Fernando

[jimbopm]

I don't want to tempt fate and of course things can change overnight, but I got the sense that towards the very end of the season Jovetic was starting to be settled, stay fit and play his part. If that continues for next season then we have virtually a new player already to call upon who can do things for us at the top level.

Also Kun missed maybe half of last season through injury and IF he stays fit next term then with him and Jovetic we will have significantly added firepower but without having to spend any new money this window.

IF Nasty returns to fitness and form (he seemed to just get back to full fitness at the death last season but only on the bench as Demechelis had settled in the role) then we have again another player to call upon this term.

Cover at the back in the central defense is possibly needed and certainly at right full-back where we need cover for Zabs. However with somebody like Fernando just in front of the back four (assuming we get him of course) would take the urgency out of the situation and particularly if Nasty gets back to his true form and starts pushing Demechelis for spot.

Hopefully, getting the beast back to confidence and form will be like having a new striker as well. He can't just have lost every goal-scoring instinct overnight surely ?

You always have to factor in other injuries to the same or different players but I think we have cover in most positions - apart from Hart.

So, a right full-back, buy Fernando, and get a quality stand-in for Joe or even somebody to challenge for his place to keep him on his toes.

No need to spend mega-bucks this term. We won the league this year despite having a raft of injuries, Vinnie, Demechelis, Jovetic, Kun and Nasty and despite having little or no cover for other key players like Vinnie, Zabs, Fernandinho. We also had a ew manager who adapted the team to a new pattern of play and with a number of new players.

Next season there won't be the teething problems of the first half of last season where we dropped a lot of points away from home.

Chelsea will be stronger next term so that as to be factored also but the dippers will be in the Champions League as well and so tat will divert some of their energies and I think their pattern of play is limited nd was getting 'found-out' towards the end last season.

All-in-all, looking good. Just hope no injuries from the World Cup.

Top post, In particular the sentiments about Jovetic, think he's going to be class next season.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

I don't want to tempt fate and of course things can change overnight, but I got the sense that towards the very end of the season Jovetic was starting to be settled, stay fit and play his part. If that continues for next season then we have virtually a new player already to call upon who can do things for us at the top level.

Also Kun missed maybe half of last season through injury and IF he stays fit next term then with him and Jovetic we will have significantly added firepower but without having to spend any new money this window.

IF Nasty returns to fitness and form (he seemed to just get back to full fitness at the death last season but only on the bench as Demechelis had settled in the role) then we have again another player to call upon this term.

Cover at the back in the central defense is possibly needed and certainly at right full-back where we need cover for Zabs. However with somebody like Fernando just in front of the back four (assuming we get him of course) would take the urgency out of the situation and particularly if Nasty gets back to his true form and starts pushing Demechelis for spot.

Hopefully, getting the beast back to confidence and form will be like having a new striker as well. He can't just have lost every goal-scoring instinct overnight surely ?

You always have to factor in other injuries to the same or different players but I think we have cover in most positions - apart from Hart.

So, a right full-back, buy Fernando, and get a quality stand-in for Joe or even somebody to challenge for his place to keep him on his toes.

No need to spend mega-bucks this term. We won the league this year despite having a raft of injuries, Vinnie, Demechelis, Jovetic, Kun and Nasty and despite having little or no cover for other key players like Vinnie, Zabs, Fernandinho. We also had a ew manager who adapted the team to a new pattern of play and with a number of new players.

Next season there won't be the teething problems of the first half of last season where we dropped a lot of points away from home.

Chelsea will be stronger next term so that as to be factored also but the dippers will be in the Champions League as well and so tat will divert some of their energies and I think their pattern of play is limited nd was getting 'found-out' towards the end last season.

All-in-all, looking good. Just hope no injuries from the World Cup.

Top post, In particular the sentiments about Jovetic, think he's going to be class next season.

I don't want to sound too contrary because from what I've seen of Jovetic, I do think he looks a really decent player. But my overwhelming thoughts about him towards the end of the season was that I felt Pellegrini might not trust him. There were times towards the end of the season where we were struggling a bit up front, Aguero was usually injured and Negredo was seriously out of form, Dzeko was doing ok but not all the time and Jovetic was now fit and available and I always thought the time was right for him to really step in and do his bit. The reality though is that he played 125 minutes in total in the last 12 league matches as more often than not Pellegrini left him on the bench or only brought him on in the last 10 mins when games were already won. It is only my take on it that Pellegrini didn't seem convinced by him but frankly no matter how good he is, if his manager doesn't feel able to rely on him when circumstances suggest it is his ideal opportunity then we might as well sell him. Hopefully he will get more chances next season.

 

[jimbopm]

Top post, In particular the sentiments about Jovetic, think he's going to be class next season.

