Rafa Benitez is one of the most worried managers in the Premier League - official!

By Mirror Football in Mirror Football Blog

Published 13:57 05/11/09

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Just when you thought Rafa's week couldn't have got any worse, a new study has provided scientific proof that he's currently one of the most worried managers in the game.

Yes, no greater authority on the subject than lager brand Fosters has apparently analysed statements issued from every top flight boss since the beginning of the season using its 'Ozometer', an algorithm developed specifically to analyse language and word sequences to determine how worried or carefree a person is.

Frankly Football Banter has no idea what they're on about, but anything that involves alcohol and quasi-scientific psychobabble is a-ok with us.

The result of this exhaustive scientific study is the the Fosters No Worries League Table and, yes, it's yet another ladder that Liverpool don't rank particularly prominently on. Rafa ranks a blood pressure-bothering 15th on the list, one place above his Merseyside rival David Moyes, but four places below his great rival Fergie.

Apparently Rafa’s outlook improved visibly after his team’s recent win against Manchester United, but dropped to minus 14% after the dramatic loss to Fulham last Saturday. It's sure to have dropped further following Lyon's last-minute equaliser last night - and should his side lose at Birmingham next Monday, we imagine Benitez might well worry himself into A&E. Or, failing that, the dole queue.

The least worried manager in the league is, apparently, Martin O'Neill - although this study was undertaken before his side managed to lose to Prem strugglers West Ham last night. The most worried boss is, unsurprisingly, Phil Brown - although the Hull City boss can at least take solace in the fact that his worries might soon be over on a permanent basis.

Sports psychologist David Lewis said of the study: “Psychologically, worries are most likely to rise in situations where there is high pressure of us to succeed but uncertainty about whether we will do so. Therefore it is hardly surprising that managers like Benitez have been plagued by worries throughout the season. He should be careful not to fall into the common trap of denial - refusing to accept any problems exist when it is obvious to fans that they do. An optimistic approach to life would help him see opportunities where others see only setbacks, and to look forward with confidence.”

Football Banter says: There's more chance of Lucas winning Liverpool's player of the season award, but thanks for the booze.

The full table is as follows:

1) Martin O'Neill (least worried)
2) Carlo Ancelotti
3) Arsene Wenger
4) Harry Redknapp
5) Tony Pulis
6) Mick McCarthy
7) Mark Hughes
8) Roy Hodgson
9) Owen Coyle
10) Roberto Martinez
11) Sir Alex Ferguson
12) Paul Hart
13) Gianfranco Zola
14) Steve Bruce
15) Rafa Benitez
16) David Moyes
17) Sam Allardyce
18) Alex McLeish
19) Gary Megson
20) Phil Brown