Guest Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 Against Arse and Mancs we have finally shown what this team is going to be about next season. Pasing the ball, controlling the game, flying WBs and wingers and sexy attacking football. I think we have the players and the manager to make Europe next season. There is no reason at the moment why we can't target 4th to 7th. Arse, Chelsea and Manure are wobbling and need dramatic upgrading that may happen, I'm sure changes will come but that doesn't mean those changes will work. The Arse seem far from the required standard and only have Europa League to entice top players. Manure are a mess, they have some very good players but no leaders and their management structure doesn't look good. Chelsea have looked fragile and unsure of who they are supposed to be, and if Hazard leaves they'll need a big name/player to step up for them. All three of those are vulnerable. Wolves, who have been better than us this season, look like they could be better than us next season too, Everton, Watford and West Ham will hopefully become a step behind us, as we progress to a higher level. What do we need? Not a lot. We have a great young squad filled with talented players. We need them to progress and learn through experience - but that is inevitable. At the back we have Kasper - that's not going to change, It's true I have my reservations, he's not top class, but he's good enough for us to challenge for Europe. The defense is starting to look good - especially from an attacking pov. Chilwell and Ricardo surrounding Evans and Maguire (with Soyunco and Benkovic as back up) is a youthful and talented back line. We need cover for Ricardo and Chilwell but in the starting places we're fine. Maybe Amartey/Albrighton can cover on the right and I think we look for someone to buy for the left. In Midfield I hope we continue with the four we've used in the last two games. Ndidi and Hamza are cover for our defenders whilst both can pass the ball forwards and N'didi should become a danger on set pieces. Tielemans and Maddison are looking absolute gems as attacking midfielders - and I've been really impressed with Maddison's defensive progression over the last 10 games. Obviously we stil need to sign Youri, but if we don't it'll be down to our own foolishness. If I were in charge I'd sign him up next Sunday, offering him a decent wedge whilst his thoughts are happy Leicester thoughts. As back up we have Mendy,Albrighton, Barnes and Gray. That's more than enough. Barnes has the possibility of maturing into an extremely dangerous attacker and unlike some of you I haven't given up on Demarai yet. And more importantly Rodgers sees something in him too. Upfront we have Vardy, We're unlikely to be able to sign a better striker than him and he's shown in the second half of the year that he still has what is needed to compete at the highest level. Just make sure he comes back at the start of the season fit and in fighting form. We are in desperate need of a quality back-up/alternative striker. Iheanacho could still turn into that - I think an off-season with Rodgers will bring about what we need but even if that is the case we still need another striker. Personally I'd sign Che Adams immediately now that B'ham are not getting promotion and I'd look for a senior striker who hasn't had the chance of a top half prem finish to add to our resources. There are some around who would see Leicester as a step up for the end of their careers. Finally we have Rodgers who seems to know what he wants and seems to be able to get it. I love the passing game but still worry that too many of our passes are backwards and not the incissive pass forwards. That was the difference between us and Mancs yesterday but I've seen us progressing on our little triangles as we go forwards. Chilwell has got to stop passing backwards to Maguire so often though. In defence I think we should stick with both N'Didi and Hamza covering our central route but we mustn't slip back into not charging out to challenge midfielders on the edge of the box. Yesterday was a little like the early Puel days when players were left open to shoot from 25 yards - we can't allow that - too many people can score from there. We also need to sort out our corners - defensively the zone looks horrible and we're not getting the knock downs. Plus I think we should ALWAYS leave someone up top. On attack for corners we have the height to worry teams or the guile with tielemans and maddison, that's improving but still too many wasted corners and set pieces. So that's my feelings. Europe is a distinct possibility and we should be in the fight for even the last CL spot. Europe is there for the visiting. what do you think? Am I Mad?
Nick Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 I’ll wait till the transfer window closes and see what we have but no, you are not mad. We wasted so many points with shockingly negative football this season that we could easily have another twenty or so points with the players we have.
