The team was old and stale, the squad of players had won everything possible and didn’t play to their full strengths.
Age caught up with most of Pep’s “old faithfuls” and once Rodri got injured, the team fell apart.
A few more injuries and huge drop offs in form for some, shown how much the team had fallen and needed refreshing.
After the treble season, we should have made some big important signings, cover for Rodri and new full backs was a must, but we didn’t make the signings and never kicked on.
We should have been in a position where a couple of tweaks, would have kept up our dominance.
Liverpool will show this season what a couple of fresh faces and top class signings will do.
Last season proved we needed to bring in players,old and slow in midfield and defence, young hungry players were required, Nico O’Reilly showed this, but never really got a chance in midfield, instead he was emergency cover at left back and did a great job, but it wasn’t sustainable.
Fast forward to January and Hugo coming in, understood the need for fresh young talent and brought players in in those midfield and CB positions, though PEP stuck with his trusted old guard.
I’d suggest it is PEP that needs to realise the changes that are required if he wants to continue with his playing style.
Hopefully he is convinced and gets the hunger, excitement and desire back in himself before imposing it on his squad of players, however will he let go of the players he loves.
Stark reality should tell him he needs to, if we are to rebuild that all conquering group of players, that “want it”.
Let’s hope he sees it.