It's Quiet 17 - Glory Thread

[richards30]

Don’t think that is how Pep and the club operate mate…

I’m not so sure this time mate as Pep can see the rags improving wether we like it or not, Chelsea are going to have an unbelievable group of players when their injuries clear up and their new signings arrive in the summer, Arsenal are currently top of the league and are continuing to spend big and of course we can’t forget Newcastle? All them are buying hungry young stars now and I think that’s what peps rant was about to use the financial power we have on the field as well as off?

 

[Ajm1985]

I find it interesting that there hasn't seemed to be any push or impetus from the organisation following Pep's public talk of complacency. With the general malaise in the squad, lack of form (performance at least) and competition making moves, it's surprising that we aren't seeing any links or movement.

 

[richards30]

I find it interesting that there hasn't seemed to be any push or impetus from the organisation following Pep's public talk of complacency. With the general malaise in the squad, lack of form (performance at least) and competition making moves, it's surprising that we aren't seeing any links or movement.

I’m desperately hoping that we manage an Akanji type deal late on mate and if Cancelo is indeed being a dick him out so the squad doesn’t become too unsettled

 

[Alexia_Ko]

I find it interesting that there hasn't seemed to be any push or impetus from the organisation following Pep's public talk of complacency. With the general malaise in the squad, lack of form (performance at least) and competition making moves, it's surprising that we aren't seeing any links or movement.

Links to who though? The positions we need filling are rare in quality and high in price. Those are summer moves

 

[Ajm1985]

Links to who though? The positions we need filling are rare in quality and high in price. Those are summer moves

A left back, a wide forward and to be honest, we don't really have many links to Bellingham - other than being named as potential suitors along with the others. We'd probably need two CM anyway as Bernardo should go and I doubt Gundogan wants a single year contract. It's not on me to provide the names of candidates, but it's clear that the squad needs a refresh due to age/application/attitude. The prices will be high regardless.

By persisting as is, the idea is that Pep can find the magic again to make up for the diminishing returns from some of the, small, squad. I hope he can, but it seems to be a risk to success this season.

 

[richards30]

A left back, a wide forward and to be honest, we don't really have many links to Bellingham - other than being named as potential suitors along with the others. We'd probably need two CM anyway as Bernardo should go and I doubt Gundogan wants a single year contract. It's not on me to provide the names of candidates, but it's clear that the squad needs a refresh due to age/application/attitude. The prices will be high regardless.

By persisting as is, the idea is that Pep can find the magic again to make up for the diminishing returns from some of the, small, squad. I hope he can, but it seems to be a risk to success this season.

Like you say the left back situation is bonkers to not try and sort now? Is there a chance the club had to generate a certain amount of cash this window due to FFP? It seems like we are desperate to win the net spend trophy and not a real one?

 

[Keeper!]

I agree, if that happened then Pep walks imo.

He would never have extended if it was the case.

The rags have a top coach and will be a serious threat next season, same with Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea and the Dippers.

 

[Ajm1985]

Like you say the left back situation is bonkers to not try and sort now? Is there a chance the club had to generate a certain amount of cash this window due to FFP? It seems like we are desperate to win the net spend trophy and not a real one?

It does seem quite curious that after not getting Cucurella, they decided to wing it with Gomez. It was clear going in to the season that we lacked an explosive forward-wing option and legs/creativity in midfield - particularly for such an odd season.

 

[richards30]

He would never have extended if it was the case.

The rags have a top coach and will be a serious threat next season, same with Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea and the Dippers.

Maybe what was agreed currently hasn’t been honoured hence his annoyance? Only my thinking mate to be honest but him having a go at the owner, chairman, CEO and football director as well as the players for lacking hunger and being complacent was very telling imo

 

[richards30]

It does seem quite curious that after not getting Cucurella, they decided to wing it with Gomez. It was clear going in to the season that we lacked an explosive forward-wing option and legs/creativity in midfield - particularly for such an odd season.

Yep! I can’t believe we were Cucurella or nothing in a sense?

 

[blueparrot]

Not a chance Pep would put up with that.

As said earlier if we are to maintain our position we will have to spend big, very big.

We’ll see

 

[bell_mcfc]

I think one of the biggest things this summer will be how much everyone else is spending. Pep has always said you need to reinvest to stay relevant but you also need to spend to not be left behind. Put it this way, we won’t be the only team spending 100+m far from it.

