MIXED BAG OF DEALS
NOW the window has shut, I do not think we can say any of the big teams were obvious winners in the transfer market.
City did well, but clearly wanted another striker and a centre-back... which is the position Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool look short in. Chelsea had frustrations.
Even Manchester United would have liked another, especially if it was Gareth Bale. Mind you, any of the big seven would have wanted more if it meant they got him.
We will see at the end of the season, but Ronald Koeman did well early in the window (even if not signing a striker will cost them) and Spurs – typically – late on.
I think the managers of the top seven – bar Antonio Conte – will admit they were pretty satisfied.
And then there is Arsene Wenger. You sometimes think he is spending his own money, he is so reluctant in the market. They needed a defender and midfielder... and got a striker.
But I am not having all this criticism aimed at him, especially from his own players. I have seen Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez having a go about criticism they have had and there is a simple way to stop it – start winning matches.
As soon as they get a little bit of stick, the excuses and the moaning starts up.
If they say, ‘Stop having a go at us’, it is ridiculous because their performances are the only way to stop it.
Sanchez is a great player, top quality. But I’ve watched him a few times, and I’ve got a tip for him: stop using your energy throwing your arms in the air and sulking, start using it to win matches. It will make a hell of a difference. I KEEP hearing English clubs have no chance in the Champions League, but that’s nonsense. Of course, they can do well in it, even if the Premier League means very few easy games in a season, where most of their rivals can take the foot off the gas at times in their domestic competition.
I think at least four of our clubs will get out of the group stage and a couple will go on to fight it out in the latter stages.
As I have already said in these columns, Manchester City have strengthened their defence and, when they start to click as a unit later in the season, they will have the tools to do well.
Jose Mourinho (left) will always fancy himself in the big boys’ league and his record shows he can’t be taken lightly, while Chelsea are hard to beat. Liverpool intrigue me. They have a kind group, but can’t afford to get complacent in it.
If they concentrate and are efficient, then they can go a long way because Jurgen Klopp knows exactly what it takes to do that – and Anfield is a powerful influence in Europe.