Meh, my opinion lies roughly in the middle of this shambles people try to call a debate.
I think Rafa managed Liverpool fairly successfully during his stint as boss. Obviously the Champions' League win stands out as his one fantastic achievement which it quite rightly it, although I still think he managed to get Liverpool to overachieve massively to win it. What I thought he did bring to the side though, was a stability week-in, week-out. He made sure that Liverpool remained a top 4 club for the majority of his tenure in the face of worsening financial (mis)management. Despite having less money to spend the results were generally acceptable, which shows good handling of the club's resources. I don't think his activity in the transfer window was the best though. I know he didn't have the biggest budget, that he did make a few great signings and that he didn't lose much money through transfers, but some of his signings were a long way off Premiership standard in my opinion. Although I'd have like to see who he'd try to capture if he'd stayed for the takeover and increased budget!
And regarding Hodgson's start, I still think their league position doesn't reflect either the quality of the squad or Hodgson's managerial ability. Yes, I disagree with the formation he uses but Liverpool should still be around mid table with any manager due to the quality of players they have. I think he's had a very poor start, but I'd predict a sharp upturn in form in the near future, and probably a top-half finish.
I think Rafa managed Liverpool fairly successfully during his stint as boss. Obviously the Champions' League win stands out as his one fantastic achievement which it quite rightly it, although I still think he managed to get Liverpool to overachieve massively to win it. What I thought he did bring to the side though, was a stability week-in, week-out. He made sure that Liverpool remained a top 4 club for the majority of his tenure in the face of worsening financial (mis)management. Despite having less money to spend the results were generally acceptable, which shows good handling of the club's resources. I don't think his activity in the transfer window was the best though. I know he didn't have the biggest budget, that he did make a few great signings and that he didn't lose much money through transfers, but some of his signings were a long way off Premiership standard in my opinion. Although I'd have like to see who he'd try to capture if he'd stayed for the takeover and increased budget!
And regarding Hodgson's start, I still think their league position doesn't reflect either the quality of the squad or Hodgson's managerial ability. Yes, I disagree with the formation he uses but Liverpool should still be around mid table with any manager due to the quality of players they have. I think he's had a very poor start, but I'd predict a sharp upturn in form in the near future, and probably a top-half finish.
