Gambler's Art

RAFA AND THE GAMBLER'S ART

"In football, a destructive opposition, the unpredictability of cause and effect, human error, and sometimes just plain bad luck, get in the way."

"Liverpool have never previously employed someone so fresh from notable, significant success, and against all the odds the European Cup was added to the manager's two La Liga titles and a Uefa Cup."

"Gerrard is such a unique player; the 'perfect' modern footballer, if you will. He can do it all. He can pass, tackle and score goals. He is tall, and he is quick. He also has boundless energy. And, the two reasons he is so effective out wide: he can beat a man, and he can whip in a deadly cross."

"No player can be signed with a certainty of success."

"Managers are paid to make tough decisions. If they feel the need for radical changes, they have to trust their instincts, no matter that radical changes often lead to problems before becoming a solution. We can all be wary of something new in life; change can make anyone uneasy, and change involves adapting."

"Like anything in football, it's not perfect. But zonal marking is clearly better, for Liverpool at least, and for the time being. It may not be the most noticeable of improvements, but it's one Rafa has made to good effect."

...Just quoted some from the great article, and you can read more on Liverpoolfc.tv.