WEEKEND FOOTBALL - 31 AUGUST/2 SEPTEMBER 2018

[Remember Colo]

What has Rafa caused for Ashley? I keep hearing how Ashley wouldn't want to deal with another Rafa, but he still hasn't had to spend money, he still never has to answer for himself in the media, he's so detached from it all. As long as the manager overachieves with the budget given, he'll likely make him happy.

[bodacious benny]

Yeah, I don't think that Rafa has made Ashley's life particularly difficult. Sure he's come out implying things or saying he wants money to spend or we can't move forward, but what manager doesn't / wouldn't say that?

[Remember Colo]

Yeah, I don't think that Rafa has made Ashley's life particularly difficult. Sure he's come out implying things or saying he wants money to spend or we can't move forward, but what manager doesn't / wouldn't say that?

And what trouble has that caused Ashley anyway? If anything, having a manager serving as a proxy for the fans has only served to keep fans onside and keep butts in the seats. Seems win-win since he still doesn't reach into his pocket as a response to Rafa's demands.

[bodacious benny]

Yeah, I don't think that Rafa has made Ashley's life particularly difficult. Sure he's come out implying things or saying he wants money to spend or we can't move forward, but what manager doesn't / wouldn't say that?

And what trouble has that caused Ashley anyway? If anything, having a manager serving as a proxy for the fans has only served to keep fans onside and keep butts in the seats. Seems win-win since he still doesn't reach into his pocket as a response to Rafa's demands.

Yep, exactly. Even with recent discontent on social media (which he won't give a toss about) there's been nothing on the level of boycotts or protests etc. that we've seen in previous years.

[ALF]

I'd argue that Rafa has made it a very public Rafa vs Ashley argument which he knows the fans will back him in. It has driven the resentment through the roof.

[Colly]

I think the local press has made it a very public feud, Rafa's just grumbled within some very set guidelines that stop well short of actual criticism.

As far as through the roof the chants in the 80th minute are back but he's never given a s*** about that.

[overseasTOON]

I'd say that Rafa is simply persistent in his comments to the media about his situation but he's never truly vociferous when stating them so they simply come across as a matter of fact.

It's a neat trick.

[Remember Colo]

I'd argue that Rafa has made it a very public Rafa vs Ashley argument which he knows the fans will back him in. It has driven the resentment through the roof.

Oh, it's very public, but I don't think Ashley cares that it is. What has it cost him? He doesn't have any shame, or care if he's criticized by fans, manager, press or pundits - at least enough to do anything but respond in a letter or interview once a year.
And the fact that it's very public means Rafa keeps the fans' support, fans keep coming (more than they might have if they didn't think the manager or players were on their side), and ultimately gets what he wants too.