RAFA'S ROULETTE !

Has Rafa Benitez in going for Sir Alex Ferguson's throat

only succeeded cutting his own?

'Talking about the Rafalution':

If there exists a footballing version of Russian roulette then Liverpool football club are currently playing with five bullets in a six barrel shotgun. After recent events both on and off the field in the premiership, Rafa Benitezs' ferocious but measured and neatly scripted outburst at Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson now appears a monumental own goal.

Designed initially to place pressure on officials before the champion's home match against Chelsea at Old Trafford, Benitezs' pre-meditated rant horribly back-fired.The barbed but humorous comments regarding United's coaching staff man-marking the officials caused much mirth in football circles but also appeared to strike a chord with those who felt United had rode roughshod over the footballing authorities for years.

As the world waited with baited breath for Ferguson's reply it instead came in the manner of his team's pulsating 3-0 victory over Chelsea. Then, in Sky's post match interview the United manager finally, with much over-acted quizzical mirth declared that his Anfield counterpart appeared 'disturbed'. Cue hysterical whoops of laughter from all corners of the Old Trafford kingdom and much gnarling of teeth down the East Lancs Road.

Since then Manchester United have moved ominously into top gear and Liverpool's seemingly commanding lead at the top of the Premiership has not just gone but been blown away. A 5-0 away drubbing of West Bromwich Albion put United three points clear and they are once more like a dog with a bone as another title comes within their grasp.

The cries of 'Rafas cracking up' sung to the tune of 'Footballs coming home' resonated loud from the away supporters at the Hawthorns. The sheer delight obvious at rubbing their deadliest rival's nose in the dirt. For in this most tumultuous of seasons with United on the brink of levelling Liverpool's record eighteen league titles three more points have never meant more.

With the stakes beyond any rational comprehension on both sides so the pressure intensifies and Rafa Benitez at this most important of periods faces losing those whom previously have backed him through sheer blind faith. The local hardcore support that instantly canonised Benitez after the 'Miracle of Istanbul' are becoming openly restless as Rafa spins the six barrel shotgun and points it at their heads.

On the many television and radio phone-ins and perhaps most importantly the internet chat forums, general consensus appears to be that Rafa has lost the plot. Reasons are plenty: the utter refusal to go for the jugular of opponents at Anfield. Overpaying wildly £20 Million pound for Robbie Keane then never playing him.

The constantly firing broadsides over contractual issues across the Atlantic at Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillette. An apparent one-man mission to undermine club executive Rick Parry regarding transfer policy and get him the sack. All this for Liverpool supporters proving maddeningly frustrating.

Undoubtedly there will be calls for Benitezs' head over the current situation. The double failure to beat Everton in the last week at Anfield and the latest premiership setback, a 1-1 draw at Wigan leaving them two points behind United who retain a game in hand is starting to revive sad memories of Gerard Houllier's embittered last days. On the red side of Stanley Park the doom merchants are gathering in force.

But amidst the despair there still remains more than a glimmer of hope beginning with a must win match against Chelsea this Sunday. The coming months will see Liverpool up against Real Madrid in the Champions league but more importantly on March 14 they must go to Old Trafford And here is when Rafa Benitez last stand may well take place.

If Benitez can keep his team within shooting distance of United until that time all is not yet lost. Though how fired up Sir Alex Ferguson will be to finish off once and for all his Spanish nemesis on Mancunian soil and level the record can only be imagined. If Manchester United prevail in what is arguably the most important match ever between these two clubs then the 'Rafalution' is surely dead.

It is clear when making the comments regarding Ferguson, Benitez had in his mind a battle-plan to destabilise United causing them to lose focus and inevitably drop points.That it never occurred and instead his team crumbled was a gamble of a man who possibly believed the hype about him being a tactical genius.

An arrogance that has now left him looking foolish. Sadly the six barrell shotgun with five bullets has again been spun and is now shoved firmly into Rafa Benitezs' face.The tragedy being that many Liverpool supporters who only a short time ago fell in homage at his feet would now gladly pull the trigger.

Sunday 14th March 2009: Remember the date:

John ludden:

Cfieldsoffire@aol.com