We are languishing in 10th, 8 points behind ‘struggling’ Man United. Defense is leaking goals, attack is largely misfiring and players are losing discipline.
The mentality has also become like that of a mid-table team. Nothing in and around the club screams world class at the moment.
I just don’t find many differences between Chelsea and say, Crystal Palace (apart from the wages and all). As fans, should we also have a mid-table mindset? Satisfied with draws against the big boys and finishing the season with 45-50 points?
In terms of where we sat in the table last season, and so far this, then yes. I suppose we are.
But I think everyone can see that we’re playing better than the table suggests this season. Aside from the Newcastle game at the weekend, where we were awful, we have generally played well without always getting the result. Which is to be expected of a young team with a new manager. For better or worse we have to accept that this is a long term project, and there will be a lot of ups and downs over the next year or so. But, if we get it right, the long term results could be pretty special.
Right now I think we’re still finding our feet, but I believe we can still try and push for a European spot. I think once we have an established 11, and players are back from injuries, it will be a case of Poch assessing the team and tweaking 1 or 2 positions as he goes.
Overall, the position in the table has been concerning. But I’m much more optimistic about the future than that might suggest. Poch will need time, the question is; will he get it?