The Mauricio Pochettino thread

[Metalhead]

Whilst we all know what Levy is like we do need to take into account that the likes of Janssen, Aurier and Nkoudou were Poch signings, so we can blame levy for many things but if Poch can't identify the right player or is only interested in the De Jongs/ De Ligts we will keep having this issue of having a light squad that can burn out.

Agree with this - do you think that the scouting network is effective enough?

 

[gaffers]

Agree!
But Poch must stop getting the initial setup in games wrong. He has become a serial offender of late.

I don’t also think Levy has the luxury of being “prepared” or mot to take “the next step”.
The finances call the shots no the Levy.

Your wording almost suggests Levy had the stadium/debt thrust upon him.
No he didn't.

 

[carpediem991]

I still blame Poch and Levy for not caring enough about our squad depth in summer and winter after a long World cup. Still a piss poor decision not to bring bodies in. Didnt have to be world beaters.

So to the boring uninspiring football we play all season we now hardly grind out results bar in the CL. We only have enough CBs so this is the only reason I think Poch went with 5 at the back.

But this failed tactically again esp. with unmobile strikers like Llorente and not one CM who is comfortable on the ball.

We now need to secure CL next season and pray Sonny and co grind a win in Amsterdam.

 

[ljinko888]

The fluid passing and aggressive pressing Ajax executed especially in that first 30 is the standard I want to see next season. We used to be good at it but this season has been a slog.

 

[Lighty64]

5 at the back against this type of team. Jesus. Saw it coming as soon as the starting XI was released. At least he changed it at the 30 min mark and credit for that but he got it very wrong as we were then playing catch up with a thread bare team already so it ultimately cost us.

Makes me wonder when it's so obvious you don't pay 5 at the back against a ball playing team. Simple logic

other than starting with Rose in midfield, we played 5 at the back because we haven't any experienced midfield or attacks fit or available to play. our bench consisted of 3 defenders 2 CDM (1 that's better as a defender) and Sissoko

 

[Lighty64]

Pochettino knows we where set up wrong at the start. Rose was once again outnumbered on his side. Which lead to the goal.

On Levy backing Poch, I’m not sure Levy will have a ‘choice’ as the finances will dictate the transfer situation.

so was Trippier he was defending 2 players from our view in the 1st half. the tie is alive, and providing Son has his shooting boots on, we still have a chance, in fact it would be handy if Eriksen put his on too. 2 or 3 occasions he was in a similar position as Brighton, and tried to fed Rose

 

[Lighty64]

Agree!
But Poch must stop getting the initial setup in games wrong. He has become a serial offender of late.

I don’t also think Levy has the luxury of being “prepared” or mot to take “the next step”.
The finances call the shots no the Levy.

it's because we haven't got the players left to set up differently, they are all injured.

it is essential to try and get Wanyama and Lamela off the books in the summer, or Levy will have to just consign them to the scrap heap and pay them for being on the books, but out of the squad. we can't afford to have players that we know are guaranteed to be injured at some time. a summer rest, and proper preseason will be a big step, but we now need to get players in and hope we have a season that isn't so disruptive with injuries

 

[SteveH]

it's because we haven't got the players left to set up differently, they are all injured.

it is essential to try and get Wanyama and Lamela off the books in the summer, or Levy will have to just consign them to the scrap heap and pay them for being on the books, but out of the squad. we can't afford to have players that we know are guaranteed to be injured at some time. a summer rest, and proper preseason will be a big step, but we now need to get players in and hope we have a season that isn't so disruptive with injuries

Poch just changed setup after about 35 min (very approx) but didn't think he changes personnel at that time, did he (can't remember)?

 

[thePessimist]

Poch just changed setup after about 35 min (very approx) but didn't think he changes personnel at that time, did he (can't remember)?

Sissoko on

 

[Spurs_Bear]

Without a midfielder in the mould of Dembele or Winks the 3 at the back formation needs to absolutely fuck off. You cant play it without retaining the ball.

 

[Lighty64]

Poch just changed setup after about 35 min (very approx) but didn't think he changes personnel at that time, did he (can't remember)?

he changed it because like most of us in the stadium could see both our fall backs where being doubled up on. we are talking about an Ajax team that has youth and pace, and also just had a rest. everytime we got the ball the player with it had 2 or 3 players close him down so quickly it forced us to pass quickly, but unfortunately without accuracy. the minute he changed it we started to get back in to it, and once Jan went off we started to preform better with Sissoko, but not good enough to create. the final ball was so poor, and even when a half decent delivery was made we put headers over the bar. the ref never helped, should of booked their keeper for time wasting, he also needs a new stop watch

 

[SteveH]

he changed it because like most of us in the stadium could see both our fall backs where being doubled up on. we are talking about an Ajax team that has youth and pace, and also just had a rest. everytime we got the ball the player with it had 2 or 3 players close him down so quickly it forced us to pass quickly, but unfortunately without accuracy. the minute he changed it we started to get back in to it, and once Jan went off we started to preform better with Sissoko, but not good enough to create. the final ball was so poor, and even when a half decent delivery was made we put headers over the bar. the ref never helped, should of booked their keeper for time wasting, he also needs a new stop watch

Why didn't he just move Jan or whoever into midfield after 5 minutes, he can't be that myopic?

