⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[jaberwock]

I really can't be sure of any player at Manchester United these days. Except players like Bruno Fernandes and Diallo for example. Because the team have been performing really badly for a long time.

This is overshadowing the performances of some new signings too maybe.    But as for the general quality of the squad I just don't find it good enough. Remembering Manchester United's old squads in the past, they can build a much better one than the current one.

Whoever they bring as a manager I don't think much thing will change in this situation. There is a need of renovation.

The point isn't to just see if these players improved the club or not. While I can say that they haven't because the results are showing they still suck and they are not doing a good job, we also need to remember the judgement was about overpaying for players too. Even if they helped, do we really think that INEOS paid a fair price for these players? Or do you also feel that INEOS was scammed in most of those?

Sure a few looks alright, but some of them look like they are not even remotely close to what they are worth, like maybe half of the price they paid. Plus, we have not seen them do anything decent neither, look at the league and how they are looking, how can anyone say that the team improved by these players?

[Lidger]

It should be that some players doesn't get to be at their best when they sign for some clubs and that's mostly caused by the style of football the club played

Liverpool trying to replace Salah with Rodrygo will always be a big mistake if you ask me because at the end, I don't think they'll be able to convince Rodrygo to leave Real Madrid and should the succeed to sign him, Liverpool's style of play might limit the Brazilian from becoming a good replacement for the Egyptian.

You’ve coined that right, perhaps not the league but, a the team and management that could exploit your best values. In some way, we could say M. Salah through the years has built himself to the player that he is today. I wouldn’t say Liverpool isn’t that team that could bring out the best from Rodrigo though but having to transfer Salah for Rodrigo, that could prove to be a huge mistake, especially with Salah firing as he is now in the EPL.

If mohamad salah is not performing well then maybe the club could decide to sell him but he is performing well in every match and if he is performing well then Liverpool is winning then why Liverpool want to decide to sell him. Assuming Mohamed Salah is old enough and he can't perform this well for a long time, Liverpool might be looking to replace him with a player who can perform better in his place and to get him, Liverpool might want to sell Mohamed Salah. If this is the case then it would be wise for Liverpool to keep Md Salah. If Mohamed Salah stays in the club as before, and if Liverpool buys the new player, then Liverpool will be able to change the two players in the same position, but Liverpool's attack line-up will be stronger. I don't know if Liverpool are thinking like that but they should think about it.

[AYOBA]

You can't predict what Manchester City performance will be like in next season. Since their was no improvement from the beginning of this season tull now the season is getting to an end itis possible to perform the same way next season except they make some changes of bringing new players, then it is possible for a change of Manchester City performance. I think their are a lot that influences the performance of Manchester City this season,  the players and the coach are to be blame. Manchester City can still do better next season because they have an experienced coach who knows better.

Manchester City performances is totally down this season right from the beginning so in this case there’s possibility that they might might be a improvement in their performance next coming season, since through out this season they performed very poorly they; there won’t management can’t just leave them like that it surely take action about their performance.

Because so many of teams have already removed hope this season their about to get back home so that they will go and prepare against next season; is possible that that Manchester City can do better next season that means if they improve their performance much better then this season.

[Shadiq]

You can't predict what Manchester City performance will be like in next season. Since their was no improvement from the beginning of this season tull now the season is getting to an end itis possible to perform the same way next season except they make some changes of bringing new players, then it is possible for a change of Manchester City performance. I think their are a lot that influences the performance of Manchester City this season,  the players and the coach are to be blame. Manchester City can still do better next season because they have an experienced coach who knows better.

Manchester City performances is totally down this season right from the beginning so in this case there’s possibility that they might might be a improvement in their performance next coming season, since through out this season they performed very poorly they; there won’t management can’t just leave them like that it surely take action about their performance.

Because so many of teams have already removed hope this season their about to get back home so that they will go and prepare against next season; is possible that that Manchester City can do better next season that means if they improve their performance much better then this season.