Gomez hasn’t really been used and depends where his head is at and how the coaching staff rate him. Both may be happy for him to remain the second choice LB meaning we go all out for one main LB that plays the majority of the games and again if not comfortable with Gomez still someone like Ake slots in for a game or two. Not ideal but I’m not saying for half a season just one or two games. I don’t think we will buy 2 left backs, unless Gomez goes to Girona and the LB they have their comes as a understudy for example. It would have to be a similar approach. Solid left back/Rotational left back, not like how we operate in the right.

Foden I can see being tried in midfield but also there to play out wide if needed meaning we bring in one winger. Mahrez stays, Jack might also get tried in the middle to see which one does better. Hopefully we go for a winger like Leao, maybe this AC interest in Cancelo is a good thing for us. Playing someone like Foden in midfield certainly helps resting KDB more.

Gundo and Bernado are probably gone. I keep thinking Gundo will sign for one more year so we don’t have to spend big to replace him as we will with Bernie, but maybe that’s where Perrone comes in, a academy player or perhaps we look at free agents. I like the idea of Aouar but not sure it happens. I think losing Bernado you go for someone like Bellingham, Enzo or someone else at a high level.

I think Walker stays, that one makes far more sense to me than Gundo situation and not just because he’s out of contract but Walkers still has a big role here.

I wonder if we get another CB if Laporte leaves, we have needed 5 this year but maybe see more of Rodri drop if we get a comfortable midfield.

GK - Ederson, Ortega, Carson
Rb - Walker, Lewis
Lb - New left back (ex. Theo), Gomez or another role player
Cb - Stones, Dias, Akanji, Ake

Cm- Rodri, Phillips, Bellingham, Gundo/Aouar, KDB, Foden

W- Mahrez, Leao, Grealish, Palmer

Cf- Haaland, Alavarez

 

[blueparrot]

Then we will go into another season not properly prepared and in danger of falling from our perch.
Our midfield needs an overhaul,there may be as many as 3 or 4 positions that need attention.

No we won’t . I reckon we’ll see a midfield 6 of Rodri, Phillips, Bellingham KDB, Gundogan maybe Foden and or Grealish
A front 5 of Haaland Alvarez Mahrez Grealish or Foden plus a new wide player.
Apart from left back defence is fine.
That will be good enough, anyone thinking we need much more is underestimating our squad, and manager.

 

[CC1]

Not bothered about specifics when it comes to who we should/shouldn’t buy. My main worry is why we have made a net profit in the transfer market (when others are splashing the cash in a major way) yet are clearly intent on spending nothing - when the squad definitely needs a little refresh (nothing major - I’m not flapping!). The only other top team not spending is the rags because they’re skint but even they have made a decent loan move.

Why are we not looking to improve the squad? Even if we’re saving for a known major summer purchase (Bellingham?) we should not let it impact on this season or we could end up without a trophy.

Something is odd. Anyone throw any light on the situation??

 

[CC1]

No we won’t . I reckon we’ll see a midfield 6 of Rodri, Phillips, Bellingham KDB, Gundogan maybe Foden and or Grealish
A front 5 of Haaland Alvarez Mahrez Grealish or Foden plus a new wide player.
Apart from left back defence is fine.
That will be good enough, anyone thinking we need much more is underestimating our squad, and manager.

That sounds a healthy squad but it’s not really because you’ve already included Foden & Grealish in the midfield count so you can’t include them in the front 5 as well

 

[blueparrot]

That sounds a healthy squad but it’s not really because you’ve already included Foden & Grealish in the midfield count so you can’t include them in the front 5 as well

I think only one will be a midfield regular, just not sure which one.

 

[Ajm1985]

I think only one will be a midfield regular, just not sure which one.

Why would Gundogan sign a single year extension?

 

[Alexia_Ko]

Can we try Gomez as a LW

 

[Keeper!]

We’ll see

We will and I predict IF we don't spend and revamp this squad in a significant way we will be looking for a new manager.

Pep has his rant last week to one and all for a reason, he knows our level has dropped and it was a reminder to everyone associated with this club from top to bottom that it's not acceptable.

 

[blueparrot]

Why would Gundogan sign a single year extension?

Why not