2020-21
We should have competed on all three fronts but we had FIF's favorite manager here so we only managed to be a Scudetro competing side. For 5 months even, since we were utter ridiculous in the first 3.
That season being the only one is also the reason why we never did that again. We had a deep enough midfield last season and got lucky with injuries at all other fronts so we managed to get a CL run and when everyone was back (ie Brozovic return), we also managed to do something good in Serie A.
Come on mate, that 2020/21 squad is not even close to what we have now. There are a few individual players whom were quite competitive throughout the season but consistency was lacking like big time, and on top of it, you have a bench of Gagliardini, Vecino, Correa (these whom are completely useless players). Then majority of others were either rapidly declining or not good enough to keep the team competitive.
Handanovic's decline was insane. He was one of the biggest reasons that our team has commited some bizzare defeats, then you have Arturo Vidal whom was rather inconsistent, whether it was with absences or quality performances.
I don't even think there should be a debate in this matter. Very big difference to what we have and what we are now. We were quite a naive team back then (maybe we are still, but of course to a lesser degree).
The mercato has been awful, the only thing that salvaged it was Pavard coming.
One of the key problems that no one realizes is that we lost Handanovic, Brozovic, Skriniar and even D'ambrosio.
Our veterans are Mkhitaryan, Arnautovic, Acerbi and Sommer. And none of them have the necessary exposure at championship contention levels that we require. The previous guys had grinta and grew with the team. Cannot say the same about this group that found these guys here, already as champions and a good enough side in Europe.
Long season ahead, let's hope we can overcome any weaknesses and mentality should stay strong. I trust the group, but I cannot say I trust our luck.
A month without Hakan, any striker and another midfielder means that we're screwed. It's unlikely, but also, is it?
For real man, with these complaints of "terrible transfer market" and so on, I think most of you guys deserve them banter era signings while Inter was stacked with a bunch of useless players. I mean, give it a little time until these transfers will adjust themselves into the team. We have made some major changes in the squad, so of course there will be room for errors but what's most important, the core is still there and difference is only in a better way.
As much as I respect and appreciate Handanovic's contribution over years, the guy was long finished. Though I never liked the idea of selling Brozo, but I don't actually know what was the matter behind it, whether it was financial aspect or whatever but that is the only thing that bothered me during the whole transfer market time, and of course D'Ambrosio's departure. I would love had he remained here for longer because I think he was more than just a player for this club and he could still offer something, unlike Handanovic.
Skriniar is a competely different history here. The guy made his choice. Does our management deserves the blame because of it? Absolutely. They took him for granted and then lots of speculations regarding his potential transfer and everything, but people in management are individuals whom come and go, but your love and loyalty for the club remains always and I think he didn't act what he meant, but he's gone and we are here. I won't consider him as a traitor, but he's definitely been disappointing.
Hakan has been essential to this team ever since. He's been the most consistent midfielder since last season and I think he was robbed in the "best midfielder" award, so of course his absence is obvious since no one can properly replace him, as he set a very high standard in these quality performances but then again, every team has these players that they carry their teams forward.
Most Pessimistic Member
10 years of FIF
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