Christoph Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 Every time I've been optimistic about a season its been disappointing and every time I've been pessimistic with a season I've been pleasantly surprised. Arsenal look truly shit and I can see them struggling next season, alongside Man U so I do think there is a chance we could break into the top 6. I think Wolves, Watford and Everton are going to be aiming for the same though, so it might come down to luck and how good our signings are. We need a good winger and striker to really push into those top spots.
Poznan34 Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 If the fixture computer gives us a nice start and we get a bit of momentum up, I think we could have a proper go at cracking the top 6.
Xen Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 Depends massively on our transfer window. If we manage to buy Tielemans and hold on to Chilwell (and Maguire) then we're on the right path. Getting a second striker option to cover Vardy is also going to be hugely important. With those in place, we've shown over the last two games that we're very capable of competing with those sides in 3rd-6th. Third through 6th are all vulnerable (although Spurs will probably hold it together for another season at least), and 7th-10th could all potentially push on. The Big Six™ is going to collapse next year. We'll be left with a Big 2 plus Tottenham (similar to La Liga tbh) and then a garbled mess of the next 6-7 teams. Genuinely wouldn't be surprised to see us and Wolves both finishing between 4th and 6th. The CL/EL race is going to be one of the most interesting parts of next season, for sure.
AKCJ Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 I think Wolves being the team in 7th (assuming Man City beat Watford) will be a blessing for us. Think only Everton are really capable of challenging with us next season. If we can sort out the shite games at home against the teams we really ought to be beating then I really do fancy us.
coolhandfox Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 We need to strengthen in attacking areas, the squad is paper thin in with Vardy the only option up front. One injury and we are in massive trouble. Whilst in wide areas we only have Barnes, Gray, and Albrighton, if we want to challenge for Europe we need more quality. If we have a good transfer window, we could put the top 6 under pressure. If we have a poor one and lose a player or two than no.
Finnegan Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 If we beat Chelsea, am I right in saying we'll be essentially third in the post-Puel era having played three of top five and having beaten three of the supposedly shit teams (Fulham, Burnley, Bournemouth) that we should have beaten earlier in the year? I mean that's fairly promising.
Alf Bentley Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 50 minutes ago, Swan Lesta said: I’ll wait till the transfer window closes and see what we have but no, you are not mad. We wasted so many points with shockingly negative football this season that we could easily have another twenty or so points with the players we have. This. And no, you're not mad, @FIF But it could be a demanding transfer window: - We have a number of players who could interest "the big clubs": not only Chilwell, Maguire & Tielemans, but also Ricardo, Ndidi, Maddison. - We've got away with a lack of striking options this season. We'd be crazy to take the risk again next season, but could find it hard to remedy the problem as nothing suggests that Iheanacho or Slimani can be Plan B if Vardy gets injured, loses form or whatever. But can we afford a massive loss by moving one or both on, plus the (probably high) cost of bringing in an alternative striker of the requisite quality? If we can keep most of our top players, can sign Tielemans or someone similar and can go into the season with a decent back-up for Vardy, I'd share your optimistic analysis.
Nick Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 4 minutes ago, Finnegan said: If we beat Chelsea, am I right in saying we'll be essentially third in the post-Puel era having played three of top five and having beaten three of the supposedly shit teams (Fulham, Burnley, Bournemouth) that we should have beaten earlier in the year? I mean that's fairly promising. Isn’t it just.
lgfualol Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 Depends on the Summer. No Tielemans = no europe imo. We would do well to get someone of his quality as a replacement. Also if Rodgers doesn't get the snake treatment, don't think he will though.
Nick Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 2 minutes ago, lgfualol said: Depends on the Summer. No Tielemans = no europe imo. We would do well to get someone of his quality as a replacement. Also if Rodgers doesn't get the snake treatment, don't think he will though. Snake treatment?
lgfualol Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 1 minute ago, Swan Lesta said: Snake treatment? The classic seasonly stab in the back by the lads
Simoken Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 1 hour ago, Christoph said: Arsenal look truly shit and I can see them struggling next season, alongside Man U so I do think there is a chance we could break into the top 6. I'm sorry but as-much as id like to see us replace a giant in top6. I cannot ever see it happen for quite a while just yet. I think its just a silly pipe dream. You cant be too optimistic in football you are certainly shooting yourself in the foot with this kind of hope. I like this kind of positivity but you need to be more realistic and realize that the teams around us will be fighting too. Emery has had 1 season and its obvious he would have a bad spell, Once Arsene buy some players that fit around his tactics/style you will see a different arsene come to play, worthy of top6. Many Utd will be the same. I think Ole will bring in a new squad that will compete, they have the bank for it. Realistic approach will be: - Finish 7th while breaking away from 8th spot with a 9 point margin. - Making a final in FA cup and hopefully win. I will be happy and find that realistic for us at this stage.
