Well, being we are a point ahead of last season after 30, and we have but a single draw, that would mean that we have more victories at this point than we did last year.
So wouldn't that be an example of an INCREASE in WINNING mentality?
Dont think for a second I'm excusing the recent patch, but I hardly think this signifies the impending apocalypse some seem to fear.
As we saw again today, we aren't the only ones fighting at the top that actually have to work to win points.
Thanks Pollo for keeping up with this!
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I'll try to explain my view.
Last season we had a horrible first half of the season, but we pulled a reverse Spurs and kicked on when it really mattered. This season we are doing the exact opposite and vanishing into thin air.
Mind you, this isn't 1 game, it's an 11 game run where are point per game is the lowest since Poch's first year, even if you take any stretch of 11 games and not just full rounds. This is a pretty large sample, and we still have a couple of very difficult fixtures.
We went from being on the way to achieve 85-90 points a season to 75-80, and that's IF we start winning our games. We need 16 points out of the remaining 8 matches to equal last year's 77 points, and I don't see it happening.
The manner of our disappearance is extremely worrying, throwing a lead only to lose (and not for the first time this season) against a relegation candidate, leaking goals, going matches without a shot on target, and a manager that gives the press and the fans a general sense that behind the scenes everything is imploding.
Our squad looks like they just want the season to end. We have 2 superstars who are already looking at their next move and saving their legs, and a manager who is courting other clubs. Their attitude affects the rest of the squad and nobody seems to care.
Ultimately, last season we finished 3rd and secured CL football and achieved our goal, this season is still up for grabs.
I think you are underestimating the impact of losing streaks, the message it sends across but also the way it affects the players mindset. Our draws were mainly due not being able to break opposition defences (parking the bus), right now relegation teams believe they can beat us - and they do.
As I said, loser mentality is back.