Is the squad 'that good' or are we just delusional? Can this squad repeat and/or win the CL?

[Frogfish]

I don't think we're going for another striker after Ekitike. It's Rodrygo and Guehi (no Konate sale) and then we're done for a 10/10 Summer transfer window, the likes of which we'll never see again !

Just to expand on this a bit. We all know by now (and Slot has said it himself) that the manager prefers a smaller squad.

Our forward line last season being : Diaz, Gakpo, Nunez, Diogo & Salah. Tragically we lost Diogo and it looks like we'll sell Diaz (I didn't think we would but then I didn't see anyone but the Saudis paying £70m+) and Nunez (£45-50m).

If Diaz goes then I believe we will already have secured Rodrygo & Ekitike (bar crossing the Ts and dotting the Is) because there is no way we will allow ourselves to be exposed to the danger of having just two left, of last season's forwards, without a cast-iron assurance they are being replaced.

So Gakpo (LW,CF), Ekitike (CF), Rodrygo (LW, CF, RW) and Salah (RW + CF) plus I think we can include Wirtz if we play without a 9 and with 2x10s (Macca, Szobo, Jones). Maybe Danns if he can return from injury. Also perhaps Firmpong could cover Salah at times. Is that enough? Is that our starting lineup for the coming season? Huge question marks.

Midfield is sorted.

LB (Tsimi or Robbo to leave), RB and GK are sorted and I love the options.

CBs are still an issue. I can't see any way in the world Konate leaves this Summer. None. So VvD, Konate, Gomez and hopefully Guehi with Endo as emergency cover.

It's going to be a reduced squad size but now with players Slot trusts to allow more rotation.

 

[bluebell]

As long as we prioritise competitions. play the kids for the FA Cup and League Cup along with the bench warmers, and focus on CL and league.

 

[tombrown]

Interestingly, Wirtz is listed as an attacker & not a midfielder on the official site.

Maybe it's not that interesting and means fuck all

 

[Beamrider]

I don't think it's just about us. Agree with what you've said about our squad above - central defence is the issue right now but I expect we'll make a signing there before the window is closed. The 2 big risks for us are:
1. How well the new guys gel. 2 tricky games in the first three mean there isn't much time to experiment, we need to hit the ground running or we'll be playing catch-up early on.
2. Injuries - whether we just got lucky last season or whether there's scientific improvement there (I'd like to think the latter). But there are options in that we have several players with flexibility (I think both Endo and Gravenberch can do a job in defence, Wirtz / Szobo can play midfield or attack, Frimpong / Bradley could both do a job on the wing).
Looking at the other contenders, I think we only need to look at City and Arsenal.
City have added players, but a lot still hinges on Rodri and I think he's going to be in and out next season, plus not the player he was, at least for a while. For that reason I think they'll struggle against the top teams, but the rest of their team should be enough to beat the dross. I see them being better than last year, but I don't see them winning it.
Arsenal will depend a lot on how Zubimendi settles, and they have cover for Saka, which they lacked last year. Then there's the Gyorkeres factor - I expect him to struggle, so a lot of the attacking eggs are in the basket marked "Saka", as per. If he gets injured again, they're in trouble because Madueke is a step down, even if better than what they had. And of course they still have a buffoon in charge.
Chelsea will be goosed after a disrupted pre-season and Newcastle are Newcastle, just as sure as Spurs are Spurs.
I'm quietly confident, but I hope we'll be stronger in the run-in next year because I think we're going to need to be.

 

[FreshRed]

I worry that Salah will be less productive this season. Another season like the last is doubtful and wonder whether we will replace his goals and assists.

 

[mark1975]

I think if you talk about a small squad and we add the left winger and centre half, then you're bang on. It's the right amount of players that should be enough to compete, quality over quantity.

The only thing going against it is whether Wirtz and Ekitike do as well as we hope and if we do bring in the lad for Madrid, if he's any significant difference compared to what we're losing with Diaz. It's a BIG ask for the three of them to succeed as well as we hope. If they don't? Then we might be kicking ourselves for getting rid of one or two players (notably Elliott and Diaz). Gapko has to kick on this season, as does Szobo, it's a crucial season for both of them.

We have to bring in a centre half, because there's a very real chance we can lose Gomez and Konate for significant time during the season, if it's at the same time it's a huge impact on VVD, who isn't getting any younger.

