Five reasons I'd rather have Rafa in the dugout than Avram Grant

1. Tactical nous

When it comes to picking XI men and a system to conquer Europe, Rafa's up there with the best. He's seen off Rijkaard, Mancini, Mourinho and Ancelotti among others, and he'll be no doubt be confident of adding the inexperience Grant to that list.

2. Knowledge of European football

Having played far more games (and far more finals!!) than Grant, Benitez definitely has the edge when it comes to his knowledge of playing in Europe. Adapting your tactics to 180 minutes of football, playing to your strengths, creating away goals - all things Rafa's had to do time and again against Europe's best. Grant? He knows shed loads about football in Israel.

3. The adoration of his supporters

We love Rafa. They hate Grant. The Kop will be massive once again. Expect at least 14 players to utter the words 'twelfth man'.

4. Luck

It's undeniable, folks. Rafa is a lucky little so and so in Europe. The goal that never was (but it actually was - watch the video, Gallas' standing foot is on the line), Smicer's shot, Alonso's penalty, the sendings off against Inter, the penalties against Arsenal. All decisions which could have gone against us, but didn't. Result.

5. Desire

Having lost in the final last year and endured a nightmare season of boardroom rifts and rumours over his future, Benitez will want nothing more than to lift Old Big Ears for a second time. Of course, Grant will want to silence his critics too, but his concentrations are split between these two games and Saturday's League showdown with Manchester United.

[Image: Getty]

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Posted by on April 22, 2008 8:49 AM in News
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