- Feb 13, 2004
- 32,568
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It's brilliant we haven't rushed to buy anyone this Jan window. I reckon the squads done overall well and deservedly should see the season out it aswell gives Pochettinho a full season of assessment. Changes can be made as he sees fit end of season hopefully with players coming in early and part taking a preseason. I'm happy enough.
This.
It's all about context.
I said way before the window that I hoped we would resist the temptation of trying to assemble the squad Poch wants in a short space of time. We have, pretty much, a new squad: Lloris, Verts and Dembélé are only in their third season, seven players the summer before last, seven players last summer, and youth players most of whom had played only a few games, or none at all. There are few senior players...and their stock is not particularly high. We are on our fourth manager in just over two season (to highlight the drama). IMHO we could actually do with a little stability now. Obviously, Messi, Ronaldo and the re-signing of Bale would be super-great - but our stall has been set out. Trying to get too many out and more squeezed in the door, just when things are settling down, may have caused as many problems in the short term as it could potentially solve in the long term.
On top of which, we are an improving team. Two points off 4th and in a cup final with things still improving suggests that we may just finish the season well without any changes. Aside from the players who have settled into a clear first 11 (pretty much), Pochettino has clearly been working/having an effect on the remainder. Take Dembélé, for instance. Who hasn't complained that he would be absolutely brilliant if he could add end product to his undoubted talent, and stop slowing play down. In the last few matches, I have seen him putting the ball forward early, as Pochettno prefers (the much maligned forward transitioning). He may look like he has anvils for feet and is kicking a hot potato, but he has done it. That bodes well. And as @Spurger King says, if he can get something out of the likes of Paulinho we will actually have a pretty decent squad, with good back up all of whom want to play for him.
Not bothered by Lennon leaving, good luck to him, he wasn't playing and wasn't likely to and was no doubt not particularly happy with that.
On the other hand, I have always maintained I really don't give a monkey's flying cajonas how much or how little we spend on players - I care more that we get good players. Cheap is actually better afaiac, more money for wages that way. I believe Levy the aim is to make us the destination of choice for very good up and coming players who want to improve (which they may not do where they are) while being at a pretty good club, competing at the top end of the table and for trophies, without going through the whole process of signing for Citeh/Chelsea and rotting on the bench for a few years before being moved on. And I find that pretty sexy, actually - having a young, dynamic and, hopefully, competitive team! In that light, I am pretty excited that we have signed another youngling who had all the top clubs after him. Of course, he may not work out, but its all about percentages, isn't it
So, yeah, more than happy, even though it could obviously have been better (and who can't say that), as it did/didn't do what I wold have wanted.