The 2013-14 season, the season we will be champions

[MrMichael]

I only wonder why so many fans are so afraid being positive?

Personally, and I can only speak for myself here, I think the answer to this depends on what you define as positivity.

Over the last few years there's been a lot of turmoil around the club, we've changed manager more times in quick succession than at any other period in my lifetime, and we've dropped from being a regular Champions League club to struggling to qualify for the Europe league. We've sold some of our best players, the fans have become quite split over various issues and we've generally gotten quite cynical about what owners and managers have to say about the football. With that background its easy to see why attitudes have become quite negative, although I have felt this season that a lot of it has manifested itself in quite unnecessary and short termist reactions.

Personally I've enjoyed this season, for the first time in what seems like quite a few years. We started badly in results terms, and also with the transfer window debacle, but in general I've always felt the positive signs are there. I like Rodgers and his mentality, I like what he's done with the young players around the club and I like the way he picks his sides on merit. I also like our owners in general, but that's another topic. For me the season has been quite fun, perhaps because I have had no expectation of success or achievement, just to see development and that the positive signs are there for the future.

Having said that, I'm not going to try to convince myself that we've become world beaters overnight and that we'll win the league next year. I want to see a club growing sustainably, maturing and developing and improving, and I believe it will take at least one, very possibly two or three more seasons before we can genuinely think of ourselves as championship challengers. It was only on Rafa's 4th season, after we'd already been to 2 CL finals, that we had a proper tilt at the title, and that was before City added themselves to the mix too. I'd hope we can make a genuine shot at a CL place next year, but there are 5 other genuinely decent teams in this league and only 4 spaces available, nobody has a divine right to success and a good team that is going places could still miss out.

So am I positive about the future, yes, in my view I'm very positive about where the club might be heading, but I see that in terms of an overall long term view, rather than in terms of specific and possibly unrealistic shorter term expectations.

[Fosterbloke]

That's a more balanced response to our overly optimistic ramblings Mr. Michael.

[MrMichael]

Its not substantively different to anything I posted in the other thread imo, just more wordy, but hey, if it saves me from a volley of insults this time then I suppose I'm happy

[Mattshark]

Personally, and I can only speak for myself here, I think the answer to this depends on what you define as positivity.

Over the last few years there's been a lot of turmoil around the club, we've changed manager more times in quick succession than at any other period in my lifetime, and we've dropped from being a regular Champions League club to struggling to qualify for the Europe league. We've sold some of our best players, the fans have become quite split over various issues and we've generally gotten quite cynical about what owners and managers have to say about the football. With that background its easy to see why attitudes have become quite negative, although I have felt this season that a lot of it has manifested itself in quite unnecessary and short termist reactions.

Personally I've enjoyed this season, for the first time in what seems like quite a few years. We started badly in results terms, and also with the transfer window debacle, but in general I've always felt the positive signs are there. I like Rodgers and his mentality, I like what he's done with the young players around the club and I like the way he picks his sides on merit. I also like our owners in general, but that's another topic. For me the season has been quite fun, perhaps because I have had no expectation of success or achievement, just to see development and that the positive signs are there for the future.

Having said that, I'm not going to try to convince myself that we've become world beaters overnight and that we'll win the league next year. I want to see a club growing sustainably, maturing and developing and improving, and I believe it will take at least one, very possibly two or three more seasons before we can genuinely think of ourselves as championship challengers. It was only on Rafa's 4th season, after we'd already been to 2 CL finals, that we had a proper tilt at the title, and that was before City added themselves to the mix too. I'd hope we can make a genuine shot at a CL place next year, but there are 5 other genuinely decent teams in this league and only 4 spaces available, nobody has a divine right to success and a good team that is going places could still miss out.

So am I positive about the future, yes, in my view I'm very positive about where the club might be heading, but I see that in terms of an overall long term view, rather than in terms of specific and possibly unrealistic shorter term expectations.

[Fosterbloke]

Its not substantively different to anything I posted in the other thread imo, just more wordy, but hey, if it saves me from a volley of insults this time then I suppose I'm happy

I just took exception to the pissing on chips in a blatantly overly optimistic thread. It wasn't meant to be anything other than some fun.

[SB]

I'll take top 4 & at least close the gap on the top 2.

That's realistic enough although I expect everyone bar spurs to spend a shed load of cash. Spurs could loose bale so that could be interesting.

[Fosterbloke]

I'll take top 4 & at least close the gap on the top 2.

That's realistic enough although I expect everyone bar spurs to spend a shed load of cash. Spurs could loose bale so that could be interesting.

Clearly you didn't read my signature

[SB]

Clearly you didn't read my signature

I was replying to a post that seems to have been deleted.

[calvoboy]

Personally, and I can only speak for myself here, I think the answer to this depends on what you define as positivity.

Over the last few years there's been a lot of turmoil around the club, we've changed manager more times in quick succession than at any other period in my lifetime, and we've dropped from being a regular Champions League club to struggling to qualify for the Europe league. We've sold some of our best players, the fans have become quite split over various issues and we've generally gotten quite cynical about what owners and managers have to say about the football. With that background its easy to see why attitudes have become quite negative, although I have felt this season that a lot of it has manifested itself in quite unnecessary and short termist reactions.