Then there's the familiarity factor, there's a lot of change. That doesn't always click straight away, City are incorporating a lot of players too, who have real quality. I suspect Arsenal might be chomping at the bit, hoping that the disruption for both us and City means their relatively balanced squad might go one better this season.

 

[Frogfish]

I think if you talk about a small squad and we add the left winger and centre half, then you're bang on. It's the right amount of players that should be enough to compete, quality over quantity.

The only thing going against it is whether Wirtz and Ekitike do as well as we hope and if we do bring in the lad for Madrid, if he's any significant difference compared to what we're losing with Diaz. It's a BIG ask for the three of them to succeed as well as we hope. If they don't? Then we might be kicking ourselves for getting rid of one or two players (notably Elliott and Diaz). Gapko has to kick on this season, as does Szobo, it's a crucial season for both of them.

We have to bring in a centre half, because there's a very real chance we can lose Gomez and Konate for significant time during the season, if it's at the same time it's a huge impact on VVD, who isn't getting any younger.

Then there's the familiarity factor, there's a lot of change. That doesn't always click straight away, City are incorporating a lot of players too, who have real quality. I suspect Arsenal might be chomping at the bit, hoping that the disruption for both us and City means their relatively balanced squad might go one better this season.

Stability and integration key factors this season. We all said we did so well last season because of the lack of turnover, even though some players were clearly not top drawer. Now we have top drawer but a huge amount of turnover. Luckily not so much in the key midfield (could be massive improvement of course) and in the just as key CB+GK area.

Also why I'm wary of Arsenal. Strengthening and stability not revolution.

 

[mom]

I’ve been saying for a while that it’s all about the CBs for me. We weren’t exactly short on goals last year and even without a striker we would have been fine with the addition of Wirtz. Virg is getting on and Gomez and the Ibou are prone to the odd injury. With Quansah gone, we need at least one top drawer CB, and preferably a top prospect too.

 

[mark1975]

I’ve been saying for a while that it’s all about the CBs for me. We weren’t exactly short on goals last year and even without a striker we would have been fine with the addition of Wirtz. Virg is getting on and Gomez and the Ibou are prone to the odd injury. With Quansah gone, we need at least one top drawer CB, and preferably a top prospect too.

Although we weren't short on goals statistically, I felt as the season wore on there were times when we looked bereft of creativity and an edge. It felt like for how often we would blow a side away, we could equally have another 5 games that were a bit on a knife edge. When you factor in Salah's incredible season, I think going into this season it was definitely still a factor.

I still feel like defensive midfield is an issue too, I'm not convinced Gravy and Macca are THAT naturally defensive or physically imposing.

 

[tombrown]

Stability and integration key factors this season. We all said we did so well last season because of the lack of turnover, even though some players were clearly not top drawer. Now we have top drawer but a huge amount of turnover. Luckily not so much in the key midfield (could be massive improvement of course) and in the just as key CB+GK area.

Also why I'm wary of Arsenal. Strengthening and stability not revolution.

"Lack of turnover" for the playing staff is fair, but don't forget almost every aspect of the backroom staff was changed. So we have been through a significant overhaul and did way more than just survive it.
I'm optimistic

 

[Squiggles]

If we bring home either trophy then the season is a massive success. If we're not competing for the title throughout the year then it will be disappointing.

The Champions League is anyone's guess, but we took the team that were the best team by a large margin to penalties, whilst underperforming for at least ninety minutes, and I think most would agree we are strengthening the team. We certainly deserve better luck with the draw this time around. There might be some learning in rotating a bit more in league phase, but it will depend how the table is shaping up. By the time the knockouts comes around then the team will have learned to play with each other.

As ever, I'd gladly play the kids/squaddie in every league and FA Cup game. Not arsed.

 

[mom]

Although we weren't short on goals statistically, I felt as the season wore on there were times when we looked bereft of creativity and an edge. It felt like for how often we would blow a side away, we could equally have another 5 games that were a bit on a knife edge. When you factor in Salah's incredible season, I think going into this season it was definitely still a factor.

I still feel like defensive midfield is an issue too, I'm not convinced Gravy and Macca are THAT naturally defensive or physically imposing.

I think Grav is, but less so Mac, and even if he were, he’s wasted being played defensively.
Another reason to get some top drawer CBs in

 

[LarryHagman]

We won the Prem and then spent £250M+. We are (with Chelsea) the big spenders in the League this year, forget net spend arguments If we don't win the League, some cunts getting it in the neck.
That's the offset of all this spending surely? We have to win.

