Next season's strategy

[Dimples]

Biggest problem is the leaders we turn to in our time of greatest need are nearing the end at 33/34 years of age: Vinny, Dave, Fern & Kun (almost 31).
We need to replace them and what they provide: leadership & footballing skills - not easy. All of them are top class at both aspects.

Priority wise: replace Fern pri1

Sort out the left back position. Can we rely on Mendy?
Sort out the Sane situation. Footballing wise he has the potential to be a B d'OR winner but has he the attitude?

[Pretty Boy Lee]

We seem to evolve past needing outright replacements though dont we? We all racked or brains over who could replace Yaya and the answer was nobody.

Could be the same with any of the others and style may change to suit outgoings as much as replacements are sought. That makes it more interesting and scary, but also less of a worry to the board. If for example pep said we couldn’t get another aguero but he could use this wide player to give him better front 3 rotation and in turn they will all score more, who could argue?

KDB is clearly going to take a bigger leadership role going forward and Silva i expect to rotate more with Foden or Gundo. Outside that I’m not sure how we will look next season. I definitely dont subscribe to the theory of if it’s not broke why fix it. We’ve failed at that under Mancini and Pelligrini. Let’s back Pep to do as he sees fit, there is nobody better is there?

[Wooders]

Keeping Gundo a priority
Phase in Foden - would like to see him a first team regular by the end of the season
New CB, CDM and striker
KDB back to his best
Start to see a plan of replacing some of the ageing stars like Dave (Foden) and Fernandinho (new guy) and even Aguero

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

I have a feeling a striker has become the biggest priority. Aguero has had a great season again but there were quite a few games towards the end of the season where he looked like he wouldnt score if he carried on all night. And I'm not alone in not being convinced by Jesus, although I'll accept he has never had a proper run in the side. The cupboard looks quote bare in rhe striking department. (Yes I know weve scored a record amount of goals so it sounds a bloody silly thing to say)
Oh and if you don't freshen up your attack, you get found out, as we've experienced before.

[john@staustell]

I have a feeling a striker has become the biggest priority. Aguero has had a great season again but there were quite a few games towards the end of the season where he looked like he wouldnt score if he carried on all night. And I'm not alone in not being convinced by Jesus, although I'll accept he has never had a proper run in the side. The cupboard looks quote bare in rhe striking department. (Yes I know weve scored a record amount of goals so it sounds a bloody silly thing to say)
Oh and if you don't freshen up your attack, you get found out, as we've experienced before.

I'm not desperately sure Jesus is a number 9. He's best running at people

[john@staustell]

Keeping Gundo a priority
Phase in Foden - would like to see him a first team regular by the end of the season
New CB, CDM and striker
KDB back to his best
Start to see a plan of replacing some of the ageing stars like Dave (Foden) and Fernandinho (new guy) and even Aguero

I'm interested mate - with Foden I must confess I was a bit disappointed with his last 2 performances. Anonymous is kind (apart from a goal). Disappointed because I thought he would actually do better.

So i would say - 'like to him him a first team regular by the end of the season if he proves good enough and steps up to the mark.'

Not 'like to see him a first team regular because he's one of ours/a youngster, etc', even if he can't step up yet?

[PeterParker]

But why on earth are we still giving Mendy a chance and we don't adress the left back problem?

[Foreverinbluedreams]

But why on earth are we still giving Mendy a chance and we don't adress the left back problem?

Because Zinchenko has stepped up and we won't be able to sell him because of injuries.

[Mase]

We need Otter to stay 100% That's mine/the club's main priority over the summer.

[bigblue]

4-4-fucking 2
big man little man up top
get stuck in
don't faff about at the back
attack the wings and whip the crosses in

[Sideshow Bob]

4-4-fucking 2
big man little man up top
get stuck in
don't faff about at the back
attack the wings and whip the crosses in

lmao. you forgot a few: defend in numbers, get behind the ball and play for set pieces.

[Hutch's Shoulder]

Keeping Gundo a priority
Phase in Foden - would like to see him a first team regular by the end of the season
New CB, CDM and striker
KDB back to his best
Start to see a plan of replacing some of the ageing stars like Dave (Foden) and Fernandinho (new guy) and even Aguero

I'm interested mate - with Foden I must confess I was a bit disappointed with his last 2 performances. Anonymous is kind (apart from a goal). Disappointed because I thought he would actually do better.

So i would say - 'like to him him a first team regular by the end of the season if he proves good enough and steps up to the mark.'

Not 'like to see him a first team regular because he's one of ours/a youngster, etc', even if he can't step up yet?

There's no reason to doubt Foden from the last two games, it is typical Of younger players, hot and cold. Maintaining the level, even when you're a bit off-key, comes around 23, with experience and as your body finishes growing. He has the technique and attitude, I trust Pep to develop him properly. He won't start every game next season, or the one after, but will grow into the job.

[fangsanalsatan]

4-4-fucking 2
big man little man up top
get stuck in
don't faff about at the back
attack the wings and whip the crosses in

After seeing Burnley's impressive display, I've become an advocate of the big lump x2 partnership up front. Sod the little man, just go full route one. Four hard-working midfielders across the pitch, maybe a converted fullback or two on the outside. Four centre backs. Stay narrow, leave no space between the lines, don't water the pitch. Job's a good 'un.

[Nigels Tackle]

have to set your targets high...
league - 102 points for 100 / 3 yr average
retain the cups we’ve won
reach the cl final

[PeterParker]

If we win the first 5 games next year do they add to the 14 in row we have now? Or the numbers start over.

I was thinking we might pass our own record.

[nottsblue]

If we win the first 5 games next year do they add to the 14 in row we have now? Or the numbers start over.

I was thinking we might pass our own record.

That would be correct. Stats like consecutive wins etc carry over from season to season

[sheblue]

I have a feeling a striker has become the biggest priority. Aguero has had a great season again but there were quite a few games towards the end of the season where he looked like he wouldnt score if he carried on all night. And I'm not alone in not being convinced by Jesus, although I'll accept he has never had a proper run in the side. The cupboard looks quote bare in rhe striking department. (Yes I know weve scored a record amount of goals so it sounds a bloody silly thing to say)
Oh and if you don't freshen up your attack, you get found out, as we've experienced before.

Its difficult to see a striker as the main priority. Yes Sergio is slowing a bit and has been, but he will be good for another season.We have Jesus, Sterling, B Silva, Sane (if he stays), possibly Mahrez, Foden who have an eye for the net. Then add a rejuvenated KDB who should be capable of getting into double figures, easily.

Of course depending upon who goes and who stays, the priority is a replacement for Fern and a defender.

[PeterParker]

I think the football world is missing strikers like they those from 10-20 years ago.

I couldn't, genuine, think of someone really good that could replace Sergio or Jesus.

[PeterParker]

I think we know now why Manglers contract was extended.
So Vinnie and the club talked a while back and decided this outcome. Fair play to them and for everyone around.

So probably Otter is going also and this means we are either buying a big name defender (de Ligt) or two more will come.

[Hazy2]

4-4-fucking 2
big man little man up top
get stuck in
don't faff about at the back
attack the wings and whip the crosses in

lmao. you forgot a few: defend in numbers, get behind the ball and play for set pieces.

Run around like a loony, like Joey did, kick it, boot it, stop passing it ffs