I don't want to sound too contrary because from what I've seen of Jovetic, I do think he looks a really decent player. But my overwhelming thoughts about him towards the end of the season was that I felt Pellegrini might not trust him. There were times towards the end of the season where we were struggling a bit up front, Aguero was usually injured and Negredo was seriously out of form, Dzeko was doing ok but not all the time and Jovetic was now fit and available and I always thought the time was right for him to really step in and do his bit. The reality though is that he played 125 minutes in total in the last 12 league matches as more often than not Pellegrini left him on the bench or only brought him on in the last 10 mins when games were already won. It is only my take on it that Pellegrini didn't seem convinced by him but frankly no matter how good he is, if his manager doesn't feel able to rely on him when circumstances suggest it is his ideal opportunity then we might as well sell him. Hopefully he will get more chances next season.

I think to an extent you are right, halfway through last season there was clear frustration on Pellegrini's part, believing Jovetic to be a player that needs to be 100% before he steps on the pitch. So there probably is a trust issue that has formed between them.

Having said that I think that Jovetic towards the end of the season was clearly showing glimpses of his ability and that he will be like a new signing for us next year. I think that his bit part role as a sub was in part due to trust and in part due to the pressure of the title run-in and the need to retain tactical and selection consistency.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

Top post, In particular the sentiments about Jovetic, think he's going to be class next season.

I don't want to sound too contrary because from what I've seen of Jovetic, I do think he looks a really decent player. But my overwhelming thoughts about him towards the end of the season was that I felt Pellegrini might not trust him. There were times towards the end of the season where we were struggling a bit up front, Aguero was usually injured and Negredo was seriously out of form, Dzeko was doing ok but not all the time and Jovetic was now fit and available and I always thought the time was right for him to really step in and do his bit. The reality though is that he played 125 minutes in total in the last 12 league matches as more often than not Pellegrini left him on the bench or only brought him on in the last 10 mins when games were already won. It is only my take on it that Pellegrini didn't seem convinced by him but frankly no matter how good he is, if his manager doesn't feel able to rely on him when circumstances suggest it is his ideal opportunity then we might as well sell him. Hopefully he will get more chances next season.

I think to an extent you are right, halfway through last season there was clear frustration on Pellegrini's part, believing Jovetic to be a player that needs to be 100% before he steps on the pitch. So there probably is a trust issue that has formed between them.

Having said that I think that Jovetic towards the end of the season was clearly showing glimpses of his ability and that he will be like a new signing for us next year. I think that his bit part role as a sub was in part due to trust and in part due to the pressure of the title run-in and the need to retain tactical and selection consistency.

Indeed. Ideally he gets a good run next season and really shows us how good he is because I don't doubt his ability one bit. But what we can't have (IMO) with the comlications this summer caused by the transfer kitty sanctions is an expensive and highly rated player just sitting on the bench week in week out because the manager doesn't really fancy him. If that is going to be the case then we need to sell and get some extra funds in for the summer. Only Pellegrini will really know what he thinks of Jovetic though.

 

[80s Shorts]

I'm flapping. Please understand, I realize I'm flapping. But I can't help but have flashbacks of 2012. We seem to be flailing or potentially grossly overpaying for any central defensive help, seem satisfied to sign no offensive difference makers and our primary addition is trending towards a primarily defensive midfielder in his mid 20s from the Portugese league for whom we seem to be facing no competition (sound familiar). Meanwhile Chelsea is massively strengthening.

I concede that we have certain financial limitations for the current window and typically have full faith in those in positions of influence at the club, but can we really afford a summer where we don't (or barely) improve our starting 11? I like the players we signed last summer, but only Fern would be preferred starter at this point, after almost 100 mil spent. Combine that with an aging squad (look at other contenders under 25 players on ours) and I become concerned. Once again, I am flapping, I am well aware it is entirely ludicrous behavior and apologize on those grounds.

Ok.

 

[80s Shorts]

I'm flapping. Please understand, I realize I'm flapping. But I can't help but have flashbacks of 2012. We seem to be flailing or potentially grossly overpaying for any central defensive help, seem satisfied to sign no offensive difference makers and our primary addition is trending towards a primarily defensive midfielder in his mid 20s from the Portugese league for whom we seem to be facing no competition (sound familiar). Meanwhile Chelsea is massively strengthening.

I concede that we have certain financial limitations for the current window and typically have full faith in those in positions of influence at the club, but can we really afford a summer where we don't (or barely) improve our starting 11? I like the players we signed last summer, but only Fern would be preferred starter at this point, after almost 100 mil spent. Combine that with an aging squad (look at other contenders under 25 players on ours) and I become concerned. Once again, I am flapping, I am well aware it is entirely ludicrous behavior and apologize on those grounds.

Your not flapping your on the wind up you know it I know it, please desist

I called him out as a rag wum a few days ago and got rounded on.

 

[blueinsa]

I'm flapping. Please understand, I realize I'm flapping. But I can't help but have flashbacks of 2012. We seem to be flailing or potentially grossly overpaying for any central defensive help, seem satisfied to sign no offensive difference makers and our primary addition is trending towards a primarily defensive midfielder in his mid 20s from the Portugese league for whom we seem to be facing no competition (sound familiar). Meanwhile Chelsea is massively strengthening.

