For me, theres been a lot of praise for us, our squad, our pre season friendly results and ofcourse the return of Jose in the media. And many are picking us out as favourites now that Fergie is gone, and Man City have got a new manager who has never won a major title before in europe.
I still think we arent much better off than last season really, part from a few recalls and a couple of squad players, our team hasnt improved immensely. Yes you can argue we have buckets of potential but i am still unsure whether we can pull it all together into a top top side, espeically for a bunch of players who are pretty inexperienced(except Cech, Terry, Essien, Lampard, Cole etc). The old guard really have to lead the way for the new guys and show them how to win. They could be the key rather than any of the young ones really.
I think a lot relies on Jose right now to somehow get our squad running as a top quality team. I hope he can do it, but it remains to be seen really. I still think we look a bit light weight and the balance in our squad still isnt great(way too attacking focused), Jose will have a big job on his hands to get us as tight as we were when he was last here, and become that unstoppable juggernaut that we were before. I do think we will be vulnerable in the big games, compared to when we were big game specialists under him and had players like Drogba who could bully any team into submission. Really need Hazard and Oscar to step up and fill his boots really, and start making game winning decisions.
I would still argue that our squad isnt the best in the league, i think Man Citys and Utds edges us for sheer experience / quality, whereas we have more potential to improve than them.
Anyone else think we should make a cheeky bid for Milner? Cant see him getting much game time at city now, i always liked him despite the critics he got before. Seems a good workhorse and would give us another option in midfield.