Rafa's Miscalculation

The news of Liverpool's alledged tapping up of Fabio Capello made me wonder whether Rafa Benitez has made a major miscalculation in his dealings with the Americans. From thinking he was dealing from a position of strength it appears the opposite.

The Americans while giving him the benefit of the doubt may actually have harboured some doubts to his ability. Not that they don't think he is a good coach, but they appear to doubt whether he is the absolutely world class coach capable of delivering the success their investment requires. Remembering Rafa was brought to Liverpool as a coach who could compete with the top clubs on lesser resources. The Yanks view seems to be that to release top drawer cash they want to be sure they've got a top draw coach. It seems to me Rafa has misjudged the American culture and the way the Americans do business. They are ruthless in business as you have to be and this is all about ensuring their investment makes a return. Rafa has unfortunately added to their doubts by painting himself as a troublemaker.

This news of Capello plus the other noises ruminating out of Anfield (there were reports this week that Rafa's long term future is in doubt) make it all an unsettling time to be a Liverpool fan.

In reality if Rafa is moved out at the end of the season there may well be some protest and noise but if a replacement similar to Capello is announced then the Yanks can ride through it. Also at the end of the day if Liverpool are winning protests at any change of management will not last for long.

All in all Rafa Benitez's position is still very precarious in the long term. I suspect only unprecedented success will save him and by that I mean a Premiership this season!