They are making a foundation this year and they are focusing on quantity. They wanted to keep Vucinic, Menez and Mexes but it's the players who wanted to leave, so no, it wasn't really their 'tactical move'. And yea, I still believe they will be top 3 in a couple of years, not this season, this season they might reach 5th or something.
And yes, Sabatini > Marotta