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Sunday, 13 May 2012 12:47 |
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Interesting points made in the comments. Yes I agree with some that of course it's been a disappoinment for Benfiquistas that we didn't win the Liga when we should've done. For the first half of the season, we were clearly the best team in Portugal, not just in the Liga but doing well in the CL as well. Of course it's a disappointment how we fell apart from february/march onwards, and let Porto take the title. This Porto team was the least vintage Liga champion in many years, and it's tough to take that they finished ahead of us. JJ has to shoulder much of this blame, because i feel most of our players, and certainly most of the new ones, performed well for most of the season. In the end JJ got some big things wrong (selections, inadequate squad-rotation and lack of defensive improvement) and this is what cost us ultimately.
But i also agree with Mdot, that it certainly hasn't been a complete failure. We were in the title race right to the end, could and should've reached further than the quarters in the CL (with a little more luck), and will be in the CL group stage again next season. On top of that, almost all the new players (and there were many) fitted right in very quickly and had good seasons. So yes of course it should've been much better. But it's better to look at it this way: it was a serious improvement on last season and we have progressed. Patience is always best, and is something we haven't had in the past. I believe we can improve further next season.
Bruno Cesar capped off a great first season with 2 more goals last night. I really want to see him play in his best position next season, as an offensive midfield schemer (rather than as a winger). Aimar should remain in the squad as an experienced, novelty player (like Giggs or Scholes at Man United)...but he doesn't have the legs anymore for a whole season. Cesar should be our main number 10 next season, and I'd also like to see David Simao given more opportunity.
Gaitan I'm sure is a gonner, and perhaps Javi Garcia too. I wouldn't be too sad to see them go as the cash they would raise could really improve the whole squad. What we must make sure is we hold on to Witsel, Nolito and Garay. The good thing about Rodrigo's drop in form in the last few months, is that we can likely keep him for another season also, as interest in him might have cooled. If we can make some good loan signings to boost the squad, we could get away with selling just the two mentioned players, and still make a big profit.
What has to improve most for next season in my opinion is the defensive midfield protection of the back 4 (Javi's area), as well as pace and power in the flanks and service to Cardozo from wide areas (we must keep Nolito, he's the guy who can do it and should've done it this season...and which Gaitan didn't provide, hence I wouldn't be too sad to see both Gaitan and Javi go!). So all in all, yes disappointment at how the season ended for us...but there were still more than enough successful elements to the season, that gives me optimism for the next one...
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