First of all, I think that with Laporte coming back, Eddie, Rodri regaining full fitness etc we have a great chance of winning the CL this season if we finally get the right decisions and a bit of luck along the way.
But, I do think that the past month or so has shown that we are in need of a bit of a revamp to get back to "full throttle". A few of the players are past their best and a couple just dont look like they have the same bite. Thats totally understandable for a side that has been so utterly dominant for the past few years
We have lost Vinnie, Sane is playing silly buggers by all accounts, Silva is leaving and some reports suggest Sergio could go back to South America at the end of the year. Thats a big deal in the long run.
Aligned to that Otamendi, as brilliant as he was in the Centurions year is done, Stones looks like he'll shit himself every time the ball comes near him and just always seems to fall short when we think its his time to step up. Mendy just cant stay fit with Angelino out of his depth at this level IMO - are we in the same scenario as we were at the end of Peps first season?
Massive positives are Cancelo looks a player, Foden is ready to step up and I think Garcia is definitely good enough to start playing more regularly in the side - who do we need to bring in?
I'd sell Sane to be honest if the money is right. I think we need a new CB (Koulibaly?), a striker/poacher, left back and I think getting another pacey left winger. Also, for me Jesus looks far better playing on the left/right of an attacking 3 rather than the main striker. I'd try and find players with genuine experience and leadership to freshen up the dressing room. Our policy of buying younger players has been a tremendous success so far but we've lost/losing big leaders in Vinnie/David/Yaya in recent times and need that aspect replaced.
As I said this isnt a "we're f*cked" thread, just discussing where this squad can be strengthened and improved to set us up for success over the next few years.
But, I do think that the past month or so has shown that we are in need of a bit of a revamp to get back to "full throttle". A few of the players are past their best and a couple just dont look like they have the same bite. Thats totally understandable for a side that has been so utterly dominant for the past few years
We have lost Vinnie, Sane is playing silly buggers by all accounts, Silva is leaving and some reports suggest Sergio could go back to South America at the end of the year. Thats a big deal in the long run.
Aligned to that Otamendi, as brilliant as he was in the Centurions year is done, Stones looks like he'll shit himself every time the ball comes near him and just always seems to fall short when we think its his time to step up. Mendy just cant stay fit with Angelino out of his depth at this level IMO - are we in the same scenario as we were at the end of Peps first season?
Massive positives are Cancelo looks a player, Foden is ready to step up and I think Garcia is definitely good enough to start playing more regularly in the side - who do we need to bring in?
I'd sell Sane to be honest if the money is right. I think we need a new CB (Koulibaly?), a striker/poacher, left back and I think getting another pacey left winger. Also, for me Jesus looks far better playing on the left/right of an attacking 3 rather than the main striker. I'd try and find players with genuine experience and leadership to freshen up the dressing room. Our policy of buying younger players has been a tremendous success so far but we've lost/losing big leaders in Vinnie/David/Yaya in recent times and need that aspect replaced.
As I said this isnt a "we're f*cked" thread, just discussing where this squad can be strengthened and improved to set us up for success over the next few years.