Of course, if we with the CL then all sins are forgiven but is qualification to next seasons CL and a quarter final finish enough to detract the nay sayer's about this seasons achievements?
I suppose you could ask if winning the Milk Cup and no CL progression into the knockout stages this season would be better?
I'm thinking that while our season is still alive in some form at this stage and we gain CL qualification for next season, then yes, it has been successful.
football is the same as it was donkeys years ago but the goal post for how success is measured has slightly moved.
there is a new degree of successful season
winning the league and cl is the most important and is the pinnacle of success
finishing in the top four doesnt give you any trophies or titles but it does give you ££££, fame and in turn help attract better players and bigger sponsorship deals. top for now a days is a bigger bonus then winning the FA cup or carling cup