Quote Originally Posted by Curian View Post
I tend to agree with you on some of your analysis but not all. I was somewhat perplexed by a couple fo the buys when we needed a goalkeeper, defender and striker. Though if push came to shove I would have gambled on a striker. Again, if I recall correctly did not Rafa highlight what he wanted and did not Chanley prevaricate and the accountant prevent the spending of a big part of the budget on a Striker thus time slipped by and we were left with bargain bin buys.

That cannot be put down to Rafa. Rafa is known for his planning and diligence and had a list in very early, he was let down by the hierarchy of the club.
Remember when he went in for a keeper and sels came for 6 million on a decent wage?
We know how that turned out.
The reality was, we didn't need a keeper as a priority. It may appear that Dubravka has proven otherwise but it's doing a massive disservice to Darlow and Elliot.

We did require a change in tactics and Kenedy provided it. It was a mere gamble by Rafa in terms of hoping Kenedy would hit the ground running and kick-start a change in footballing mindset that literally lifted the underperforming players who were being asked to graft and be cautious.
Merino got sick of it in short order and yes, I know his back was used as a massive excuse but I believe there was more to it, just like the dip in form of many others.


Rafa might be many fans knight in shining armour and fair enough if they think that.
As for me, I think he's came in and made some bad buys and was simply in a process of trying to nip and tuck as and when things didn't quite marry up.

I'm still not trusting of him but I'm more than happy to be proved wrong in the transfer market buys and also the football on the pitch being what we all expect, not being brainwashed into thinking we have to accept dire for most of the season...because of (add in all excuses).