Manchester City have never looked as weak as they have this season. They have been performing very poorly since the beginning of this season and almost got relegated from the league. I don't know where they will be at the end of the season, but I am planning for them next season. The City management will definitely consider their declining performance and come up with a strong plan for next season. They will not want to carry the form of the current season. I hope the Manchester City team management will show professionalism from their position.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Liverpool management has the right to keep Salah to let Salah leaves. I'm sure both Salah and Liverpool management must already try to get the best decision. Liverpool management won't think for the short term of club, they will do everything for the future of the club. If Salah won't accept the decision made by the Liverpool management, it is fair for Liverpool to let him leaving. But I'm not sure that Rodrygo will come to Liverpool because Rodrygo is one of the main players in Real Madrid.

I think the best decision is to extend Salah's contract for the next 1-2 years. Sure, Liverpool management must be ready to pay with higher salary. I'm sure this is a bit difficult because of the problem of amount of salary.

I don't think there is any salary problem for either Liverpool or Salah here.    The picture is bigger than that. Things were really complicated at first. Salah insinuated that he could stay for more as long as the club wants him.

He waited for quite some time to see if there would be a contract extension offer by Liverpool also. But what happened? There was no offer on the table which was disappointing. Then Salah announced his departure at the end of the season officially.

Now there are speculations out there like Liverpool is trying to keep him but I'm not sure about it. 

[sana54210]

It is not possible to compare this current Manchester and Manchester United team of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, the team mentality is completely different, because this current Manchester United squad seems to have no direction, they should now be referred to as an average team because they are not competitive at all; they have dropped Manchester Standard, they have been downgraded by Manchester City and they are also struggling every season to even qualify to the Champions League which is shameful because Manchester United of Sur Alex Fegurson era will always be in the title race.

However, I blame the team owners for this downgrade, and I think they need to step up to make their fans happy by signing more players and making some changes in their management will also help.

Even managers change and the team doesn't change, so maybe we could safely assume that the problem isn't the manager. And even worse? Players changed, it's nearly not the same team as five years ago, most of the players changed aside from only just a few.

However, we still didn't ended up with them getting better. This goes to show that it is 100% a problem with ownership and the office people. Could be director of football, could be general manager, could be anyone, don't care really, it is not the people who are directly responsible for the games, it is the people who are at their desks, ruining this club. As long as there are no changes there, then we are not going to see United get any better and they will keep spending money for useless help.

[Velvet78]

Some people talk about Rodri as if he were the Holy Grail and all the possible solutions, but the truth is, at a football level, I think of their player X or any other player, The only thing that stands out is that they gave him the Ballon d'Or, but for me he's like a "log." That's what we call people here who don't play very well and who sometimes make good plays.

Not to disrespect him, but he doesn't make the difference. The difference at City is made by DeBruyne, Haaland, Foden, among others who are truly class 1A players, Without them, and it's already been proven, City would fall apart In the last UCL match against Madrid, Pep didn't put them in to play, and the rest was grim for Madrid, If Rodri had been present it would have been the same or even worse.

Not to disrespect yeah. However I don't believe Rodri was solid enough to be given a Ballon d'Or. I always believed it should have been given to Vinicius Junior because of having an insane season. But anyways... 

But it is the obvious truth that Manchester City needs Rodri too much in the midfield. They are more fragile without him. Rodri is like the pillar there playing a big role going back and forth to help his teammates. He is out until the summer which is the sad truth for Guardiola.

[BigBos]

Some people talk about Rodri as if he were the Holy Grail and all the possible solutions, but the truth is, at a football level, I think of their player X or any other player, The only thing that stands out is that they gave him the Ballon d'Or, but for me he's like a "log." That's what we call people here who don't play very well and who sometimes make good plays.

Not to disrespect him, but he doesn't make the difference. The difference at City is made by DeBruyne, Haaland, Foden, among others who are truly class 1A players, Without them, and it's already been proven, City would fall apart In the last UCL match against Madrid, Pep didn't put them in to play, and the rest was grim for Madrid, If Rodri had been present it would have been the same or even worse.

Not to disrespect yeah. However I don't believe Rodri was solid enough to be given a Ballon d'Or. I always believed it should have been given to Vinicius Junior because of having an insane season. But anyways... 

But it is the obvious truth that Manchester City needs Rodri too much in the midfield. They are more fragile without him. Rodri is like the pillar there playing a big role going back and forth to help his teammates. He is out until the summer which is the sad truth for Guardiola.

