I think we have to trust that Bruno is doing the same sort of work with Cundle behind closed doors on the training pitch as he has done with Toti, Kilman etc. Besides, we'll only need him if both Moutinho & Neves are crocked at the same time and that hasn't happened once since they both signed.
I've almost gone full circle in this window. It started with outrage towards Shi and the recruitment 'team'. Then I slowly came around to the idea that it might be worth keeping the powder dry right now, as the squad is close-knit, performing well, we have players returning from injury soon - and other than CM - we have depth in all areas. Let's not forget, it's this manager and squad that have got us 4 points off 4th place with a game in hand. Clearly it would have been ideal to bring in another CM, but who are they replacing? We're not dropping Joao or Ruben, and then you're looking at someone who's happy to sit on the bench and get minimal game-time; whilst also hindering development of other players. So what's the point? Honestly, I see it from both sides, but I'm far more relaxed about it than I was a few weeks back.
The loss of the "Adama factor" off the bench is a slight concern, but I think we'll just offer a different type of threat from the bench now, with players like Hwang, Fabio - and eventually Neto/Trincao (whichever isn't starting) - all of those are team players and not an individual who can occasionally do something outrageous, but most of the time, offers little end product. Plus we've no idea how good Chiquinho is.
I think we're in a good position to kick on over the second half of the season. CM will remain the obvious concern, but we're good enough to stay in/around the top 6. It's not just us that haven't spent either - look at West Ham. Still in Europe - above us in the table, but signed no one. What I will say, is we need to be busy in the summer window. We all know the main issues that need to be addressed, and I'm sure Fosun do too.