Guest Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 18 minutes ago, coolhandfox said: We need to strengthen in attacking areas, the squad is paper thin in with Vardy the only option up front. One injury and we are in massive trouble. Whilst in wide areas we only have Barnes, Gray, and Albrighton, if we want to challenge for Europe we need more quality. If we have a good transfer window, we could put the top 6 under pressure. If we have a poor one and lose a player or two than no. As I said we need a striker, I'm not so worried about another wide man though. Saying if we have a good transfer window is obvious. It's the same for every team in the top 11. It wouldn't be worth a thread if we can state "with a good transfer window". 9 minutes ago, Finnegan said: If we beat Chelsea, am I right in saying we'll be essentially third in the post-Puel era having played three of top five and having beaten three of the supposedly shit teams (Fulham, Burnley, Bournemouth) that we should have beaten earlier in the year? I mean that's fairly promising. But we lost to Newcastle, Watford and only got a point from Wham. Those teams we have to put to the sword. The Newcastle game was particularly important and poor. 5 minutes ago, Alf Bentley said: This. And no, you're not mad, @FIF But it could be a demanding transfer window: - We have a number of players who could interest "the big clubs": not only Chilwell, Maguire & Tielemans, but also Ricardo, Ndidi, Maddison. - We've got away with a lack of striking options this season. We'd be crazy to take the risk again next season, but could find it hard to remedy the problem as nothing suggests that Iheanacho or Slimani can be Plan B if Vardy gets injured, loses form or whatever. But can we afford a massive loss by moving one or both on, plus the (probably high) cost of bringing in an alternative striker of the requisite quality? If we can keep most of our top players, can sign Tielemans or someone similar and can go into the season with a decent back-up for Vardy, I'd share your optimistic analysis. If we didn't have players who would interest the big clubs then we wouldn't be able to challenge for Europe. We don't HAVE to sell anyone, Top is supposedly here to make us a regular European club. Not selling is the crux of that premise. If we let anyone go, it will be poor management and send a signal to everyone else that we are not serious. The only player you mention that I'd consider selling is Maguire because I believe he would be over-priced and we have great depth at CB. I wouldn't sell him outright though. I'd get in a player of need and cash. LB back-up - though I see Fuchs may now be staying, which is good enough and both a good senior striker and someone like Che Adams from B'ham would be enough for me. A Maguire swap for a decent United Striker/player and cash would also be acceptable for me. 1 minute ago, Simoken said: I'm sorry but as-much as id like to see us replace a giant in top6. I cannot ever see it happen for quite a while just yet. I think its just a silly pipe dream. You cant be too optimistic in football you are certainly shooting yourself in the foot with this kind of hope. I like this kind of positivity but you need to be more realistic and realize that the teams around us will be fighting too. Emery has had 1 season and its obvious he would have a bad spell, Once Arsene buy some players that fit around his tactics/style you will see a different arsene come to play, worthy of top6. Many Utd will be the same. I think Ole will bring in a new squad that will compete, they have the bank for it. Realistic approach will be: - Finish 7th while breaking away from 8th spot with a 9 point margin away from 8th will be nice. - Making a final in FA cup and hopefully win. I will be happy and find that realistic for us at this stage. I understand your caution but the off-season is the best time for optimism on football fans. I think Arsenal have severe problems and don't under-estilate that they can only offer Europa league football. Top players are not interested in that - it's CL wherever. Manure probably can recover more easily as they have the historic name and support, however their problem is internal strife which without the use of a sharp knife is not easy to cure. A bad start to the season and the Manure Mardies will be in full swing.