Talking about the award, there are indeed many controversies among football fans. But that doesn't change anything because it has happened and the award has been given. It just has a little impact on the management whether they are objective or not. Regarding the game, I think he can make a good contribution to Manchester City. But I think that's a different thing, we can't judge from the award and also if we think the award is not deserved, then that doesn't mean we can say he didn't make any contribution,

[Volgastallion]

I feel like some teams can be happy with this international break and the comeback not directly into the Premier League. For example if you are already out from the FA you are gonna have much more time to rest, and your players are gonna be fresh for the restart of the competition.

So i keep an eye on them maybe they can bring some surprise in this round.

[cryptoWODL]

Manchester City have never looked as weak as they have this season. They have been performing very poorly since the beginning of this season and almost got relegated from the league. I don't know where they will be at the end of the season, but I am planning for them next season. The City management will definitely consider their declining performance and come up with a strong plan for next season. They will not want to carry the form of the current season. I hope the Manchester City team management will show professionalism from their position.

It is absolutely true that Manchester City is not progressing properly in the ongoing Premier League season compared to last season. It is surprising to think that under the same manager, this team has already introduced a lot of strong and foresight but this season, Manchester City's progress has been very weak this season. I think every team in the history of the Premier League can play 38 matches in one season if it is correct then Manchester City may not find their desired place this season.

So at the moment, Manchester City's manager like you will see why they are performing a declined performance. The attraction for Manchester City tomorrow is that they will play the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

[Odohu]

Manchester City have never looked as weak as they have this season. They have been performing very poorly since the beginning of this season and almost got relegated from the league. I don't know where they will be at the end of the season, but I am planning for them next season. The  management will definitely consider their declining performance and come up with a strong plan for next season. They will not want to carry the form of the current season. I hope the Manchester City team management will show professionalism from their position.

It is surprising to think that under the same manager, this team has already introduced a lot of strong and foresight but this season, Manchester City's progress has been very weak this season. I think every team in the history of the Premier League can play 38 matches in one season if it is correct then Manchester City may not find their desired place this season. So at the moment, Manchester City's manager like you will see why they are performing a declined performance. The attraction for Manchester City tomorrow is that they will play the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

There is usually a time that every club will face some challenges that is why I see that of Manchester City as normal . If their desire position is to win the Premier League,  I think that one have eluded them but if  it's qualifying for the Champions League next season,  they will likely get it from the hands of the teams dragging that with them which are Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.  What I'm saying in ernest is that Manchester City have a higher probability of qualifying for the Champions League next season than ever Chelsea even though the later is ahead of them with 2 points.

[ndutndut]

As it looks right now, Man City is in a bad period since the last few seasons, as a result the dominance in the EPL is certainly going to end. There are many things that need to be fixed to compete again in the title race, I am very optimistic that next season they will return to their best form.
Arsenal have consistently provided competition in the title race, but they have always finished second at the end of the season. This season they will fail again even though they are not competing with Man City.

You can't predict what Manchester City performance will be like in next season. Since their was no improvement from the beginning of this season tull now the season is getting to an end itis possible to perform the same way next season except they make some changes of bringing new players, then it is possible for a change of Manchester City performance. I think their are a lot that influences the performance of Manchester City this season,  the players and the coach are to be blame. Manchester City can still do better next season because they have an experienced coach who knows better.

Every club has its glory days, and maybe Man City's glory days will end in the next few seasons. So, I am pessimistic that next season they will compete tightly in the EPL trophy.
Because, what I see now is that Man City could slump because there are many factors such as, Pep Guardiola's tactics are outdated to continue to be used because opponents can already read Man City's game. In addition, what makes them slump is the Man City coach and players who lose their motivation to compete because they often become regular champions of the English league in a row, so they don't play seriously, they lose too easily, plus there are several key players who are injured.

In addition, this season Man City is under pressure and media spotlight because of the fair play case, so the Man City squad is mentally affected and this also makes Pep Guardiola unable to shop freely because Man City is still under investigation, pressure and spotlight because of Fair. So it is very unlikely that they will be better next season, if as said Man City must shop for players but in reality they have to be careful in shopping for players because they are being watched.

[JeffBrad12]

Not to disrespect yeah. However I don't believe Rodri was solid enough to be given a Ballon d'Or. I always believed it should have been given to Vinicius Junior because of having an insane season. But anyways... 

