Stuttering performances on the pitch have increased the despair among Liverpool fans. Much of their anger has been directed up to now at the ‘absentee’ American owners. However, they have become increasingly critical of manager Rafa Benitez. He has made it clear that he is digging in for the long term and it is believed that, given the nature of his contract which was renewed last year, the club could not afford to sack him. The counter argument is that the club cannot afford not to sack him, but that overlooks the underlying financial realities.
Stuttering performances on the pitch have increased the despair among Liverpool fans. Much of their anger has been directed up to now at the ‘absentee’ American owners. However, they have become increasingly critical of manager Rafa Benitez. He has made it clear that he is digging in for the long term and it is believed that, given the nature of his contract which was renewed last year, the club could not afford to sack him. The counter argument is that the club cannot afford not to sack him, but that overlooks the underlying financial realities. It was observed on Radio 5 yesterday that, whereas in the past, one might discuss strikers before a game, now one discussed bond issues and liabilities which is not what fans go to a game for. The anger of Liverpool fans with the board was increased by an offensive E mail sent by Tom Hicks Jr to a supporter. Hicks Jnr. subsequently resigned from the Liverpool board, but that has not really defused the anger among fans whose perception is that the board treat them with contempt.