Why Are We So Much Better Than Last Year?

[BlueAnorak]

The major factors are:
1. A much better defence.
- Ederson actually saves shots. Nearly every shot that Bravo had to save ended up in the net last season. Ederson is also very quick of his line when he smells danger.
- We have faster fullbacks who can play a high line defence and support Fernandinho on the middle.
- The defence isnt turned anywhere near as much so Otamendi doesn't have to go to ground in a desperate attempt to stop a goal.
- the above makes the defence confident and as a result Stones and the rest only needs to bother about their own games. As a result we get many more chances from counter attacks.
2. The team as a whole are now used to Pep's methods and don't have anywhere near as much thinking time before delivering. It comes naturally now.
3. The squad as a whole are enjoying playing football and are playing as a team. There is a real team ethos around the place and they spend a lot of time together outside training. There are no Billy Big Bollocks in the squad playing for themselves - indeed they're be gone if anyone got ideas above their station.

 

[1999Vet]

Total synergy. And for me its all about Pep. From the execs through the players to the crowd he has everyone singing from the same hymn sheet. When you have a different game plan to adapt to whichever team we play and deliver the ethos effectively, it instills a belief that we can succeed regardless of which system we employ.

Something that Im not sure anyone has mentioned yet is the fear that other teams have at the prospect of playing us. Reading between the lines (and sometimes more blatant than that), there is a respect that borders on fear from other managers.... that in itself is a sizeable chunk of the psychological advantage we have over most teams...certainly in the prem..

 

[BlueAnorak]

Good point about the fear. Once everything else is in place the opposition know it's a tough ask to get a draw, let alone a win.

 

[Stevieatlasblue]

Getting shut of kola the klown opens up many, many options. Shame it was not done years ago.

Have some respect..mr medals man..premier league champ.

 

[Corky]

Palying 14 players all around the £50m mark now in the current market and a decent keeper compared to last season. Hard to go wrong. MP's holistic legacy.