14 Aug 2025 08:51:16
Yes, it’s been a great window and we have bought some great talent, but I’m resetting my expectations for the coming season.
With the amount of changes and the shock for the newbies of having a battle on every single Premier League game, I honestly think winning the league this year would be a greater achievement than last (which also exceeded most people’s expectations) .
It’s going to take a lot of unknown variables to all go in our favour, plus making sure each new individual knows their role AND can stand the speed, physicality and relentless schedule.
I’m hoping to see some jaw-dropping attacking play but also expect we’ll concede some right old clangers at the other end.
Success for me would be any silverware and competing with the Arsenals, Citehs, Madrids and PSGs while seeing evidence of a togetherness within the new squad.
I just think we may have to be patient for consistently big success, maybe in the 2026-27 season.
Winning the Premier or Champions Leagues this year just feels too unpredictable, we’ll need a season for the dust to settle but good times are in the post, just need everyone onboard and a big helping of patience.
14 Aug 2025 09:00:27
One day people will remember to put "this season" not this year! We've already won it this year (last season) ?.
14 Aug 2025 09:15:10
I’m hoping to see some jaw-dropping attacking play but also expect we’ll concede some right old clangers at the other end.
Sounds like the Klopp years all over again. Is Dejan available on a free?
14 Aug 2025 09:18:53
Pompey Rouge Im with you - My guess is that we'll see some v high scoring wins, some 3-3 and 4-4 and also some 4-3 type reverses.
We will loose some defensive stability having Wirtz at number 10 instead of Dom, and due to the full backs both getting so far forward.
Its going to be an exciting season where we'll need to outgun other sides.
I think Chelsea will be a force this season. I reckon they'll be right up there.
14 Aug 2025 09:26:42
I don’t think saving a couple of letter of typing is all that bad TBH - I think folk know what “year” in this context means. You clearly did!
14 Aug 2025 09:32:48
Nice one, @Pompey. Also (and someone mentioned this online), let us not underestimate the trauma our players and staff have had with Jota's passing (RIP DJ20 and Brother Andre) and will prolly have to deal with this season. As for the new players, it will affect them a bit more cos they aere all looking forward to joining a great team with so much excitement. Only to come into a club in mourning.
To this end, we have to be very measured in our assessment of the team. Let's go easy on them if things don't work out cos trust me, this type of trauma is a slow burner that will need time to digest and then, let time do it's work. Whatever the season brings, let's help the players heal and ensure their well-being is just catered to, more importantly. On to B'mouth.
14 Aug 2025 09:37:00
I don’t agree. I think you are underestimating how tactically brilliant Arne Slot is. I expect us to maybe have a few teething problems in the first few weeks but Slot will get it right and when he does we’ll take some stopping.
I think people forget that City and Arsenal also have new players and the players they’ve bought are nowhere near the quality of the ones we have. They will have teething problems too but we have more quality especially if we get Isak through the door.
14 Aug 2025 09:59:29
Oli, hear what you're saying regards to Jota's tragic passing, but, should we start the season badly and lose tomorrow, I pretty much guarantee when supporters are leaving the ground no one will be using Jota as a reason and folk will be moaning, and I might be one of them. That's just the way life is. It goes on.
14 Aug 2025 13:09:36
Jota's passing can't be the reason to perform below the player's best.
Sorry, but I'm expecting the club to deal as best they can and then turn up for the memory of Jota, the jersey and the fans.
I really don't think this is a controversial opinion.
Now if we don't win? as usual, I wouldn't be calling for heads etc. But that is my approach to life in general is to not get too high or low. Context is important and Jota's passing will be part of the story this season for sure.
But we have the opportunity to use it as a positive mental factor for the season.