I think it's important not to knee-jerk too much. We have been an ordinary side for some years now, a d barring a 25 goal return from Lukaku would likely have finished between 45-50 points for each of the last 4 seasons. Within that context a points return of 60+ would be a sizeable improvement. Within a 60+ points season you will slip up in some games, even in some home games.
I have some sympathy with Coleman. I actually think he has been much improved of late and looks solid defensively. He did go to pot a bit yesterday though. The difficulty with him, is offensively I'm not sure he's cute enough to mask a loss of pace. Baines had a similar deterioration at a similar age but was a far better footballer than Coleman, better technique and a better brain so got away with it. It's never been Coleman's strength, we will have to see if he can sustain a performance level.
Gana likewise has been good but was missing yesterday. I will give him the benefit of the doubt as I suspect he is carrying an injury. I said a while back though, if PSG came in with 30+ million I would look to move him on. Some argued for holding out for 50, I maintain my position. I'm also not entirely sure he fits Silva's system.
A fire sale won't be necessary but lads will fall down the pecking order. While you can see inconsistency from players on one side, on the other you can see a far greater performance level and mental resilience from the newer players. While there will be some duds in there going forward (nobody is perfect) Brands has shown he is very adept at signing very good players at quite reasonable prices. I can't see sense in a world where we don't give him maximum flexibility to continue this.
As for Gomes what makes you think the money wasn't there? I am not 100% convinced on this. I think the money will be available but Brands will not be ripped off. I think if Barca try to hike the price too high he will walk away, whether we as fans like that or not.