Personally I've enjoyed this season, for the first time in what seems like quite a few years. We started badly in results terms, and also with the transfer window debacle, but in general I've always felt the positive signs are there. I like Rodgers and his mentality, I like what he's done with the young players around the club and I like the way he picks his sides on merit. I also like our owners in general, but that's another topic. For me the season has been quite fun, perhaps because I have had no expectation of success or achievement, just to see development and that the positive signs are there for the future.

Having said that, I'm not going to try to convince myself that we've become world beaters overnight and that we'll win the league next year. I want to see a club growing sustainably, maturing and developing and improving, and I believe it will take at least one, very possibly two or three more seasons before we can genuinely think of ourselves as championship challengers. It was only on Rafa's 4th season, after we'd already been to 2 CL finals, that we had a proper tilt at the title, and that was before City added themselves to the mix too. I'd hope we can make a genuine shot at a CL place next year, but there are 5 other genuinely decent teams in this league and only 4 spaces available, nobody has a divine right to success and a good team that is going places could still miss out.

So am I positive about the future, yes, in my view I'm very positive about where the club might be heading, but I see that in terms of an overall long term view, rather than in terms of specific and possibly unrealistic shorter term expectations.

Totally agree with all of this. I'm feeling really positive about the direction we're heading in for the first time since 2009/10 when Hicks and Gillett started selling off the squad. The owners are backing the manager with transfer funds, and the manager has instilled an attractive attacking style of play and is making the players earn their place.

My only frustration is where would be be now if we'd signed two attacking players in August instead of January? Sturridge and Coutinho have made such a huge impact already, and it just shows how the system is supposed to work when you have the right players in the right positions.

I still think we're a good few players short of being back to expecting fourth place every season, but there's no reason why we can't have a much better go next season with a bit of luck with injuries and a couple of decent signings.

[Fosterbloke]

I was replying to a post that seems to have been deleted.

I was referring to your misspelling of 'lose'.

[Fosterbloke]

My only frustration is where would be be now if we'd signed two attacking players in August instead of January? Sturridge and Coutinho have made such a huge impact already, and it just shows how the system is supposed to work when you have the right players in the right positions.

Sturridge is likely to have made a big difference considering his impact so far. Oh well, let's just revel in the fact we're spanking a few teams, the attacking play is looking good and we're using this season to gel as a team and really give next season a go.

[peekay]

I think today's financial results provides a sobering reminder of where we are as a club. While I have not been as positive as Mr M towards Brendan and have been fairly critical especially in the context of managing the defense, the last thing this club needs is one more managerial change and upheaval of laying/managerial staff. For the first time in ages we appear to have a vision and a plan and stability is the only way we are going to achieve it. Growing organically as a club on and off the field is the only way we are going to achieve our goals. There are going to be hiccups along the way. But I think in four five years we will be stronger as a club and more primed for a sustained assault at honors. As for next season we should be able to compete or be in contention realistically for a champions league place till the end.

[Pablo]

**** it I'm going positie, we're going to win the Champions League next year!

Spurs game is a big test. If we dominate (like we have against most top teams) but lose to a couple of soft, avoidable goals i'll feel like headbutting the wall. .

I'll feel exactly the same Ben (like watching you heatbutt a wall).

[DannyMan2006]

Split opinion on the thread. Tbh, there are no reasons to believe we will win the league now or in the short term future.

I've thought we were going to kick on so many times and I don't know how often I've said we are one or two players of being a title winning side.

Under Evans I thought we were just one player away. We signed Ince and it made no difference. After the treble under GH and runner up the following year I thought we were close. Year upon year under Rafa I thought we were getting closer and closer. And after a great end to Kennys first year and a summer of spending I thought we were back.

Every single time we've ****ed it up. We have never been good enough and more often than not, nowhere near good enough.

I also hope things will turn for us of course. But there are five other teams who quite easily make a great case for pushing on next season.

Chelsea & Man City may have new managers who work out and will no doubt spend big. Arsenal could be in the same boat. Talk is they are ready to spend. Spurs will build and will surely buy a better striker than Adebayor. Man Utd are simply just consistent.

We will see I guess.

[Tee]

Split opinion on the thread. Tbh, there are no reasons to believe we will win the league now or in the short term future.

I've thought we were going to kick on so many times and I don't know how often I've said we are one or two players of being a title winning side.

Under Evans I thought we were just one player away. We signed Ince and it made no difference. After the treble under GH and runner up the following year I thought we were close. Year upon year under Rafa I thought we were getting closer and closer. And after a great end to Kennys first year and a summer of spending I thought we were back.

Every single time we've ****ed it up. We have never been good enough and more often than not, nowhere near good enough.

I also hope things will turn for us of course. But there are five other teams who quite easily make a great case for pushing on next season.

Chelsea & Man City may have new managers who work out and will no doubt spend big. Arsenal could be in the same boat. Talk is they are ready to spend. Spurs will build and will surely buy a better striker than Adebayor. Man Utd are simply just consistent.

We will see I guess.

At the start of every season I used to think we would win the league right up until Roy took over. After that I have never really believed we will and still cannot really see it, however if BR brings in 2 genuine class and experienced players this summer, that optimism and belief could be back. One things for sure, we really cannot afford another ****ty start to a season.