Rafa has indeed got under Man Utd’s skin. I am a Fulham fan so i am fully neutral, and to me it seems that for once, Sir Alex actually feels threatened by Liverpool, hence his earlier comments. And from the looks of the huge reaction it has got from the Man Utd fans, i would say that they are pretty nervous too this season.
Rafa having an after doze of kidney stone operation so he spoke thru his arse hole. Everyone knows the true facts except Rafa, may be he is very nervious because his jail bird captain cannot help him win matches and eventually the American will go after his arse.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article5488910.ece
Another quality article in the times about Benitez