In the last couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling a sense of excitement that’s new to me. It’s not that I have high expectations for City to dominate the Championship this season or make it to the play-offs. However, for the first time in three years, it seems like the club is finally moving in the same direction with a clear vision.
Under previous managers like Dean Smith and David Wagner, there was constant change and uninspiring football. But now, we have a young manager who is fresh, has a clear vision for how all teams at the club should play, and is reminiscent of Daniel Farke’s arrival.
Just as Farke had a challenging first season before achieving success, Johannes Hoff Thorup will also face obstacles. He will need to work with players not originally signed to fit his style and integrate younger players who were overlooked before. This process will take time, as seen in the lukewarm pre-season performances.
In football, as in life, sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward. After two years of temporary fixes, major changes are necessary not only in the squad but also in the club’s overall mentality. There are positive signs of improved communication with fans and media, indicating a shift in attitude.
While there may be disappointment over the team’s performance in the last few seasons, it’s important to understand that the club is now focused on a long-term project rather than immediate success. The departure of Gabby Sara and expected player turnover may stir emotions among fans, but the transfer window’s outcome will only be clear once it’s closed.
Recent signings like Jose Cordoba, Ben Chrisene, and Callum Doyle show promise, especially in shoring up the left side of defense. However, there are still uncertainties in other areas that may take time to address. The upcoming weeks will be challenging, but glimpses of Thorup’s exciting style during pre-season indicate a bright future with the right players and adequate preparation time.
Thorup and his team are building a strong rapport and showing clarity and openness in their approach. With patience and support from fans, City could be on the brink of something remarkable.
