Season’s expectations?

[patrickblue]

Last Season I didn't expect us to put up a Title challenge, yet we did.

I actually thought Top 4 would be a struggle, yet we comfortably finished second.I think we can all agree though last season there were a lot of sides nowhere near their normal standard which helped us.We won 2 Cups in a Season I thought we would win nothing.Quite an achievement really.

This season sadly I think Top 6 is likely going to be our limit.

We can't compete over a season with the Top sides with a thread bare squad that lacks real quality.It pissed me off today when they said on TNT we had a squad comparable to Arsenal. Absolute bollocks.We have lost and entire team of Tier 1 quality players over the last few seasons.And replaced them with average players.We have punched above our weight for 2 Seasons.we now lack quality in every department.We need 6 possibly 7 Stellar signings to be anywhere near Arsenal squad quality fact.Replacing them all will not be done in 1 transfer window.

We are going in to this season relying on squad players who couldn't even start games for us last season.It is going to be a long season, that is the reality.2 tier 1 signings is not going to cover all the Team frailties.

I have resigned myself to this season is going to be a season with likely more lows than highs.As we get to watch players we should have got rid of 2 seasons ago starting regularly again.

I know the Charity Shield means fuck allot being a nothing game.That didnt bother me losing a nothing game.What bothered me was Maresca seemingly looked clueless.I had no idea what he was trying to achieve a week before the season kicks off.Pushing Anderson out wide.Watching Kovacic blowing out of his are, midfield overrun.That display was right up with the worst display for a very long time.It was like Maresca was trying to be Pep,play his style but much slower.It was fucking awful and has left me worried that maybe his job might be too much for him after just 1 game.That is how bad that game was.

We could be going in to the Season with a thread bare squad and a Manager who has no idea how to utilize the average squad players.

It is actually criminal how our Club has taken its Eye of the Ball with the squad planning and rebuilding.Hearing stories of Vianna using AI tools to target the last crop of shite signings is pretty disturbing.Only Cherki looks half decent.

We have a big job on our Hands to get back to an elite level.All we can do is get behind the Manager and hope for the best.We are likely going to lose as many as we win this season with our shite defense and light weight midfield.There might be one or two good hidings we are not used to.

Just think back to Alan Ball and chill out

I am very chill.

I think oner or two of our fans are expecting too much from a thread bare squad and a new Manager adapting. So i am saying it as i see it.

I wont be surprised if these same fans are screaming for him out by Christmas if he don't hit the ground running.

We are definitely in transition and it will likely be 2 seasons before we are anywhere near what we once were.

It shouldnt be that way,it is what it is thanks to Vianna.

I'd definitely agree with the two seasons to be back where we were.

That said , I don't think it'll be a dreadful journey, a couple of top four finishes.

In short I expect us to do what I expected rags to do when Baconface leff, a season or two having a breather then back to the very top.

That's the worrying bit.

[zuricity]

Well, after today's epic failures by the rags and spuds, nobody expects a Spanish Inquisition.

[Nickyboy]

https://x.com/primeunseen/status/2091278341328228414

This squad is good enough to win the league.

Abd we have plenty of room in the spending department to strengthen at RB, CM and find a back up for Haaland

[Im_Spartacus]

https://x.com/primeunseen/status/2091278341328228414

This squad is good enough to win the league.

Abd we have plenty of room in the spending department to strengthen at RB, CM and find a back up for Haaland

Yeah I think I'd agree with Viana's summary from a couplke of days ago against that visual - we're only 3 players away, 2 CM, 1 right sided attacker....I think I'd add a right back to that also as you say, albeit I think Riess can play there but is untested.

The challenge with that squad comes with injuries - Haaland's goals are irreplaceable, but it wouldn't surprise me to see a front 3 this year where our style of play in the event of a crisis could also arguably support Foden up front as a false 9or whatever they call it, like he did around 2022.

I actually think we'll get more out of Haaland this year than we have previously, which makes it very interesting as if he goes up another level because we setup specifically to feed him properly then defence/leaking goals arguably becomes less important - Enzo shares Pep's view that defence is a platform for everything else, and if they happen to be able to defend as well thats a bonus.

Khus, Gvardiol and Guehi kicking on as a 3 potentially could be a very interesting development.

[Sparklehorse]

My expectations for this season are that whichever team walks onto that pitch is playing with intensity, passion, aggression and using their skills. This has been lacking in the last season and a half. If we play languid, possession based tactics we will be without doubt be also-rans. The world and his brother have worked out how to beat the Pep way, over to you Enzo……sort it out. Come on City !!!

[Kippax Sean]

A fresh start and hopefully everyone comes out giving 100% and we get a buzz going around the place like Haalands first season. Passion and excitement that's all anyone can ask for.

[craigmcfc]

I'd be happy with a Top 4 finish. Anything in the cups would be a massive bonus. The last week of the transfer window could alter that up or down quite easily though.

[bigblue]

Not to overreact, but after the last game I expect us to win the league and maybe a cup

[Slim]

We are three points clear now, it's all ours to lose.

[TrueBlue4610]

We are three points clear now, it's all ours to lose.

Love your optimism.

[salford city]

We are three points clear now, it's all ours to lose.

This. Invincibles incoming.

[Kippax Sean]

Another couple of incoming players and I'd be happy we can seriously challege for the domestic silverwear. For me it'll be 5 or 6 weeks before we start clicking with all the changes. Next season we can become world beaters once again.