FAN SCENE: Supporters just can’t see where the problem is

Nov 30 2007 by Sam Johnstone, Liverpool Daily Post

OFF the pitch shenanigans dominated the news this week, despite two very good victories.

It may seem like a storm in a teacup when we look back at it in the next few years, but it’s clear that Rafa was under a lot of pressure, maybe even in danger of getting the sack.

The rally of supporters before the Porto game shows just how much the manager is loved by the fans.

It has to be said that the majority of fans were on Rafa’s side, but I haven’t heard one Red badmouth Messrs. Hicks and Gillet, and the protest had no anti-American sentiments to it at all.

The argument seems to be based on confusion from both sides.

It was inevitable that Rafa would feel as if he wasn’t trusted to deliver when he wasn’t given the go ahead to make a couple of Bosman signings, but to be charitable to the co-chairmen I do think there was a bit of confusion on their part when it comes to transfer dealings in Europe.

The rally has shown that the supporters have faith in the manager, even if there have been one or two grumblings about his style.

The Reds are in a pretty good position domestically at the moment, and the Porto game has given us the opportunity to salvage our European campaign on December 11, so where’s the problem?

Yes, there has been a period when we haven’t looked like contenders at all, but we seem to be through that now and look to be gelling into what we all want to see: a good footballing team that can compete with the best and do it with a modicum of style.

The manager reckons we are still a player or two short of the finished article hence his frustration at sorting out January transfers.

With Kaladzhe mentioned as the player we were after, you can see where the manager’s thoughts are going.

We do need to strengthen in certain areas, there’s no doubting that, but we are starting to look strong again as the long, intense run-up to Christmas begins, starting with the Bolton game on Sunday.

They are always a tough nut to crack, and going by their performance against United last week, Gary Megson has brought the physicality back into their game.

I thought they were fair in their tackling, and United just didn’t like it, so we have to be careful about that aspect of their game.

They can play football as well, and the form of Anelka is something we will have to be wary of.

All in all, I’m a pretty satisfied Red this week. The arguments appear resolved, we’re playing well and the new boys are beginning to come into their own.

Rafa must be feeling chuffed with the support he’s received this week (in fact, he seemed close to tears during the post-match press conference on Wednesday), and I hope this feel-good factor will spur the lads on against the Trotters.