Is next year a transition year?

[Wxgba 306]

Clubs and fans alike tend to hide behind their respective "transitions" and often use it as an excuse after underachieving. As Henrique has stated already, if you are to look at the grand scheme of things, most clubs could claim to be in a transition period most of the time. There's always players and managers in and out of the door that leads to this word continually being brought up: "transition".

I don't want to direct all of my post at just how misleading "transition periods" can be though so I'll try to stay on track.

We are going to be in a transition for another season or two yet while Mourinho gets settled; buys the players he wants and gets rid of all the players he deems to be unnecessary. That being said, this season was the biggest transition as it was his first back at the club and there has been a lot of changes at the club since he was last in charge. He's started to release players that don't fit in with his style of play/management but is yet to make big signings that are his choices. Eto'o was brought in rather rashly and I think that was blatant - he's obviously not wanting to find himself in a predicament such as that again in a hurry.

This summer he has some funds to target the players he wants for the positions he deems most necessary. Last season was the biggest hurdle and although we lost some big players (Luiz: big character; Mata: special player; most likely Cole: reliable, experienced defender), it means that José has the summer to focus on putting together a team that he believes will work well and fit in with his philosophies. We may have had a good squad at the start of last season, but quite a few of our players don't fit into Mourinho's way of playing and that is being shown, firstly with the sale of Mata and now with the apparent departure of David Luiz.

We should be starting next season with a strong team catered to José's wants and needs so, in theory, we should be aiming for the league title next season although that is not what I'm expecting. I'm expecting top four and hopefully a title of some form, winning the league will be a bonus especially given the fact that our main competitors will all be strengthening their squads over the summer, too.

[Jase 43,479]

It probably shouldn't be at all though I won't be surprised if this notion were to be thrown up at some point during next season. It's arguably quite an overused word and something people fall back on when things don't go well.

[Viper22 2,418]

No it won't be a transition year.

Title has to be expected. No excuses.

Can't see how anyone can think differently tbh.

[Duppy Conqueror 1,526]

I don't use the term transistion for us.we are just a top side doing what top sides do,always trying to find ways of getting better.no top side just keeps the exact same squad.

There will be changes to our squad but i only see a maximum of 4 new players + loan players returning.i see atleast 6 or 7 leaving but ones where replacements are already here in most cases..e.g Moses,Marin,Eto'o..

[MrBlueGuy 1,552]

Transition in term of becoming the best team in the world so yes it is one. We will be transitioning into England champion or European champion.

[yuvala 2,167]

Wouldn't really call it a transition year. I think we're in the final stages of our "transition" (we still have a lot of players not at their peak yet and a couple of new signings that will need some time) but we will already be good enough to challenge and win the title.

I agree.

It's not exacly a transition year but it's kinda the end of the transition. (It also isn't "definately not a transition year")

[laura90 556]

How could we be a transition next season ?

Our team is almost set up after we get striker.

Our rivals next season:

Man City, who won the title by default, will be worse next year. Aguero and Kompany are injury prone, Yaya too , their coach is still naive and all that without taking into account their mentality.

Reducing their CL squad can hurt them too.

And they will practically be our main opposition.

Liverpool won't be in the race next year. The will play in Europe and their league form will suffer because of it. Their squad is very thin for two games per week regime, they will need to buy, and when they do, new players will need time to integrate.

They will be in mess next season.

Arsenal , well they paid off their stadium, so I expect better performances during transfer window. But regardless, the only chance for Arsene and Arsenal to celebrate is another cup. The league is out of reach for them.

And finally Man Utd. They will struggle to sign players this season, never mind to win the League. No chance in hell for them.

I really can't see anyone who can stop us from winning the league. Our transition period will finally be done and dusted.

We will play good football too. I hope so, anyway.

[DJames 729]

Whatever new players we bring in will need time to adjust. The current players should have adjusted to the change between Benitez and Mourinho already but do I think they will be ready to follow whatever philosophy he has in mind. Not quite, it may just be left to be seen but from the last couple of matches I'm not feeling too reassured about that. So is next season going to be a transition year...I think someone (staff/pundits) will mention that at some point

[BleedsBlue 1,549]

No next season will not be a 'transition' season. Jose has clearly stated many times that we will be challenging for the title from day 1 so there is no chance of failure. However,our hopes for Champions League glory should be that high because the league will be top priority.

We'll have a perfect mix of youth and experience so I'd like us to challenge for a domestic cup as well. The team and staff have gained some invaluable experience this season and Jose has used it well to set up his team. Players who do not suit his philosophy are being sold and that too at a great profit margin so it's clear that the side next season will be what Jose truly wants.

[Styles 9,790]

I wouldn't complain if it was simply because last year's transition never actually happened. If our style of play improves and we are competitive then I would be very happy.