Before the summer we knew that the squad first of all desperately needed a world-class creative midfielder and a world-class defender. They also needed a great fullback, because De Sciglio isn't good enough offensively, and Stephan went to Arsenal.
The management successfully completed the third task - they bought Cancelo, one of the best in the world on his position. But then, during Cancelo talks, Mendes brought in that insane CR7 idea. That was once in a lifetime opportunity, and, of course, the management grabbed it. But it meant that there will be no world-class midfielder, and by far the most important task for the summer won't be completed. That was the moment that defined this season.
Even more: the club couldn't afford to keep Higuain if they bought CR7. That meant that they had to sell Gonzalo, and to do it quickly. But nobody wanted him. So Milan took full advantage of this situation. As a result, they returned Bonucci and took Caldara (and, as a delayed consequence, the club lost Benatia). The return of Bonucci meant no Godin. That was the second crucial moment, because everybody knew that Giorgio won't be able to stay healthy the entire season, and there will be situations when Bonucci is the best defender on the field (wow, it's so preposterous that it's difficult even to phrase it like that).
So, the club had two big problems:
- the midfield;
- the defense.
Who they bought to solve these problems?
The midfield: Can. No comments.
The defense: Bonucci, Cancelo, Spinazolla. None of them is good at defending.
It was a catastrophic transfer window. The only reason it might not feel so is CR7. His transfer saga was one of the most exciting experiences Juventus fans have ever had. But it eventually led to yesterday's result.