This is the cycle we're currently in.
1. We perpetually finish somewhere between 6th and 8th (we've done it under numerous different managers now).
2. To address this issue, as we "can't compete" with the big spenders, we buy players "for the future" who we can "develop into stars".
3. At the end of each Summer window we tell ourselves that these players will "take time to bed in" and that a challenge this coming season is unlikely. Next season after this one though, "you just watch us go!".
4. During the course of each season, the new players do take time to bed in "as we said all along". We do though show signs of getting somewhere, and after Christmas go on a dizzying run which if extrapolated over a whole season would see us in the top three. Unfortunately though the bedding in period costs us, as does our smallish squad in terms of quality should we have a cup run. We finish 6th-8th.
5. At the end of the season our rivals spend big on ready made stars. Unfortunately for us, those ready made stars sometimes include our best player. If said player leaves for double his money wages, we call him a "mercenary c***" and buy lots of players "for the future" who we can "develop into stars".
6. Naturally those players take time to bed in and get used to the Premiership, so we reason that a challenge this season is unlikely.
Etc etc etc. Return to number one and repeat ad infinitum. Jürgen being a World class manager might be able to speed up the production line so for each Suarez and Sterling we sell we have a Coutinho and a Sturridge readyy and waiting, and players behind them too. But my fear is even Jürgen will only be able to nudge it up to 4th - 6th.
Firstly I'm assuming you're talking 'the FSG years' here?
If that's the case then the first round of potential was bought with Comolli and Kenny. Both men were summarily binned off without those 'potential' ever having the chance to progress under those who seemingly wanted them. We can argue all day about the quality of those signings but the approach to selling them almost immediately at big losses (yet still making a huge profit overall) seemed one of the most bizarre transfer dealings I've ever seen. It was as if the moment Kenny and Comolli were out the door so were the for sale signs up on his signings. Who dictated this I'm not sure, I am sure JWH released a letter saying never again would the mistakes of the past be repeated but I also think Brendan had a part to play on who was still seen as part of the future plans. In any case it is not a recipe for success that much is clear.
The second round were bought with Brendan, largely off the profits of the previous manager Suarez/Sterling and the 'everything must go sale'. He and the computer programme were at odds with each other spending £280m+ in just over 3 years. Now you yourself have been arguing for the past month that "£300m spunked" is a poor representation of the money and "they're not the turds some suggest" or words to that effect, which to some extent you certainly have a point but I'm sure you'd also agree they were directionless signings and have resulted in a ridiculously unbalanced squad. To illustrate the failings of this approach Brendan identified his first key area that needed strengthening was a left sided forward, indeed he wanted Clint Dempsey and continually targetted left sided forwards such as Konoplyanka/Willian/Sanchez etc yet we never, through both his fault and the committees, bought a proper one to the point we now have Coutinho playing there. This approach lacked direction and purpose, in fact by the end it appeared more a one for me and one for you approach which is frankly ridiculous.
To me it is very clear we need someone who could not only correct the mistakes of the past but would have a clear vision of what he wants and will stick to that. I believe we have that catalyst for change in Jürgen. I've stated at length why the approach to transfers will not only change but will be with a clear vision for the future. Each signing will have a purpose, no more Alberto/Assaidi/Sahin/Illori bullshit, players brought in that have a real chance of a future here and know what is expected of them both in terms of progression and position once they arrive. We wont have Emre Can playing at RB, Joe Gomez starting the season at LB, Raheem Sterling playing as striker. Of course in extreme cases we may require the odd game but not for prolonged periods as we have seen in the past.
The catalyst for change this time is Jürgen, now we either believe he is capable of producing what he has shown previously or we believe we will continue on either of the paths above. My views are clear on this, I don't think we're stuck in a perpetual cycle because I think Jürgen will be able to not only develop the players we buy but also have much more control on who we target. The second part of that appears to already show signs of being true judged on who we've bought so far, the first part does require a small amount of patience in relative terms. It's not a tomorrow never comes scenario it's a year Jürgen deserves to coach his first proper crop of signings, it's the least we should give any manager. Brendan was afforded it, it's not much to ask to afford Jürgen the same.
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