Liverpool
Rafa Benitez
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Tuesday, 01, Aug 2006 04:37
Delivering a European Cup and an FA Cup isn't a bad way to start life as a manager.
But Rafa's Revolution will not be complete on Merseyside until the club are back on the pedestal they occupied throughout the 80s.
During the last 16 years since Liverpool last won a league title, various managers have come and gone - Scottish, Liverpudlian and French - promoted from inside or recruited from abroad, but none has landed the title that matters most.
Benitez's Spanish style has the makings of a successful side, with a solid defence and impressive goalkeeper in the form of Jose Reina providing the perfect platform for Steven Gerrard to maraud forward and Xabi Alonso to pick his passes.
For the club to return to its former glory - and pip Chelsea for the title - they will need new signing Craig Bellamy to act as the 20 goal striker Cisse never proved to be.
Facts
Formed: 1892
Home: Anfield, capacity 45,362
Nickname: The Reds
Adult 2006/07 season ticket prices: £610 - £660
Pedigree
League champions: 18 - 1901, 1906, 1922, 1923, 1947, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990
FA Cup winners: 7 - 1965, 1974, 1986, 1989, 1992, 2001, 2006
League Cup winners: 7 - 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995, 2001, 2003
Uefa Cup: 3 - 1973, 1976, 2001
European Cup : 3 - 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005
European Super cup: 3 - 1977, 2001, 2005
Community shield: 14 - 1964 (shared), 1965 (shared), 1966, 1974, 1976, 1977 (shared), 1979, 1980, 1982, 1986 (shared), 1988, 1989, 1990, 2001
People
Owner: David Moores (Majority holder with 51 per cent)
Chairman: David Moores
Chief executive: Rick Parry
Head coach: Rafael Benitez
Assistant coach: Pako Ayesteran
Team captain: Steven Gerrard
Last season
Premiership: 3rd - P 38 W 25 D 7 L 6 GF 57 GA 25 GD +32 PTS 82
Champions League: last 16 - lost 3-0 on aggregate to Benfica
FA Cup: Winners
League Cup: 3rd round - lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace
Major summer ins
Jermaine Pennant - in from Birmingham City - £6.7 million
Craig Bellamy - in from Blackburn - £6 million
Gabriel Paletta - in from Banfield - £2 million
Fabio Aurelio - in from Valencia - free transfer
Mark Gonzales - in from Real Sociedad - loan return
Major summer outs
Fernando Morientes - to Valencia - £3 million
Zak Whitbread - to Millwall - up to £500,000 depending on appearances
Bruno Cheyrou - to Rennes - undisclosed
Dietmar Hamman - to Manchester City - undisclosed
Djimi Traore - to Charlton - £2 million
Anthony Le Tallec - to Sochaux - loan
Florent Sinama Pongolle - to Recreativo de Huelva - season loan
Jan Kromkamp - to PSV Eindhoven - undisclosed
Unheralded stars
Momo Sissoko and Jamie Carragher
Carragher, or 'Carradonna' to his admirers, is arguably not an undiscovered gem after becoming a regular for club and country, but his unfussy approach to the game means he won't often catch the headlines.
With exceptional positioning at centre-back he more than makes up for a lack of pace and brings leadership and commitment to every game he plays in.
The Scouse stopper first came to light by scoring a goal on his debut and then 'cavorting' with strippers at the 1998 Anfield Christmas party as the News of the World recounted the "scene of lust".
Since then he has only added to his reputation and is one of the most knowledgeable students of the game in football.
Momo Sissoko is perhaps more of a genuine unheralded star. All legs and awkwardness, his all-action style belies an effective game that disrupts opponents' rhythm and allows Gerrard to get forward.
After a career-threatening eye injury last season, he returned to help the side win the FA Cup, capping a superb debut season with the club and drawing comparisons with both Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele - fine role models.
Starlets
Jermaine Pennant and Daniel Agger
Pennant's arrival at Anfield after fellow 'bad boy' Craig Bellamy may have raised a few eyebrows, but the former Arsenal protege can certainly play.
A gifted winger with a penchant for getting to the by-line and hitting crosses, Pennant also possesses balance and skill that make him a tricky dribbler.
If he can put his wayward past behind him and bring the right attitude, he could be a crucial piece of the puzzle for Liverpool.
At £6.7 million he has to prove his worth, but with Crouch an obvious target for the Nottingham-born 23-year-old, he could just remind Arsene Wenger what he let go.
Daniel Agger had a quiet season last year, arriving for £5.8 million in the January transfer window but is tipped to be a long-term successor to Sami Hyypia at centreback.
Comfortable on the ball and with astute positional sense for a youngster, the 21-year-old is also strong in the air thanks to his height.
This season the Danish international - the most expensive export ever from the country - could well make a name for himself.
Predictions
League position: Runners-up.
If the little and large partnership of Bellamy and Crouch can gel and Liverpool can start beating the Blues outside the European Cup, it could yet be time for more parades down the Stanley Road come May - but the runner-up spot is a more likely finish.
Chances of managerial change: Very unlikely.
Unless Real Madrid come calling again - Rafa's delivery of the FA Cup and Champions League means he will not be pushed out.
Top scorer: Craig Bellamy.
The Welsh tyro netted 17 times last year and fans will hope he can break the 20-goal mark.
Player most likely to rock the boat: Possibly Bellamy.
Typically towards the top of the Fair Play charts, the arrival of an ex-con in the shape of Pennant could offer a new challenge for Liverpool and their coaching staff, while Bellamy's ability to inspire violence amongst those close to him is well-documented.
Nat Bertram.