In response to the original question - Yes, and probably 2. We're down Rodriguez, Juanmi has definitely not had the impact hoped for given the lack of minutes (rumours of not settling/homesickness), and Ramirez is not really in the managers plans either so we're lacking any depth in the creative front 4 positions. Losing Rodriguez knackers us in two positions also as he'd be the natural replacement for Pelle if anything went wrong and he had to go up top.
The real-life solution though, will more than likely be to accept that we're finishing mid table this year, wait until the summer, and hope that everything sorts itself out. e.g. Rodriguez is fit again, Juanmi suddenly isn't homesick and has trained on, and Ramirez's salary is off the wage bill. We'll then sell Mane for about £35m, and there will be mass panic that we don't have any goals in the team for next season.The key is what ambition is shown regards the playing side of the club next summer. It's not a complaint, but I think we've stagnated at a level that is very hard to move upwards from, in particular while managing the finances so comparatively prudently when compared to others.
The real-life solution though, will more than likely be to accept that we're finishing mid table this year, wait until the summer, and hope that everything sorts itself out. e.g. Rodriguez is fit again, Juanmi suddenly isn't homesick and has trained on, and Ramirez's salary is off the wage bill. We'll then sell Mane for about £35m, and there will be mass panic that we don't have any goals in the team for next season.The key is what ambition is shown regards the playing side of the club next summer. It's not a complaint, but I think we've stagnated at a level that is very hard to move upwards from, in particular while managing the finances so comparatively prudently when compared to others.