I’ve been getting increasingly worried about our season fizzling out and those doubts are only being amplified by our recent form.
This was always going to be an arduous season, but the drop off in recent months, after the League Cup win, has been significant. Players clearly look physically tired, but mentally I get the impression they’re battered. Almost as though they’re desperate to get over the line and for the season to finish.
Losing Martinez, Varane and Eriksen to injury has had a significant impact, not only in our ability to keep a clean sheet, but also to play out from the back and maintain composure when in possession.
Squad depth has been shown to be severely lacking, with the likes of Fred and Weghorst not having the quality we need at this stage of the season. Trying hard just isn’t good enough.
It’s impossible to ignore the glaring issues all over the pitch. De Gea’s distribution is a problem, and so too is the abysmal finishing of our forward line. I really thought Martial, Antony and Sancho would love the way we setup, but they’ve flattered to deceive. We’re creating chances but aren’t putting them away. Ollie Watkins has scored more than the three of them combined!
Though we’re technically in a good position - top four is in our hands and anything can happen in a cup final - I’m genuinely worried that things could get worse. Our recent collapses have been epic, and we all know it’s not beyond these players to lose their way when it really matters.
Praying that we can get ourselves together and just do enough to secure that Champions League spot. It’s going to take every last ounce of effort, a whole lot of mental strength, and perhaps even a bit of luck to go our way.
I have faith in Erik and want to see him rebuild in the summer, but with these owners and the current squad, I fear what missing out on top four could mean. The next few weeks may not just decide our season, they could define the next few years.
We’re struggling so much on the pitch that it’s difficult to remain optimistic, but pip our rivals to top four and win the FA Cup, and this will have been a tremendous campaign. Genuinely solid foundations for any perspective owners to build on.
Come on Reds, believe and fight until the end.