"At some point in the near future we're going to have to start selling a lot of these mediocre players and replacing them with those of much greater quality, and that task could have been a lot easier than it's going to be had we spent a little more on a little fewer players in the past few seasons, in my opinion."
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I disagree! I believe we had to strengthen the depth of the squad before we could increase the upper level quality. Especially with the players we had when Rafa took over, and the amount of money he was been given in the previous transfer windows. I believe he started the upgrade of "top class" players with the signings of Torres and Babel. I hope at this point, as you suggest, he starts to unload the "mediocre" players (who somehow helped us win our fifth European Championship and a runner-up spot), with more world class players. I am hoping he will be able to do this because of the depth in numbers of the squad, and because the many 17 and 18 year old players he has signed will be ready to replace the "mediocre depth" players he sells. That way we should have both quality and quantity and then can truly challenge for the league title on an every year basis.
My concerns are the willingness of our new owners to spend the necessary money, and/or their wisdom in understanding what really needs to be done. I believe if Rafa deems the owners are not committed, or they botch up transfer proceedings, he will leave of his own choosing. Even though I believe we have the power to attract another top quality manager, if our owners don't get it right with Rafa, they are giving me warning they are not willing to take the obligatory steps to be at the highest level, no matter what new man they make manager.