Nick Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 1 minute ago, lgfualol said: The classic seasonly stab in the back by the lads No manager lasts forever but if I’m honest at most clubs when the manager is simply not performing and the players are just going through the motions with no real respect left for the manager the phrase used is “The Manager has lost the dressing room” At Leics because of the Raneiri ‘he’s your Grandad that won you the title soppiness,’ our players are actually labelled as ‘snakes.’ I doubt many of us would swap what we have now for any of our previous managers.
lgfualol Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 Just now, Swan Lesta said: No manager lasts forever but if I’m honest at most clubs when the manager is simply not performing and the players are just going through the motions with no real respect left for the manager the phrase used is “The Manager has lost the dressing room” At Leics because of the Raneiri ‘he’s your Grandad that won you the title soppiness,’ our players are actually labelled as ‘snakes.’ I doubt many of us would swap what we have now for any of our previous managers. Hehe yeah I know, I didn't say it with any seriousness.
Alf Bentley Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 1 minute ago, FIF said: Saying if we have a good transfer window is obvious. It's the same for every team in the top 11. It wouldn't be worth a thread if we can state "with a good transfer window". If we didn't have players who would interest the big clubs then we wouldn't be able to challenge for Europe. We don't HAVE to sell anyone, Top is supposedly here to make us a regular European club. Not selling is the crux of that premise. If we let anyone go, it will be poor management and send a signal to everyone else that we are not serious. The only player you mention that I'd consider selling is Maguire because I believe he would be over-priced and we have great depth at CB. I wouldn't sell him outright though. I'd get in a player of need and cash. I don't think we have to have a particularly good transfer window in terms of incoming players. If we just keep the current squad and acquire a decent 2nd choice striker, I'll be feeling optimistic. It's true that we don't HAVE to sell anyone - though Tielemans can move on, if he chooses to (hopefully not). But we all know the sort of hassle and discontent that can ensue if a "big club" make a determined effort to buy/attract a player, a future is on offer challenging for major trophies and earning much higher wages, agents get involved, players get discontented - and not only the players in demand sometimes.... Hopefully the club can manage the situation well and keep most, if not all our top players - not least by convincing them that they can achieve things here next season, and there does seem to be a mood of positivity among the players now. I'm just saying that the club could have a demanding summer ahead. I agree with you that, of the six players I named, Maguire is currently slightly over-rated and is the one that we could most easily afford to lose. Not that I want him to go, as he's still young for a centre back, has some great qualities already and could remedy his occasional weaknesses and justify his high valuation.
st albans fox Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 I’ll let you know once the fixtures are out and the window is shut ( its not just about us but also what the others do in the window )
urban.spaceman Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 We have a huge opportunity next season. Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal will each be in disarray. Chelsea have a transfer ban for the whole of next season and Hazard will be leaving too. Sarri doesn’t seem like a good fit at all, especially if he’s refusing to play Kante in his best position. Despite all this they’re finishing third though, so it will be interesting to see how they get on with domestic and Champions League with a squad Sarri can’t tinker with (though he might have to actually use some of the youth players out on loan or, god forbid, actually play Drinkwater. Arsenal have only had a season with Emery but it’s clear they need to overhaul their squad. From top to bottom, their players just aren’t good enough. Whether they can actually spend is a different question. One summer window won’t be enough. Man Utd made a mistake with Ole Gunnar Shakespeare and they’re going to find out the hard way. Most of that squad aren’t good enough and everyone knows it. Pogba will be off so they’ll have a bit more money to spend - De Gea might go too. Like Arsenal, they can’t fix all their problems in one window and I certainly don’t think Ole has what it takes to bring in the right players and be the long term solution. I definitely feel we can usurp Arsenal and Man Utd’s position in the top 6, especially without the Europa League next season. For me, we need to bring in Tielemans, a young striker like Adams, and a top class winger, as well as a few squad upgrades.
surrifox Posted 7 May 2019 Posted 7 May 2019 I think it’s a possibility . We will probably need a bit of help with the fixture schedules ( playing the big sides after an away trip to Europe in mid week is always handy) . Also need to keep key players fit but yes it’s a possibility
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