Rafa Benitez

What We’ve Learnt About Klopp’s LFC | Part 2: Midfield dynamics and game impact

Following on from part 1 of this series, which can be read here. After more disappointing dropped points at the Emirates, that piece is worth a read. In this piece, I will take a brief look at the midfield and Klopp's use of his players in his various systems. Klopp is the best manager we've...

Liverpool’s New-Found Squad Depth Paying Dividends

Since Liverpool stopped ruling English football in 1990, there are many reasons why a return to the summit of the game has continued to evade them. There have been dreadful signings, bemusing managerial appointments, unprofessional squads and rivals spending vast chunks of money, among many others factors. One of the Reds' greatest Achilles heels has been...

Why do the Benitez Worshippers Have it in for Klopp?

Despite Liverpool actually doing fairly well this season, some of the negativity surrounding the team would make you think they are in Everton’s current plight. It hasn’t been a memorable campaign so far, and some nights have been ruined by poor displays and late capitulations, but just one defeat in 13 matches suggests the Reds...

Klopp Needs Our Support Now More Than Ever

My 3 part series "The Klopp Project" discussed some of the context around the club's current position and fortunes. Context is one thing, but the Spurs debacle at Wembley (Huddersfield result notwithstanding) put some things into perspective. It is undeniable that LFC and, perhaps more pertinently, Jurgen Klopp stands at a crossroad. It almost beggars...

Liverpool Need To Shore Up The Defence Or Win Nothing

The dust may have settled after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla, but the fume is still very much alive and well. Another slick attacking display was ruined by defensive incompetence, with the La Liga outfit scoring with both shots on target at Anfield. How many times does that seem to happen these days? Whether it be...

Reviewing A Banquet Without Wine – A History of the Reds in the PL Era

When offered the opportunity to read an advance copy of A Banquet Without Wine, I eagerly accepted; it was a welcome break from the academic historical literature which my studies demand, and, given my experience with previous works from The Tomkins Times, my qualitative expectations were high. Beyond that, I remained open to hearing an...

A Banquet Without Wine – Book Review

A Banquet Without Wine by Anthony Stanley Book Review by Shane Clancy for anfieldindex.com This was a monumental undertaking for Anthony Stanley. The book provides a fast-moving, yet brilliantly detailed history of our great club in the Premier League era. First things first - there is only one specific requirement to guarantee your love of this book;...

10 Years Since Torres

July 4th will always have a place in Liverpool fan’s hearts. Back in 2007, Rafael Benitez smashed the club’s record transfer fee to bring Fernando Torres to Anfield for £20.2 million. During his three-and-a-half-year spell, Torres established himself as one of the best No.9’s the club had ever seen. Much like Bonny and Clyde, Batman...

The Rise and Fall of Rafa Benitez

With Lucas Leiva set to leave Liverpool FC for Lazio there will no longer by any players left at the club, who were managed by Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard is a beloved figure at Anfield but the state in which he left the club, even though not entirely his fault, has left a bitter...

What makes a Liverpool legend?

It's an interesting question and one which, more than anything else, I'd just like to discuss with you readers. If you're interested in sports other than football, over the past few weeks you may well have heard or seen some 'legendary' players, teams or performances: there was Mohamed Amir's bowling spell in the Champions Trophy Final...