Speaking at the unveiling of Keith Andrews as Brentford's new head coach, director of football Phil Giles was adamant that things were not as bad as they seemed at the club.
Despite long-serving boss Thomas Frank moving to Tottenham and the departures of captain Christian Norgaard and probably star forward Bryan Mbeumo, Giles was in an optimistic mood as he discussed Brentford's plans for next season.
One reason for his positive outlook was that, having led negotiations, he knew Brentford would soon seal a deal worth in excess of £20million to sign Feyenoord midfielder Antoni Milambo.
The first signing of the Andrews era was completed at the start of July, putting paid to the idea Brentford would be a less attractive proposition under his stewardship.
The move, which sees the Bees bring in one of Europe’s most coveted youngsters after a string of impressive performances, not least in the Champions League, is a credit to Giles’s shrewd negotiating but also to Andrews’s powers of persuasion.
Milambo has been on the radar of several top clubs since making his senior debut as a 16-year-old, but last season marked a breakthrough campaign for the now 20-year-old, who can play across the midfield, though predominantly as a No8.
A club heralded for its data-driven approach, Brentford beat strong competition for Milambo's signature, impressing his representatives with an extensive pitch about where the midfielder would fit in.
Brentford have been following Milambo for a couple of years, and they made clear how highly they valued him at a lunch in London, with technical director Lee Dykes presenting a detailed overview of his strengths and weaknesses.
Brentford, who ranked second in the Premier League for tackles won in the final third last season, like Milambo because of his intensity in the press, with Dykes highlighting the midfielder's running stats, pressures and high speed as reasons why he'd be well suited to the way Brentford want to play.
With Andrews promoted from within to head coach, his first experience in the role, continuity is the theme in west London following the departure of Frank, and the former Ireland international also impressed Milambo's representatives when they met for lunch.
Negotiations with Milambo had been taking place since April, and Frank's departure and Andrews's subsequent arrival could have proved a sticking point. But Andrews made a good impression, imparting his vision for the team and how Milambo would fit into his plans.
Andrews, who impressed with how open and concise he was, made clear that he saw Milambo as someone who could challenge for minutes straight away. He will form part of a new-look midfield alongside Jordan Henderson following the departure of Christian Norgaard to Arsenal.
As is always the case at Brentford, where having the right characters forms a big part of the culture at the club, there were conversations around why Milambo would be the right personality fit.
A quiet and humble young man, Milambo enjoys a close relationship with his parents, who moved from Congo to Rotterdam’s ‘De Peperklip’ district, and his two brothers.
Internally at Feyenoord, Milambo's character and focus were praised. His polite and quiet nature impressed head coach Robin van Persie and formed a part of his ascension to the first-team under the former Arsenal striker.
Milambo’s dual Dutch and Congolese heritage - he speaks Dutch and French - means he has been able to talk openly with several Brentford players as a deal edges closer, including Congo striker Yoane Wissa and Dutch centre-back Sepp van den Berg, whose younger brother Rav has played with Milambo at youth level for Holland.
Brentford's all-time Premier League goalscorer, Wissa, who speaks French, will help Milambo settle in west London, and the pair have had the most contact since it became clear Milambo would move to the club.
As ever, Brentford have extensively scouted Milambo and see the youngster as an excellent fit on and off the pitch.
The club impressed Milambo's representatives with their vision for the midfielder, and with several clubs monitoring his situation, his signature is considered a coup.
