Four reasons Tottenham must appoint Mauricio Pochettino
By Gary Pearson
4. Pochettino’s enterprising brand of football
If you canvass 100 Tottenham supporters, a staggering number, probably about 90, would bemoan their club’s recent style of play.
Shackled by and beholden to a rigid defensive structure, Spurs have suffered the dismal effects of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. Mind you; both managers would say personnel shortcomings influenced their rigid ways.
Tottenham supporters suffered through a few extended periods, matches on end, without seeing their beloved team muster a shot on target.
The abundance of scoring prowess at Tottenham’s disposal made watching their listless and anemic offensive displays even more intolerable.
Cue Pochettino and his enterprising brand of football, which not only aligns with the club’s attack-first culture that has been dormant in recent years but also with supporters’ yearning to see their team press, push forward, dictate proceedings and, alas, register a shot or two on target.
Pochettino believes in a relentless high press.
Like Antonio Conte, Pochettino requires a high fitness level from each squad member. But, unlike Conte, Pochettino expects his side to press high, force errors, find an incisive pass and, when in possession, camp out in the opposing half.
How sweet it sounds.
Conte’s unwillingness to adapt, change formation, and tactics were the primary reason for his eventual demise.
Supporters became tired of the same old setup, and opposing teams found Spurs’ tactics predictable and easily telegraphed.
It’s one thing to play a counter-attacking style against Manchester City at the Emirates, but another one entirely to replicate the strategy at home versus Southampton.
Bring Pochettino back so Spurs supporters can at least make an argument for paying the exorbitant, Premier League’s highest £2000 season ticket fee.