I think we would all agree we have been on an upward curve the last 15 years or so (the last 3-4 years aside) whereas they have fallen quite spectacularly from where they were around 2004. I don’t think fixation is the word I would use when it comes to our hunger from trophies. They are not the be all and end all, but I do think successful teams have to back up success with trophies. Not taking anything away from our success but we need trophies too. The big clubs are successful domestically in their league campaigns AND win things also. I’d say there is a somewhat dismissive attitude towards trophies by some, coincidentally at a period where we don’t win many
. Our identity for 50 years was that we were a cup team. I.e. a team that didn’t really challenge for titles, but were very adept at winning cups. I think some of that identity has been lost. That is also part of the game as attitudes towards cup competitions has changed and people are so obsessed with the premier league and the champions league. Whilst I believe it’s simplistic and a little harsh to put us down for not winning things, I do also feel we are in the position where we can and should be able to challenge for top 4/PL titles AND also win trophies. If we want to take the next step that is what we need to do IMO.