Last year with all the managerial changes I thought we could take advantage of that providing we started well and, as the season progressed, our lack of European football would help us secure a top 4 spot. I predicted we would finish 3rd behind Chelsea and Man C. I like to think of myself as a realist at heart but have often been labelled pessimistic so to make such a bold claim was considered madness by those that know me.
So, to say that I honestly believe we have what it takes to win the league this year is not a flippant throw away comment. I'm excited by what BR is building at this club, the sense or purpose and vision he brings, the belief he instills, the spirit that he inspires and it is this togetherness that is our strength, the team ethic, the will to work for and with each other, the commitment to be the best that we can be that gives us that something special that is needed to lift us above the others. I get the sense that the style and system that we play under BR are more important than the individuals involved, the sum of the parts being greater and all that, so the loss of Suarez, whilst huge, may be softened considerably by the way in which Sterling, Coutinho, Sturridge et al flourish under the tutelage of one of the best managers in the game at the moment.
Perhaps with CL and the strengthening that Chelsea, Arsenal and the Mancs have all done may prove to be too much for us in the end but I really feel that under BR and the footballing ethos that he has restored to our great and historic club we will be up there and perhaps this year we can go one better. Here's hoping.
