Yeah, I think in general fans place too much importance on a manager's transfers. Not only is it hard to attribute blame or credit (who spoke strongest in a high level meeting will never be known) but transfers just don't always work even with talented players. I think how the players perform under the manager and if they're used in a way that makes sense with the teams' tactics and the players' qualities is probably easier to actually gauge from the outside, though even then with fitness numbers and training not public it's hard to tell.
That's why I keep wanting a manager who at least clearly has a way he wants to play, which to the club's credit Rangnick is. But yeah, I'm biased towards the Bielsa or Sarri types over a Rodgers or Zidane because at least I understand what they're trying to accomplish and it's probably just easier on my brain.
I completely agree with you.
The issue imo is that when you look to buy a player, that player or players should be targeted on the basis of them fitting into a footballing blueprint. And imo, that applies more to fullbacks, keepers, CBs and midfielders. Because in the modern game, coaches are looking to impose their game on the opposition by attempting to play the game in the oppositions half via a high line, with or without the ball, which in-turn will also help the team press high after losing the ball due to the team being setup in a compact high block. Around 10 to 12 years ago, teams in the EPL would adopt a high line in possession, but upon losing possession , they would retreat goal side, with the exception of some forward players who would attempt to close down the opposition.
The difference between retreating goal side after losing possession and maintaining a high line after losing possession is a big difference, and has the potential of placing your CBs in 1v1 situations against the oppositions quickest players, with a large space in behind to defend. So players should be signed with that in mind, which provides a defensive balance on the turnover.
So imo, if I was to be given the task of implementing a footballing blueprint, I would look to create a team, which has the attributes to press high and thwart counters on the turnover in a high risk approach. And for that you need CBs who are both technical and athletic, as well as fullbacks who provide a high level threat in offensive transitions, along with the intensity both in defensive and offensive transitions. Then a keeper who's proactive and ready to clean up in a high line.
That would then provide a foundation/platform for the collective to impose their game on the opposition, and potentially help us control the game both in offensive and defensive transitions.