http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/rafael-benitez-arsenal-shortlist-replace-arsene-wenger-1606083 With Mike Ashley blocking any movement in the January Transfer Window, could this become a reality? If Arsene Wenger doesn't sign a new deal (which has been offered already) could the Arsenal Board make the sensible move of offering the Arsenal job to Rafa Benitez? It could just be speculation, but there are quite a few places suggesting the possibility. Why wouldn't Rafa go? Arsenal have shed-loads of cash, world-class players in their squad and almost guaranteed Champions League football to look forward to. I'm seriously concerned
I could see this happening. They are looking to get ruthless and I think they'd sacrifice philosophy for someone who just brought them trophies. Rafa does a have a good track record in this regard. However I could see Simeone taking over there and Gallardo taking over at Athletico.
If Benitez does go to Arsenal I just hope we bust a gut to get St Alan back in. That would certainly be my choice and the rest of the fans if I know my football.
You can call me c@nt, a f@ckwit or any other derogatory term you can come up with, however there are certain lines that should never, I repeat never be crossed. I hope your next sh!t's a hedgehog.
I'm sorry, so sorry, so very, very sorry. It was an impulse thing which I didn't think through. I didn't consider the emotional harm my "joke" would have. I realise that it may take you a long time to get over that slur but I'll be there for you if you feel able to trust me again. I'm sorry.
As it's obviously come from the heart I accept your apology. I bet the dozy bastard comes on and explains that statistically the number of hedgehogs shat out since the last time we won a derby doesn't correlate to the number of insults hurled at each other on this forum. Therefore King Harold must still have both eyes.
The only thing that may keep him here is his family ties in the northwest and I'm sure its quicker to get across to Liverpool from Newcastle than London although the links in London are pretty easy to get there. That said there are some good names in the hat so he might be beaten to it.... TBH I'd imagine Wenger will stay another year or two still until the France job is up for grabs again anyway so all tabloid rumour.
Simeone? I really don't see that. Diego is far too the 'other way' as far as tactics are concerned. He plays a defensive / negative style more like Mourinho did previously. No pretty football with him and Wenger has built his legacy around his flamboyant style.
That would be the problem with Benitez too though. I could see either as they might just want an all out winner next
If Rafa doesn't get full financial backing from Ashley in the summer he's clearly going to walk, regardless of any offers out there for him. And yes, he'd go to Arsenal in a heartbeat if it was offered.
Liverpool Lime Street to London is only just over 2 hours. To Newcastle is longer to be honest and I'm sure less regular. To drive it would be an hour or so longer and much less scenic but I'd be amazed if that was enough to stop him. He lives just down the road from my wife's parents in Caldy, very nice part of the world.
He will also have to weigh up the roadworks on the M60 near Manchester, against the M6/M42 round Birmingham (although this is better with the toll)! To be honest on the salaries they are on he can just hire a driver and have a kip in the back anyway (like I do) so its not a big deal