But it is the obvious truth that Manchester City needs Rodri too much in the midfield. They are more fragile without him. Rodri is like the pillar there playing a big role going back and forth to help his teammates. He is out until the summer which is the sad truth for Guardiola.

It's your POV, not journalist's POV who became the panelist of Ballon dOr

That's indeed Vini has carried his club at that time, but what he did obviously scored as many as he could. It's pretty different with Rodri who has been so crucial to his club. He played as mid, but he helped to score, ball circulation, defence, and many more.

I know that it might not fair for Vini, but that's the truth. I think it's time to stop because Rodri was the one who chosen by hundreds of journalist for Ballon d'Or.

[KingsDen]

Not to disrespect yeah. However I don't believe Rodri was solid enough to be given a Ballon d'Or. I always believed it should have been given to Vinicius Junior because of having an insane season. But anyways...  

But it is the obvious truth that Manchester City needs Rodri too much in the midfield. They are more fragile without him. Rodri is like the pillar there playing a big role going back and forth to help his teammates. He is out until the summer which is the sad truth for Guardiola.

It's your POV, not journalist's POV who became the panelist of Ballon dOr

That's indeed Vini has carried his club at that time, but what he did obviously scored as many as he could. It's pretty different with Rodri who has been so crucial to his club. He played as mid, but he helped to score, ball circulation, defence, and many more.

I know that it might not fair for Vini, but that's the truth. I think it's time to stop because Rodri was the one who chosen by hundreds of journalist for Ballon d'Or.

I don't care whichever method they used to select ballon d'or winner, it might be a faulty means of bringing a winner which means ballon d'or organizers need to find a better way of selecting the best players. I think this is not subject to any further debate, an average honest football spectator will agree with me that Vinicius Junior deserves Ballon d'or more than Rodri.

In the case that Manchester City failure is because of Rodri's absence is also not true. It was time for Manchester City to drop because they cannot continue to be at the top. Remember Gundigon left, Mahrez also left, both Rodri and KDB got injured the same time, Guardiola was divorced. All at the same period....

[Swordsoffreedom]

What I'm saying in ernest is that Manchester City have a higher probability of qualifying for the Champions League next season than ever Chelsea even though the later is ahead of them with 2 points.

I don't think so. Manchester city is not in a better  position than Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. City is in fifth place in the points table. The team is fighting to qualify for the Champions League. And yet this team's performance is very irregular. Manchester City has lost points in the last two matches. And if such a performance continues, Manchester City  has no chance of  occupying the fourth place in the table.
Personally , I don't think Nottingham forest will lose the third place in the table. Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Brighton are fighting for the fourth place in the table. And among these four teams, the most consistent and stable performance is Brighton's.

[Jaycoinz]

What I'm saying in ernest is that Manchester City have a higher probability of qualifying for the Champions League next season than ever Chelsea even though the later is ahead of them with 2 points.

I don't think so. Manchester city is not in a better  position than Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. City is in fifth place in the points table. The team is fighting to qualify for the Champions League. And yet this team's performance is very irregular. Manchester City has lost points in the last two matches. And if such a performance continues, Manchester City  has no chance of  occupying the fourth place in the table.
Personally , I don't think Nottingham forest will lose the third place in the table. Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Brighton are fighting for the fourth place in the table. And among these four teams, the most consistent and stable performance is Brighton's.

As much as I hate to say this, I believe Manchester city chances of qualifying for the champions league is as slim as every other team in competition with them and just as you stated, their performance of inconsistency is the role reason for this and it would be hard to believe that this particular team was the same team that conquered the premier league last season with so much playing strength and good performance.

[Ondekinecakabilirim]

There is usually a time that every club will face some challenges that is why I see that of Manchester City as normal . If their desire position is to win the Premier League,  I think that one have eluded them but if  it's qualifying for the Champions League next season,  they will likely get it from the hands of the teams dragging that with them which are Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.  What I'm saying in ernest is that Manchester City have a higher probability of qualifying for the Champions League next season than ever Chelsea even though the later is ahead of them with 2 points.

