Hola!

You know, I’m often asked, ‘Rafa baby, you’re a shrewd guy – a bit of a tactical generalissimo even. What’s the secret of winning football games?’ I usually give a good-natured laugh and reply: ‘It’s all about mathematics!’

You always see the incomprehension in their faces when I say this – rather like the looks from the Liverpool board when I enter the room. ‘But what do you mean, El Grande Boss?’ they always seem to enquire.

‘Well, if your opponents score, then you need to score an equal amount to prevent losing – but,’ I announce with a flourish, ‘If you score an amount of goals greater than that you have conceded yourself… you will win!’

Combining sound mathematical formulas and my own tactical abilities have paved the way for success. Indeed, I have never found it difficult to win games even when 4-1 down in the first half to a U-15 side. It is at times like this when a great manager earns his corn.

I turn to the bench and to my forwards – strikers who are internationals and have scored many times for their countries. I look straight into their eyes and say ‘We are 4-1 down to kids! We are at Anfield – our fortress, our domain, our home! We need performances that will be talked about for years, we need lions, we need saviours, we need defenders – tell Carragher to get ready.’

The rest as they say is history… rather like me.

Adios!