I disagree. In Europe the main problem was creativity, just like under the Capello years. I think the most important piece of the puzzle is another player who can open up defenses, whether it be a trequartista or winger who can run at the defense. We have signed neither of those so that is why I deem this mercato a failure thus far.
This is only true to a certain extent. We lacked finishing in the two matches that cost us progress.
We outshot Gala 26-7 in the 2-2 match and something like 16-4 with attempts from inside the box. Poor finishing screwed us in that match.
And the same can be said of Copenhagen 1-1. 27-9 we outshot them, including 19-3 for attempts within the box.
To lose two matches like that, against outmatched foes, speaks volumes to how poor our finishing was in our first two European matches. And then to compound that, our inexplicable defensive screw-ups from Bonucci... Well. Out we went.
I'd say we lacked mental toughness in Europe, at least our forwards certainly did (and one of our defenders) and our entire European season was indicative of this, as only in the one Madrid game were we outchanced by the opposition if I recall correctly. It's the same with our set-piece defending, and the terrible blunders by Cacares and Bonucci. Those are mental miscues.
I'm a Conte supporter, but one of the problems with that 110% for every single match attitude of his, is that the pressure builds to unbearable levels, and eventually, when the lights are brightest players crack, or wilt, and make stupid errors, or can't finish worth beans. I mean, if we treat a match against Serie A basement dwellers as do-or-die when we're up on the second place team by 11 points with only a few rounds remaining, imagine the pressure of a UCL match?
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