west didsblue
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 2 Oct 2011
- Messages
- 32,311
I’m thinking exactly the same. Whilst our first choice 11 shouldn’t be noticeably weaker with Foden and Alvarez in place of Gundo and Bernardo, I can see KDB missing more due to injury and the back up will include several new players who may take time to settle in.Now that the post Istanbul euphoria has settled down a little thoughts are obviously turning to next season and it seems that change is very much in the air. The futures of players who have been brilliant for us - Gundogan, Bernado, Walker, Laporte - are up in the air and I think some will definitely leave.
This, combined with earlier departures and the fact that the club has achieved the European success that it craved, seems to be a transitional moment. Obviously the fans want more trophies but is this now the time for radical revision of the playing staff to usher in a new era?
Not suggesting getting rid of the entire squad but the possible loss of Gundogan and Bernado plus KdB's advancing age and current injury mean that our midfield may look radically different next season and may take some time to click. Are City fans pragmatic enough to accept a transitional season if it sets the team up for the next five years or so?
Part of me thinks that a top 3 finish and good run in the domestic cups and Europe would be ok whilst we integrate new signings but another part looks at the domestic and European competition and thinks we could dominate again if we kept our two midfielders.
I think maybe I am a bit tired after last season - god knows how Pep, the staff and players feel and the latter get dragged out for these daft Internationals rather than being allowed to rest.
What are people's thoughts?
On the other hand Erling could win it on his own if he continues improving!
Although we will still be pre-season favourites, I can easily see us coming second or third.