It's Quiet 18 - Wanna ring the bell?

[wattle]

As always we'll be just fine. Last season we were all worried about the balance and size of the squad. It turned out all right in the end :)))) think in the dark days we had managers, chairmen and even some players that most of us could have done a better job. Now we have people who are the top of their profession. We need not worry for a few years yet.

 

[argyle]

Mbappe has already shown that he can cause dressing room unrest and wants to be the highest paid etc.

Doubt Pep would want him.

 

[Daz_Blue]

Please Txiki ....... long term replacement for KDB, him and KDB in the middle with Rodri would be insane.

 

[JewelZee]

I'm worried about not being able to replace Gundogan, Bernardo and Mahrez plus how we'll fear without those guys until KDB is fully fit and on form again.

The performances in the FA Cup and CL Finals showed that many of our players have jelly legs when under pressure. As good as we've performed in big games (v Arsenal, Munich, Madrid) we can't take for granted that our confidence will stay sky high with such a gap in place.

We are asking an awful lot of Rodri, Foden, Grealish, Alvarez and Haaland when each invariably has a shaky patch. We don't just need great players to come in - we need great motivators and great fighters and great leaders.

It's a big big challenge for Pep. I think it's his biggest since arriving. If he gets it wrong we are on a slide just like every other club before us. Can't wait for the close season to end.

I think Foden moving inside is a must. His ability to run at defenders from that position will become huge for us. Tucking in off of Haaland's shoulder will make him a massive weapon. That turn and run on Saturday is just the tip of the iceberg. His developing a partnership with Erling will be a key to our success going forward. I can't wait to see it...

 

[Ghostofmerlin]

I mean, let’s be clear. You don’t just “replace” Kevin de Bruyne. Nobody can do what he does. But we do need to plan on his deterioration as a player.

 

[TonyM]

I think Foden moving inside is a must. His ability to run at defenders from that position will become huge for us. Tucking in off of Haaland's shoulder will make him a massive weapon. That turn and run on Saturday is just the tip of the iceberg. His developing a partnership with Erling will be a key to our success going forward. I can't wait to see it...

Basically whoever plays in the middle will be expected to win us matches after matches after matches - by scoring unreal individual goals, by being inch-perfect at set pieces, by assisting up the wazzoo and all while battling like trojans. Anything else is less than the absolute top class that we've had in our midfield recently.

Gulp! :-)

(But I love Foden and hope he reaches that next level of performance and consistency)

 

[el wey]

Something like this would be immense depth-wise... Considering we lose Mahrez, Bernie and Gundo.

New blood and energy all over.

 

[WRicko]

Something like this would be immense depth-wise... Considering we lose Mahrez, Bernie and Gundo.

New blood and energy all over.

View attachment 83178

Not realistic tho is it

 

[el wey]

Not realistic tho is it

Why? I think we'll have to look into 2-3 wingers with Foden moving into the mid. Sane and Olise seem realistic to me, plus someone on the left as an understudy to Jack.

The only one out of these who I don't really see happening is Szoboszlai, could be Barella, Veiga or even McAtee.

 

[Jack74]

Can confirm this.

That’s mad thanks for confirming what a sound bloke