The departure of the manager of Liverpool Football Club is a traumatic event to endure. This is one such moment. Rafael Benítez has confirmed that he is leaving the club.
Some images will live forever. That nonchalant glance at his wristwatch in the heat of a Champions League semi-final penalty shootout. Another is a picture of him introducing new signings Xabi Alonso and Luis García to Anfield, the two who resurrected fluency and flair in our game.
He was with us for six years. He stood his ground, a matador, in the face of the money men who have taken our club to the edge of financial ruin, not to mention the deluded section of supporters expecting success to perpetuity just because 'we are Liverpool', and of course the ridiculous carping on by sports hacks about things they barely understand like squad rotation and zonal marking.
I fear things are going to get much worse at Liverpool over the coming season or two. I will take a little consolation in following his successful career at the club (or perhaps country) that manages to secure his services.
