If you asked me whether we have improved the squad from last year, I would have to say we have, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Considering the sales of Mitrovic for £27m and Merino for £10m, the club clearly had the resources to offer Rafa Benitez more support in the transfer market, but they chose not to.
The window could have been far more successful if Mike Ashley had released the purse strings. Fans on Twitter are pretty downbeat about the events this summer, but are backing the manager to make the most of what he has:
There's no doubt Rafa has been undermined again by the fcb. However the squad has improved I think. Time to get behind the lads
— glyn williams (@GdwGlyn) 10 August 2018
When you think about it, all of our business this window has been replacements for cheaper
— . (@Rafa_the_gaffer) 10 August 2018
Just if Kenedy on permanant. I think it’s good enough windows but…
— Ginkoh_NUFC (@Ginkohro) 10 August 2018
Rondon will be massive and we’ll be really tough to breakdown. Shame we don’t have more quality in th me number 10 role and more depth. Could’ve built on last season with 3 players more
— lucas (@lucas87562961) 10 August 2018
It’s not a bad window, the point is it could, and should, have been so much better.
— Jim Stillwell (@pascaljimbonda) 10 August 2018
Time for Lazaar to step up and offer some competition for Dummett, last chance saloon. As disappointing as it has been I am optimistic under Rafa, he just know how to get it done. Time to demand answers from hierarchy but more importantly get behind the team now.
— Ashlea Wright-Rivers (@Wrightrivers) 10 August 2018
Some supporters believe a positive start could help improve things:
It will all depend on tomorrow. If we win it will be a positive start but if we get beat it will just intensify the problems with Ashley and Charnley. Rondon and muto needs to hit the ground running if it's to be a positive season
— steven jones (@towlawstev) 10 August 2018
Muto Brace against Spurs
Heard it here first ????????
— No Name (@__56426__) 10 August 2018
It’s a difficult situation as we need to vent our frustration at the owner for his failure to invest in the squad, but at the same time, we have to back the manager and the team he has put together.
Despite the restrictions that have been placed on him, Rafa has assembled a good group of players and hopefully, we can get off to a good start against Spurs.