Manchester City's squad is generally more balanced and rotational. On the other hand, Chelsea's squad is young and dynamic. And that's why they sometimes get inconsistent results. Like you, I think Manchester City can get better results in the last few weeks. They have the potential to do that. Also, if we remember that they have won a few titles in the last years thanks to their high performance in the last weeks of the league, we can say that they can do the same thing again. Guardiola is late but I think he will find a solution to this situation.

[ITExpert]

Salah is in top form right now as he can't stop scoring and assisting. Letting him leave will be a massive loss for Liverpool. And as for Rodrygo being considered as a replacement, I don't really see as that person. The Premier League is physically demanding and highly competitive and in my opinion does not suit Rodrygo style of play.

It's unfortunate for Liverpool that they let Salah go. Even 32 years old, but he still productive as an attack motor, and goal scorer. His assist also spoil to another player to create many goal for Liverpool. Rodrygo is good, but with 1 billion Euro transfer, I think it's a big money, and look impossible for Liverpool in middle term when they have financial problem also. There is no harm to make him stay, his experience is good to make the young players contribute like him, and asset Liverpool as legend. Mohammed Salah become as top score, and currently the best player on premier league, I don't why they let him go for a certain amount of money when they need person like him on the squad.

This will be important to them later when they see them weak and it will be difficult for them to make a list of wins because each and every player of Liverpool is strong for the foundation of this team but Liverpool has made a mistake by making this decision because this player was quite good and worked hard for his team. This means that Liverpool players are leaving their team for money but this money is temporary when Son does not get someplace to avoid being transferred to another place then his money will end after some time but playing together with Liverpool could have given him victory and could have also got a little money. Nowadays anything can be bought through money this was just a player he should not have done that he did not see the development of his team and he was worried about the development of his dream.

[punk.zink]

There is usually a time that every club will face some challenges that is why I see that of Manchester City as normal . If their desire position is to win the Premier League,  I think that one have eluded them but if  it's qualifying for the Champions League next season,  they will likely get it from the hands of the teams dragging that with them which are Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.  What I'm saying in ernest is that Manchester City have a higher probability of qualifying for the Champions League next season than ever Chelsea even though the later is ahead of them with 2 points.

Manchester City's squad is generally more balanced and rotational. On the other hand, Chelsea's squad is young and dynamic. And that's why they sometimes get inconsistent results. Like you, I think Manchester City can get better results in the last few weeks. They have the potential to do that. Also, if we remember that they have won a few titles in the last years thanks to their high performance in the last weeks of the league, we can say that they can do the same thing again. Guardiola is late but I think he will find a solution to this situation.

Man City has really been a mess this season. Not only have they failed to retain the trophy but they are also struggling to secure a Champions League spot for next season. Given their performance which still seems inconsistent, I doubt they can get that slot, and I think it will be very, very tough because they not only have to compete with Chelsea and Forest, but Newcastle, Brighton, and even Aston Villa will also likely be fighting with all their might. I'm sure no one would have thought that Man City would be this bad, but that's football where anything really can happen.

[Derekfunds]

What I'm saying in ernest is that Manchester City have a higher probability of qualifying for the Champions League next season than ever Chelsea even though the later is ahead of them with 2 points.

I don't think so. Manchester city is not in a better  position than Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. City is in fifth place in the points table. The team is fighting to qualify for the Champions League. And yet this team's performance is very irregular. Manchester City has lost points in the last two matches. And if such a performance continues, Manchester City  has no chance of  occupying the fourth place in the table.
Personally , I don't think Nottingham forest will lose the third place in the table. Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Brighton are fighting for the fourth place in the table. And among these four teams, the most consistent and stable performance is Brighton's.

As much as I hate to say this, I believe Manchester city chances of qualifying for the champions league is as slim as every other team in competition with them and just as you stated, their performance of inconsistency is the role reason for this and it would be hard to believe that this particular team was the same team that conquered the premier league last season with so much playing strength and good performance.

Manchester city problem right now is inability to create chances that will result to goal, if it is playing they are playing well like they use to but scoring goal is now there problem and I wonder what is actually the cause because they have good players and almost all the players that won premier league season back are there so what then is the problem. The season is not yet over and international break has finished so let see what they are coming back with, if there is going to be an improvement when it comes to scoring of goals or not and if they improve on this they will qualify for next season champions league.