1748 replies to this topic

[zaffo]

Mceech, on 22 May 2012 - 01:04 AM, said:

The gap grew by 25 points in one season - so why can it not be closed in one season? Half of those points were down to AVB's ineptitude.

Yet, we still finished lower than when AVB left....

To close a 25 point gap is near on unlikely, it would require nearly a flawless season. Man City are only going to grow (unless something seriously drastic happens), Man Utd will be amongst it as always and then it's toss up between Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle and us on who else can seriously improve challenge. But again, it will take a near flawless season for it to be done.

For now, a realistic and sensible goal should be had and that should be finishing top 4. Once that can be ticked off, then you can look to maybe push the top two and then the title. But in the real world, we're still some way from that at this point in time- regardless of our Champions League feat.

[DannyLB]

Gut feeling we will get this guy...

[Ando]

zaffo, on 22 May 2012 - 01:50 AM, said:

Yet, we still finished lower than when AVB left....

To close a 25 point gap is near on unlikely, it would require nearly a flawless season. Man City are only going to grow (unless something seriously drastic happens), Man Utd will be amongst it as always and then it's toss up between Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle and us on who else can seriously improve challenge. But again, it will take a near flawless season for it to be done.

For now, a realistic and sensible goal should be had and that should be finishing top 4. Once that can be ticked off, then you can look to maybe push the top two and then the title. But in the real world, we're still some way from that at this point in time- regardless of our Champions League feat.

We were second the season before you do know? Don't think it's unrealistic if people expect a top 3 finish with us challenging for the title if the squad is reinforced accordingly.

[zaffo]

Ando, on 22 May 2012 - 04:11 AM, said:

We were second the season before you do know? Don't think it's unrealistic if people expect a top 3 finish with us challenging for the title if the squad is reinforced accordingly.

I realise that, but we've still got a little bit to go first before we're back challenging. A lot of that will depend on what changes are had in the summer. But to close a 25 point gab is a huge ask, when you also factor in that the other clubs ahead off us will also be looking to strengthen their squads to push further.

[Holymoly]

Don't give up hope. Financial fair play will hit City far harder than us. Especially now we are Champions of Europe.

[Boris999]

I think us winning the champions league is the worst thing that could have happened to City.

It overshadows their triumph; if it had not occurred they would both be the unrivaled most successful team in England this season and the richest team. They would get first pickings of anything.

However, now we are actually the most successful English team this season (who would have thought, huh?).
We are also rich enough to compete with city, especially since we are clearing out a lot of our older high earners and with winning the champions league we have money that will help us balance the books even if we go all out for one or two players.

Also, I feel a lot of our 'fall' this season was down to simple mismanagement and even if you look at our current team as it will likely look next season (Only including players who are capable of starting against the best in the world):

Ivanovic-JT/Luiz-Cahill-Cole
--------Mikel-Lampard
Ramires---Mata----xxxxxx
-----------Torres--------------

That's a hell of a lot of good non-old players, minus Lampard who is older, two of whom (Ramires and Mata) will likely have a better overall next season if the first manages to go the entire season playing like he has been lately, and the latter actually gets some rest now and again.

The backline is world class.
The deep midfield is capable of performing in big games, though we need a rotation for Lampard to share the load. (Modric?)
The further upfield midfield is missing a player or two to be truly fearsome but is hardly '6th place' standard. (Hazard/Hulk/Moura?)
And a new striker is needed to get the goals, but Torres is hardly horrendous like people are making out. Sturridge can certainly be given a shot at the forward slot too. (Falcao?)

I just don't think it's that hard to turn us into the best team in England next season with some investment. Requires a bit of luck for our bigger transfers to work out for once, perhaps, but it certainly wouldn't be a 'miracle' like some people are making out.

Edited by Boris999, Today, 11:34 AM.

[Mceech]

zaffo, on 22 May 2012 - 01:50 AM, said:

Yet, we still finished lower than when AVB left....

To close a 25 point gap is near on unlikely, it would require nearly a flawless season. Man City are only going to grow (unless something seriously drastic happens), Man Utd will be amongst it as always and then it's toss up between Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle and us on who else can seriously improve challenge. But again, it will take a near flawless season for it to be done.

For now, a realistic and sensible goal should be had and that should be finishing top 4. Once that can be ticked off, then you can look to maybe push the top two and then the title. But in the real world, we're still some way from that at this point in time- regardless of our Champions League feat.

Mainly because we focused on the cups. Damage was done in the league. City went from 3rd to champions with a few signings. If we manage to sign some attacking talents like Hulk, Hazard, Moura, Falcao etc, we will be able to mount a serious challenge.

[The Postman]

20/20, on 21 May 2012 - 07:32 PM, said:

Hazard is a cool name. Mickey Hazard, Eden Hazard etc.

Liverpool are apparently after Eddie izzard.

[Layne87]

The Postman, on 22 May 2012 - 12:28 PM, said:

Liverpool are apparently after Eddie izzard.

would be gutted if they sign him, I love eddie izzard