Lost In Transition

At the beginning of the 2006/07 season, Sir Alex Ferguson commented that Arsenal were a team in "transition" and that "when that happens you just have to be patient and wait for the next stage of the development".

Arsene Wenger refuted this, "We are not a team in transition. I have never believed that". To accept that you're in a transitional period is almost to accept defeat in the Premier League mind games, but every side needs to go through this transitional period, and it's coming out of the tunnel the other side which generally shows the truly good Managers.

Ferguson is undoubtedly the greatest top flight Manager the English game has seen, the evidence is in the trophies. He has been able to do this over a long period of time by riding these transitional periods and coming through with new stronger sides. Manchester United will believe they have come out of this transitional period into a new light now, but the sudden departure of Carlos Queiroz leaves me with suspicions they could be entering into a new problems. Queiroz has been credited with creating Manchester United's formidable defence, whilst the "holy trinity" of Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo got on with it at the business end. Whilst I'm sure that Ferdinand and Vidic can continue their awesome partnership without Queiroz around, it should not be forgotten that when Ferguson's then no.2 Steve McLaren left for Middlesbrough, Manchester United finished an unprecedented and not since repeated 3rd place in the League. Do not be surprised to see Manchester United falter again this year without a no.2, especially if they don't sign a centre-forward.

Chelsea are also a side in transition, with the introduction of Big Phil Scolari as Manager. Chelsea got stronger and stronger last season, and the key members of their squad remain to challenge Manchester United again. But as exciting as it will be to have a Brazilian Manager in the Premier League, to have Bosingwa and Cole running down the flanks in Cafu and Roberto Carlos style, Chelsea fans should approach the season with caution. Scolari has not been in Club Management for several years, and he has never Managed in Europe. In theory, football is football anywhere in the world, but it takes a lot to adapt to England. The game is played at a much faster pace, the competitiveness is much higher, the media attention is often unbearable (Ferguson and Redknapp don't speak with the BBC), we have a unique tough winter period, two competitive cup competitions etc etc. Scolari has a lot to adapt to, and if he wants to win things this year, he'll have to adapt quickly.

Arsenal are still in transition, despite Wenger's disagreement. Arsenal surprised a lot of people last year making a challenge on all four fronts until the kids ran out of steam towards the end of the season. Injuries also hurt Arsenal last year, and in truth a lot of their fans will feel they were unlucky not to come out of the season with a trophy. I'm not foolish enough to say they won't win anything with kids (Alan Hansen about Manchester United in 1996), but they have lost Hleb, Flamini and Gilberto this summer without realling filling the void. Hleb looked impressive but never really delivered, but Flamini was outstanding last season and Wenger will be gutted to have lost him. Fabregas is an excellent player, but is he strong enough to lead an inexperienced midfield through the whole season? Particularly when Captain Gallas' temperament is still suspect after his childish display at St. Andrews last season.

It could be argued the only side from the "Big 4" not to be in a time of transition is Liverpool. On the field the side are going from strength to strength, and the purchase of Robbie Keane is an excellent one. Liverpool are a strong outfit, very tight at the back and always difficult to beat. It has always been Liverpool's inconsitency that has cost them a title challenge, and Benitez's desire to rotate his squad. However I feel Benitez has learnt from his mistakes, and I foresee a promising year for the red side of Merseyside.