It's not weird it's logical based on how we operate. We take things for granted. Rather than build on them, we expect it to keep working without adjustment. Again, Poch was the outlier because he was far better than anyone thought, yet how many examples can we choose from his second and third season where he virtually begged for movement only to be rebuffed (usually with the stadium as the reason) yet was expected to deliver?
Mate, I like you but you get wrapped up on stuff, I gave you the last 3 managers, you went back 5 years further, I could say Harry and BMJ had better 2nd seasons as well.
- Ange had a side that came 5th with no backup CF, no real backup GK, no tricky LW, little FB cover and a limited midfield. He got Solanke, Gray, Bergvall, Spence, Wilson, Danso, Kinsky & Tel. And injuries and/or when we bought players seems to make little difference, first 18 games, we lost 9, next 15, we lost 9 (it's getting worse despite extra players and injury returns)
Really hard to say we took it for granted or we didn't make an adjustment? was the squad thin, did we take certain risks, perhaps rely on youth too much? sure to all that, but does that say 5th -> 16th or does it say, manager found out by PL and unable to adapt?
Some context too for each one
Conte had his mates death on the staff and his own operation in year 2 … plus he never wanted to be here beyond that term
Wasnt Mourinho season 2 the Covid season?
Ange has been hammered with injuries that may have affected things in season 2. He is also one of the people who decided we could have a smaller squad for more games (WTF)
Despite the dislike for Jose, said it before, he did have Covid to deal with (and impact on spend)
Conte was being Conte, he's sitting 2nd in Italy right now and bricking all over his new club 8 months in .. nothing changes and it's on any club that hires him to understand the deal they are making.