 

[Dreambeliever]

I would love to see us win either big trophy but there are a huge amount of unknowns.

Hopefully we don’t see a big drop off.

 

[Fabio]

We now have a selection of great players for us, and a lot of strength across the board. The question Becomes "can all the new players integrate fully". For me, I'm half alright with this season being slots "official" transition season, as this is now his squad with his players, and there's been a lot of churn with the squad, as well as Jotas tragic death.

One of the big trophies would be amazing, however I'm not expecting it.

 

[Frogfish]

We now have a selection of great players for us, and a lot of strength across the board. The question Becomes "can all the new players integrate fully". For me, I'm half alright with this season being slots "official" transition season, as this is now his squad with his players, and there's been a lot of churn with the squad, as well as Jotas tragic death.

One of the big trophies would be amazing, however I'm not expecting it.

I would be extremely unhappy not winning the PL, especially since Arsenal and City haver done nothing amazing this Summer (except in City and Chelsea's cases - knackered themselves).

We have, by far, the most improved squad (assuming Ekitike and Rodrygo - or Diaz stays). Even though there must be a period of adjustment/settling in (exactly what we said last year to Slot's tactics) better players will still provide an edge, an improvement in technique, tackling, finishing and creativity.

The only factor I'm leery of how much drop off will we see from Salah, especially with zero contribution with him absent for 6 weeks (but if we get Rodrygo then with him and Frimpong we should be covered). I agree too much churn can be an issue but we have stability in midfield and the critical CB/GK areas.

 

[StevieM]

A

I would be extremely unhappy not winning the PL, especially since Arsenal and City haver done nothing amazing this Summer (except in City and Chelsea's cases - knackered themselves).

We have, by far, the most improved squad (assuming Ekitike and Rodrygo - or Diaz stays). Even though there must be a period of adjustment/settling in (exactly what we said last year to Slot's tactics) better players will still provide an edge, an improvement in technique, tackling, finishing and creativity.

The only factor I'm leery of how much drop off will we see from Salah, especially with zero contribution with him absent for 6 weeks (but if we get Rodrygo then with him and Frimpong we should be covered). I agree too much churn can be an issue but we have stability in midfield and the critical CB/GK areas.

I would say City have done nothing, you’re not usually one of the goldfish brains, but Ait Nouri, Cherki & Reijnders are decent pick ups, along with the players the picked up in January.

Add to that, I’m sure there’s an expectation their younger players are better than last year.

Doesn’t solve their problems, but they’ve not been inactive.

 

[Frogfish]

A


I would say City have done nothing, you’re not usually one of the goldfish brains, but Ait Nouri, Cherki & Reijnders are decent pick ups, along with the players the picked up in January.

Add to that, I’m sure there’s an expectation their younger players are better than last year.

Doesn’t solve their problems, but they’ve not been inactive.

I didn't say inactive. I said - nothing amazing - which means no top quality players (none of those you have mentioned are that, they are just decent players as you said, the drop off in quality continues). Cherki the only one with the potential for a much higher level - and that remains to be seen.

Compare with : Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong and (if they happen) Ekitike, Guehi and Rodrygo. Yes we got lucky with buy-out clauses but that doesn't nullify the quality.

 

[Fabio]

City have upgraded in every position they needed to (so far), and don't have a traumatic weight laying heavy on them.

Arsenal have done some decent business but nothing that I feel will tip them over the edge to success

We have obviously improved, but enough to guarantee the league or cl? No chance. That's not to say I'd be massively surprised if we won it, more that I'm not expecting it. The same issues still remain from last season. Will Ekitike definitely be more clinical than nunez? Will wirtz definitely have more of an impact that szob? Will Salah have a other once in a generation season (no btw)? Will Konate stay fit? We've still not replaced quansah.

We're setting ourselves sensationally for this season....but there's still glaring issues that we won't know how we'll cope

If the Jota situation didn't happen, then yeah I'd be a bit more "well we should win". I don't feel it's fair to expect anything with this in the back of some players minds

 

[peterhague]

I think us, City and Arsenal all have brilliant squads tbh. There really isn't much to choose between any of us. Maybe Arsenal are hanging too many hopes on Gyokeres but otherwise they look solid. I'm not expecting this to be a vintage City team but I think they'll score a shitload of goals and in most matches that'll be enough to see them home.

Who knows with Chelsea. They've obviously got loads of quality but the usual questions remain, not least around the manager.

