Four of the top six sides in the premier league are undergoing
managerial changes this summer. Considering the enormity of the task at the
hands of the new bosses, it can be predicted that Manchester United, Manchester
City, Chelsea and Everton might not be able to repeat last season’s heroics- a
fact that other teams in the top half must take advantage of.
When we look at the teams in the top half, we see that two
teams-Liverpool and Tottenham have been in transition for quite some time now.
Both Brendan Rodgers and Andre-Villas Boas have impressed the owners who in
turn have reinstated their faith for the second term. It hasn’t been smooth
sailing for them, but it is fair to say that they haven’t been as severely
scrutinized as Rafael Benitez or Roberto Mancini. But this is where honeymoon
ends and the marriage begins. Liverpool fans, who were unexpectedly patient
last season, will rain hell on Rodgers if his side loses to Aston Villa or West
Brom again. Similarly, Spurs fans have dealt with enough heart break season
after season by just missing out on the top four. Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale-
the two magicians who have time and again saved their managers from
embarrassment are set to leave this summer. Confirmations are pending, but we
all know what happens when a striker’s future is ‘uncertain’ in the premier
league. It is all up to the managers now. Villas-Boaz’s task might be wee-bit
harder than Rodgers, owing to the fact he wasn't as active as the man in charge
at Anfield during the January transfer window.
Chelsea might welcome back miracle worker Jose Mourinho,
which means sport magazines will be busier with the premier league more than
ever. The owners at Old Trafford never think short term which means David Moyes
can take his time to make the players and fans suited to his style. After Wayne
Rooney’s departure to United several years ago, Everton have ended up being in
the wrong end of the bargain once again. With Moyes gone and the tight
financial condition that they have, a mid table finish is all the fans can
expect. Manchester City are awaiting the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini, but
coaches from La Liga have rarely done wonders in the debut season in the
premier league, Rafael Benitez being a not so honourable exception.
Before anybody gets impatient, yes, Arsenal too have an
opportunity of a life time to win...well, everything. If they buy a match
winner, wait sorry, it’s Arsenal right? If one of the kids at the London outfit
comes of age in the next season, and if, for once Arsenal could get lucky in
the Champions league the trophy drought will surely end. That’s a lot of ifs.
Tottenham need belief more than anything if they want to finish over their
London rivals. Not so far away from London, Liverpool have a near perfect squad
and manager who believes in them. All of us have been optimistic about the Reds
during pre-seasons, but this is the first time something amazing might happen
at Anfield.
The one that is certain is that the premier league trophy
won’t be easily won as we saw this year. The race will be tighter, the
competition will be fiercer. We know that the coming season will be different
from many previous seasons, let’s hope it’s the best one too.
