it is aplicable before the kickoff, you DO NOT know if said players will end up being better than the ones they replaced, they could be injured/ underperform/silva could be a complete mess..etc etc ... so it is safe to asume benitez still SHOULD aim for europe...
same players+ a few more= same demands from the coach, it is simple, Why would you demand less from your coach? why is it a softer measure for benitez than it was for carlo? (btw carlo failed, but europa was his goal).
as you , i think benitez deserves a fair shot, i recognize theres complete galaxies of hate on this forums towards benitez BUT it is also true that he doesnt need a shorter measure stick... the 12th or even 14th places suggested around here are disgusting , unfair and mediocre to ANY selfrespected coach... he has the same players + a lil more , he should also aim for europe AND SHOUT IT be VOCAL about it. hey may fall short or not, but it is a statement to your players and fan base.. aiming for 14th , 12 is plain ridiculous...