I think we should win it but it's a strong league and one bad injury or other piece of luck could swing it. And who knows how the Jota thing might weigh on the players.

 

[Frogfish]

City have upgraded in every position they needed to (so far), and don't have a traumatic weight laying heavy on them.

You and I have a different interpretation of upgraded !

2022/3 PL winning squad (most still in their prime)
Ederson, Laporte, Dias, Walker, Stones backed up by Akanji, Ake, Mendy
B.Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Rodri backed up by Palmer
Foden, Mahrez, Alvarez and Haaland ... backed up by Grealish

2023/4 PL winning squad (already on the decline)
Ederson, Dias, Gvardiol, Walker, Stones backed up by Akanji, Ake, Mendy
B.Silva, De Bruyne, Rodri backed up by Nunes and Kovacic
Foden, Doku, Alvarez and Haaland ... backed up by Grealish

2025/6 Squad (to date)
Dias, Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Reis, Gvardiol, Akanji, Khusanov, Lewis.
Midfielders: Reijnders, Doku, Nico, Rodri, Gundogan, Bernardo, Nunes, Echeverri, Bobb, O'Reilly.
Forwards: Marmoush, Haaland, Savinho, Cherki, Foden.

Their 2025/6 defence looks well dodgy with aging and sub-par players (for a Top 4 team).
That midfield is nowhere near ours or Arsenal's
The starting forward line (Haaland, Marmoush & Foden) is very good and Cherki may or may not be a good fit.

 

[Fabio]

You and I have a different interpretation of upgraded !

2022/3 PL winning squad (most still in their prime)
Ederson, Laporte, Dias, Walker, Stones backed up by Akanji, Ake, Mendy
B.Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Rodri backed up by Palmer
Foden, Mahrez, Alvarez and Haaland ... backed up by Grealish

2023/4 PL winning squad (already on the decline)
Ederson, Dias, Gvardiol, Walker, Stones backed up by Akanji, Ake, Mendy
B.Silva, De Bruyne, Rodri backed up by Nunes and Kovacic
Foden, Doku, Alvarez and Haaland ... backed up by Grealish

2025/6 Squad (to date)
Dias, Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Reis, Gvardiol, Akanji, Khusanov, Lewis.
Midfielders: Reijnders, Doku, Nico, Rodri, Gundogan, Bernardo, Nunes, Echeverri, Bobb, O'Reilly.
Forwards: Marmoush, Haaland, Savinho, Cherki, Foden.

Their 2025/6 defence looks well dodgy with aging and sub-par players (for a Top 4 team).
That midfield is nowhere near ours or Arsenal's
The starting forward line (Haaland, Marmoush & Foden) is very good and Cherki may or may not be a good fit.

What's the point in comparing to teams from 2 years ago? The players were on the decline then, were worse last season, and then they've replaced them this year?

You may as well say our teams worse that when we won the league under klopp. It's irrelevant. You improve on what you currently have, not what had a few years ago

 

[Frogfish]

What's the point in comparing to teams from 2 years ago? The players were on the decline then, were worse last season, and then they've replaced them this year?

You may as well say our teams worse that when we won the league under klopp. It's irrelevant. You improve on what you currently have, not what had a few years ago

It's far from irrelevant - you can do the same for our squad from 2 years ago. What do you see?

A. It's only 2 years ago and it shows aging, drop off and the lowering in quality of the replacements.
B. You can see what was needed to win the PL.
C. City are living on reputation, the current squad doesn't match up.

IMHO City don't have a squad to win the PL. Top 3 for certain but for me it's 3rd again (assuming Chelsea don't get their act together).

 

[FreshRed]

Chelsea is the club that worries me most, because at their best last season, they were very good. They were inconsistent, which is typical for a young team. Now, if each of those youngsters improve as they should and get more consistent, they could really give it a go.

And, Maresco did really well last year, given all the players to integrate and his first season in PL.

 

[Judge Jules]

Agree with all of that as far as it goes, but IMO it'll be a year or two yet before they'll be able to sustain a title challenge all season. I also wouldn't underestimate the difficulty Maresca & co.will face trying to keep such a huge squad happy.

 

[Frogfish]

Agree with all of that as far as it goes, but IMO it'll be a year or two yet before they'll be able to sustain a title challenge all season. I also wouldn't underestimate the difficulty Maresca & co.will face trying to keep such a huge squad happy.

Or how fatigued they are going to be with virtually no break this Summer and before a World Cup next June.