I am not saying that having no European competition didn't help us as I am sure having the fresh legs did help. You could also argue that momentum would get killed off by this break as well. I believe Jose spoke about how the European fixtures don't allow him time to really get the team focused and iron out the chinks in the armor as they needed rest and did not have the days to work on said SPEC ( Set pieces, errors in the back, counter attacks). But........ let's say we do well, as we normally do in Europe, and at least get to the quarters...... isn't that just 8 games total? All spread out too? Is it really THAT much more on the legs? I can understand the travel but for every game that say a Gerrard plays in Europe he may now rest one in the league for Hendo, Allen, Lucas, new player, etc. I feel it all evens out. Also, for you, what is the main position we need more depth in if we are going to be able to compete in the league and CL? Thoughts?
Think it matters more to smaller squads such as ours but then we will have more money than thought to spend as well as restored reputation on the continent. More youth on the verge of stepping up and returning. Personally I'd concentrate again on league position next year and see what group we get in the CL etc. But yes it's only in reality a few more games. Obviously the domestic cups go down the pecking order a little bit more. But as for Morwhinio let's dispell this myth: Chelsea have spent hundreds of millions on a vast squad. Chelsea have dropped only two points in one PL game immediately after CL ties all season. If they lose the league, it wasn't because of a lack of squad or time to prepare for PL games. As usual he's talking mad dog ****e.....
United won almost all of their PL games that came after CL matches. It's bollocks/ Had we qualified for the CL we'd have a bigger squad. The problem occurs when you don't prioritise one over the other, CL should come second to PL, only a few clubs have the depth to challenge in both, Even City came up short in that respect. Are Bayern whinging? Athletico? it must be terrible being in all of those competitions, PATHETIC excuses. Next season for us, CL is nice PL is priority, it should always be if you have a chance of winning it, even a remote chance.
I would play strong teams in the CL, decent teams in the FA ( also depends on the draw but that is in like December that the BPL teams join?), and the youth fringe for COC. Forgot about those dozzy internationals but still, don't think it is that much of a hit. As I said, I think you can thrive on some of the CL games and gather momentum!
We've played pretty strong teams in both cups this season. So even if the squad doesn't expand (it will, i'm just trying to prove a point) we could just play 1st team in the CL instead, and field kids for the cups
When I started watching football there were no substitutes allowed. In the early 60's they introduced subs - only 1 and only to replace an injured player - those were the days when men were men Seriously though, I think we'll cope alright. There will be more players coming in and with our promoting youth policy it shouldn't be a problem.
The extra games don't concern me. as someone as already pointed our, its only eight more if you make the quarters and it is beyond this point that the fixtures start to pile up. Playing the youth/reserves in the League and FA Cups would cut a few games on the list too. My concern is more around Brendan Rodgers. He has no managerial experience of European football and he needs to learn to rest Suarez (assuming he's still here) since he can't play sixty games a season!
My exact thoughts when I read the title, Saint! Think Bluff means 'clinched'. As far as the OP goes, I think we need about 4 new players (LB, CB, DM and a forward player - all quality players!) and to bring through some more youth players into the first team whilst loaning out some of the younger ones who are not quite there yet, e.g. Sinclair, etc.
You are menatl if you dont think it helped. Fact is most of you know it was a big part of your success. It freed you up. There was a reason rafa never tried to win the league ( 2009 aside ) because it was easier if you concentrate on one tournament. Rodgers didnt have the choice rafa had to pick and choose what mattered but he benefited from it big time. It wasnt the only reason, scoring a **** loads of goals helps and being confident in your own ability.
Of course it helped. Just like Chavs having a ****load of money to spend every year helps. Swings and roundabouts, the only thing we object to is people trying to make out it was the only factor in our success, and people like Moaninho trying to make out it's somehow unfair.
Sure they do There is no doubt he did better in the CL but he never prioritised one over the other or altered his teams election to suit UNLESS we were already out the running for the league.
Fair enough but going by your theory then, 70 of the league managers prioritise their league campaigns over the FA cup because their team is eliminated WTF are the likes of Newcastle, Palace and Southampton prioritising? Going out or doing poorly in one competition meaning you can concentrate on another a bit more is difference to prioritising one over the other.
For 2 of them, getting 40 points and then seeing whether they can push on in the last section of the season for a European place and Palace just the former. Benitez preferred the CL, I remember it being said by reds at the time, he seemed to take greater care with tactics and team selections in that competition.