I concede that we have certain financial limitations for the current window and typically have full faith in those in positions of influence at the club, but can we really afford a summer where we don't (or barely) improve our starting 11? I like the players we signed last summer, but only Fern would be preferred starter at this point, after almost 100 mil spent. Combine that with an aging squad (look at other contenders under 25 players on ours) and I become concerned. Once again, I am flapping, I am well aware it is entirely ludicrous behavior and apologize on those grounds.

Said it earlier in a different thread, this board is full of fucking rag wums

 

[Tricky_Trev]

I'm flapping. Please understand, I realize I'm flapping. But I can't help but have flashbacks of 2012. We seem to be flailing or potentially grossly overpaying for any central defensive help, seem satisfied to sign no offensive difference makers and our primary addition is trending towards a primarily defensive midfielder in his mid 20s from the Portugese league for whom we seem to be facing no competition (sound familiar). Meanwhile Chelsea is massively strengthening.

I concede that we have certain financial limitations for the current window and typically have full faith in those in positions of influence at the club, but can we really afford a summer where we don't (or barely) improve our starting 11? I like the players we signed last summer, but only Fern would be preferred starter at this point, after almost 100 mil spent. Combine that with an aging squad (look at other contenders under 25 players on ours) and I become concerned. Once again, I am flapping, I am well aware it is entirely ludicrous behavior and apologize on those grounds.

Said it earlier in a different thread, this board is full of fucking rag wums

I don't think he's a rag wum. He's just pessimistic. I do agree with the point about the average age of our squad though. That's something that needs to be addressed.

 

[I'm no cynic but...]

Top post, In particular the sentiments about Jovetic, think he's going to be class next season.

I don't want to sound too contrary because from what I've seen of Jovetic, I do think he looks a really decent player. But my overwhelming thoughts about him towards the end of the season was that I felt Pellegrini might not trust him. There were times towards the end of the season where we were struggling a bit up front, Aguero was usually injured and Negredo was seriously out of form, Dzeko was doing ok but not all the time and Jovetic was now fit and available and I always thought the time was right for him to really step in and do his bit. The reality though is that he played 125 minutes in total in the last 12 league matches as more often than not Pellegrini left him on the bench or only brought him on in the last 10 mins when games were already won. It is only my take on it that Pellegrini didn't seem convinced by him but frankly no matter how good he is, if his manager doesn't feel able to rely on him when circumstances suggest it is his ideal opportunity then we might as well sell him. Hopefully he will get more chances next season.

I think to an extent you are right, halfway through last season there was clear frustration on Pellegrini's part, believing Jovetic to be a player that needs to be 100% before he steps on the pitch. So there probably is a trust issue that has formed between them.

Having said that I think that Jovetic towards the end of the season was clearly showing glimpses of his ability and that he will be like a new signing for us next year. I think that his bit part role as a sub was in part due to trust and in part due to the pressure of the title run-in and the need to retain tactical and selection consistency.

Indeed. Ideally he gets a good run next season and really shows us how good he is because I don't doubt his ability one bit. But what we can't have (IMO) with the comlications this summer caused by the transfer kitty sanctions is an expensive and highly rated player just sitting on the bench week in week out because the manager doesn't really fancy him. If that is going to be the case then we need to sell and get some extra funds in for the summer. Only Pellegrini will really know what he thinks of Jovetic though.

Another way of looking at it is that in the final few games of the season and with every point a potential title winner, there is no room for the manoeuvring that exists early on. Manny played with his strongest available eleven at the back end, just as Mancini did when his team won the league.

 

[MeatHunterrr]

I'm flapping. Please understand, I realize I'm flapping. But I can't help but have flashbacks of 2012. We seem to be flailing or potentially grossly overpaying for any central defensive help, seem satisfied to sign no offensive difference makers and our primary addition is trending towards a primarily defensive midfielder in his mid 20s from the Portugese league for whom we seem to be facing no competition (sound familiar). Meanwhile Chelsea is massively strengthening.

I concede that we have certain financial limitations for the current window and typically have full faith in those in positions of influence at the club, but can we really afford a summer where we don't (or barely) improve our starting 11? I like the players we signed last summer, but only Fern would be preferred starter at this point, after almost 100 mil spent. Combine that with an aging squad (look at other contenders under 25 players on ours) and I become concerned. Once again, I am flapping, I am well aware it is entirely ludicrous behavior and apologize on those grounds.

Said it earlier in a different thread, this board is full of fucking rag wums

I don't think he's a rag wum. He's just pessimistic. I do agree with the point about the average age of our squad though. That's something that needs to be addressed.

Agree about average age also, we need to start buying gradually younger players (of course looking at our academy first) e.g next summer buy young replacement for yaya and so on..