Rafa is the way forward

The only consistency surrounding the England manager debate appears to be the preferred nationality of the new coach. The general consensus amongst fans and the British media is that an Englishman needs to be hired to change the fortunes of the national team.

But is this something the FA really need to be focusing on? Do people actually want tactically naive Redknapp or one season wonder Pardew at the helm of the most important footballing job in the country?

Sure Pardew has had a good season up in Tyneside, but he has failed to produce good results on a consistent basis throughout his career, evident in his acceptance of a League One position only 2 years ago.

With regards to Redknapp, for all of his man management skills, he does have the ability to alienate players (could Darren Bent really play for England with 'Arry in charge?). Granted he would come into his own in terms of the motivational aspect of the job, but would almost definitely be found out from a tactical viewpoint when facing leading European nations.

Personally I am of the belief that Rafa Benitez is the man to lead England in Eastern Europe. The Spanish boss is still living in the North-West and as a result is fully engrossed into the English game and all the baggage it comes with.

Certain fans may argue that he never really accomplished anything in the league with Liverpool, yet he is still the club's most successful manager since the Premier League began. Even so, the Euros are not about being the best over a 38 match run, they are won by out-manoeuvring your opposite number from a tactical standpoint on 3 or 4 separate occasions in a short period of time. This is what makes Benitez stand out from the other candidates, his tactical ability in cup competitions, most notably Europe.

Week after week Rafa would forget about his club's domestic form and produce magnificent results against superior opponents using knowledge he had gained from seasons of study and experience. This is evident in the fact that he is one of the modern day pioneers of the 4-2-3-1 formation, a tactic regularly used by the world's top sides nowadays such as Germany, Arsenal and last season's surprise Bundesliga winners Borussia Dortmund.

Benitez's awareness of the technical side of the beautiful game is not his only stand out attribute however. The 51 year-old has experience in the defensive leagues of Serie A as well as its attacking based Spanish counterpart. These are two contrasting cultures that will prove transferable and invaluable when managing on an international stage.

As well as this, Rafa has never been a manager to have his favourites, a trait consistent with past England managers who have continued to stick with their preferred players when form suggested otherwise. This side to the Spaniard’s management style manifested itself in the way he gradually removed the majority of his Champions League winning side from their places on the team within two years of that historic night.

He could also be considered to be the man that made Steven Gerrard the player he is, with the Scouser having undoubtedly his most successful seasons under Benitez’s stewardship (Gerrard is far more likely to have an Indian summer with Rafa at the helm).

On top of all this, two of the main criticisms aimed at Fabio Capello during his English tenure were that he didn't learn the language and he cost too much. These are two facets that again make Benitez the ideal candidate for the job considering he speaks fluent English, actually enjoys our culture and would not cost a penny.

The FA have to forget about the ridiculous notion that the new man must have English blood and get on the phone to Rafa. With him in charge English football will finally make the much-needed progression into the 21st century. 

@paulhill3

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Comments

[redwan]

I definitely agree with your idea.he is football genius. he is very suited to European games and tournaments involving knock outs!!!! but one thing he lacks is that the communication gap between him and the players make him a "boss" rather than "manager" and he is not type of manager players would love to play for like Mourinho. but still he is an ideal candidate for the vacant national English team management. Definitely he is much much much better than Harry and all other possibilities.

[Ace]

"As well as this, Rafa has never been a manager to have his favourites... he gradually removed the majority of his Champions League winning side from their places on the team..."

i find it laughable that this positives you note for benitez is also the main reason he was fired. as his disbandment of the champions league team put together by houllier is the main reason liverpool currently languishes as just an above average team.

[Paul]

Whether you think getting rid of the euro winners was a good thing or not, it still shows that he isn't scared to discard his favourites, a trait more suited to international football. This is something Capello wasn't doing for too long with the likes of Gareth Barry and Glen Johnson. If Scott Parker had played against Germany in the World Cup we would not have lost by that much considering England barely had an anchorman that match. Besides you could say Liverpool overachieved in 2004, and it was more about Benitez's tactical changes at half time that won them the game.
In the few seasons afterwards he replaced players like Finnan, Kewell, Dudek and Baros with Arbeloa, Kuyt, Reina and Torres, so there is no doubt he did the right thing. Furthermore, he then went on to lead them to another Champions League final as well as 2nd in the League table with their highest ever points total in the Premier League in 2009. Since he's been fired the club have hardly been back to their winning ways either. Hodgson messed it up and Dalglish is finding it difficult to get a Champions League place despite spending big on a number of players.

[FootballFansOnline]

Some good points there, Rafa is definitely a good cup manager. The FA should probably think things through before blindly appointing Harry. There are other good candidates out there and there is no need to appoint an Englishman just for the sake of it - remember Steve McClaren? Redknapp may be the people's choice, but then so was Kevin Keegan and look what happened there.

Unfortunately for anybody else who wants the job, there will be public outcry if Harry is not appointed as the next England manager. Even if he isn't, the new guy will never be made to feel welcome. The FA can bring in Harry, safe in the knowledge that this time when it all ends in tears, it won't be their fault.