It baffles me.

 

[shelfboy68]

Without a midfielder in the mould of Dembele or Winks the 3 at the back formation needs to absolutely fuck off. You cant play it without retaining the ball.

So why do we persist with it and why did we not seek a replacement for dembele that was poor planning.

 

[thebenjamin]

So why do we persist with it and why did we not seek a replacement for dembele that was poor planning.

I'm sure we planned to bring in someone but we failed. The problem is not the plans in the transfer market, it's the execution.

Saying that, selling Dembele in January ranks as one of the most stupid things a football club has ever done. Even with his injury induced slowdown I fail to see how he would not have been useful to have around these last couple of months.

 

[Lighty64]

Why didn't he just move Jan or whoever into midfield after 5 minutes, he can't be that myopic?

It baffles me.

it wasn't the formation that cost us the goal, it was because half of them where asleep at the time he got 5 minutes to decide what part of the net to place it. he most probably hoped that 5 at the back would contain them, but a little while after the goal and saw the dangers increasing, he decided he had to change it, or face a battering

 

[Krule]

It's such a shame the number of defeats Spurs have incurred this season where we have been unable to say that the players were tactically well assembled and put in an excellent performance but were simply beaten by a better team on the day. I will accept that and move on.

Everyone can make excuses for losing but most of the criticisms on this website regarding where errors are made seem perfectly reasonable and correct...it's just a pity that Poch and his team don't pick up on the danger signs and react before we are a goal or two down. There is no shame in changing the shape or bringing on a substitution after 10-15 mins of a game if you can see the storm clouds gathering. It is not a sign of failure or weakness, in fact, it shows an astute awareness and willingness to adapt.

The other problem is that the lack of depth in the squad allows certain players to perform well within their capabilities but be sure of retaining their first team spots because there simply isn't anyone else good enough to replace them. I thought that Eriksen and Alli were typical examples against Ajax. Maybe Poch has developed too close a relationship with some of the stars and doesn't wish to step on any toes...I don't know but it needs sorting. I am growing weary of waiting for a 70th or even 80th minute sub(s) to come on and try to make an impact in a game that has been slipping from our grasp since early in the first half.

 

[Lighty64]

So why do we persist with it and why did we not seek a replacement for dembele that was poor planning.

because there wasn't a good enough HG player available in Dembele's position, and Sissoko was providing pretty good cover

 

[rossdapep]

it wasn't the formation that cost us the goal, it was because half of them where asleep at the time he got 5 minutes to decide what part of the net to place it. he most probably hoped that 5 at the back would contain them, but a little while after the goal and saw the dangers increasing, he decided he had to change it, or face a battering

I think it's a bit of both. The players clearly are not comfortable being that far back and I'd argue that Sanchez, Toby and Jan are a little unsure of their positioning in a CB 3 - who do they pick up? which space are they supposed to be in? etc. It happened away at City for the Foden goal, all of them stood there static not knowing who to run with.

We always invite pressure, the players get confused, there's no substance in midfield, the full backs get over ran and the opposition can run rings around us. Get up the field, give them something to concern themselves with, be brave, double up on their full backs, limit the space for their passing game and force them to do it in their half. If we do these things we give ourselves a chance.

 

[SteveH]

it wasn't the formation that cost us the goal, it was because half of them where asleep at the time he got 5 minutes to decide what part of the net to place it. he most probably hoped that 5 at the back would contain them, but a little while after the goal and saw the dangers increasing, he decided he had to change it, or face a battering

Rose was hung out to dry again. He has to cover two players yet again. Unless its Deja vu playing tricks on me.
I'm not buying "the half-asleep" with respect. This has been happening for over three months imo.

 

[shelfboy68]

I'm sure we planned to bring in someone but we failed. The problem is not the plans in the transfer market, it's the execution.

Saying that, selling Dembele in January ranks as one of the most stupid things a football club has ever done. Even with his injury induced slowdown I fail to see how he would not have been useful to have around these last couple of months.

That's kind of my point about planning fine to let him go but not without a replacement, I feel that poch has become so up Levy's arse now that he just refuses to accept we need anyone instead insists that all is good.
With wink's always out injured for the past 2/3 seasons it seems criminal that this area has not been addressed and let player's go ridiculous.