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Assessing Pochettino's pre-season: Tactics & Player Management vs Seattle

LukeBB

Well-Known Member
Aug 4, 2013
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This thread will look at how Pochettino leads our team through pre-season with particular focus on which tactics and players he uses, this thread will build on my previous thread:
http://www.spurscommunity.co.uk/index.php?threads/a-theory-as-to-why-pochettino-was-hired.109453/

Seattle Sounders vs Tottenham Hotspur, 19th July 2014.

Pochettino named Brad Friedel, Kyle Naughton, Michael Dawson, Zeki Fryers, Danny Rose, Etienne Capoue, Tom Carroll, Lewis Holtby, Andros Townsend, Aaron Lennon and Harry Kane in his first starting XI as Tottenham's new head coach. Gylfi Sigurdsson was named as a member of the starting line-up ahead of Tom Carroll but for one reason or another the late change was made and we can only assume that Holtby was pushed into a more advanced role. The team, on paper, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

1st half XI vs Seattle.png


Holtby featured on the wide right of the advanced midfield 3 with Townsend occupying the central role behind Harry Kane however Holtby was awarded a lot of freedom and his role involved dropping deep to assist Carroll and Capoue in the build-up phase of play. Pochettino set up his team so that when building up from the back, Dawson and Fryers (the 2 CBs) ran wide creating space in the middle for one of Capoue, Carroll or Holtby to receive the ball in the central areas of the pitch. Holtby linking up with Carroll & Capoue allowed Naughton and Rose to push higher up the pitch, stretching the opposition, providing an outlet for the midfield and forcing Townsend and Lennon into the central zones of the opposition's half.

build-up play wHoltby vs Seattle.png


The movement of the FBs as well as Holtby created a 4-3-3 or even 3-4-3 shape at times suggesting Poch had set up his team to maintain possession of the ball. Most balls from the CBs were direct to the feet of the midfield 3 so they could turn and play the ball forwards or wide at great speed however this led to a lot of Spurs conceded chances. Due to the bobbly field-turf and the questionable passing ability of the likes of Dawson & Fryers, as well as the fact it was their first pre-season game, the passing out of the back was poor and was, at times, easily cut out by the likes of Dempsey, Martins and Neagle and if it wasn't for Friedel or the quality of the opposition's shooting, Spurs could've found themselves a couple goals down by half-time.

Another reason for the amount of chances Spurs conceded was purely because our defense was adapting to Pochettino's system. The idea for when Pochettino's side is without the ball is to transition into a narrow and compact 4-4-2 shape, the idea being to pressure the ball away from central areas and to win it back through aggressive pressure and stepping up.

In defense 4-4-2 vs Seattle.png


This system worked very well for Pochettino at Southampton and I have no doubts that eventually our players will utilise the same system to greater effect but in this game, at times we were too narrow at times and it was clear to see that our back 4 were unclear of when the best times were to step forward. This is what Pochettino will likely be working on in training and when Vertonghen and Vlad are available to Poch, I'm sure we'll see an effective, dominant and well-drilled back-line with time.

It was clear to see how Poch and his team had stamped their identity on our lilywhite side as a lot of the passing was aimed forwards and played along the floor. Pochettino spent most of the game taking players to one side on the touchline, instructing and guiding players to find solutions on the pitch, this was a refreshing site from the likes of Sherwood bellowing out orders to a dis-organised side. Naughton and Rose found themselves further forward than our midfield most of the time, leading to some fans slating them for being "out of position" but this was clearly Poch's plan. In the build-up phase of play, the likes of Carroll and Capoue have the vision and passing range to shift the ball to where it needs to be in order to start an attack, the FBs job is to stretch the pitch and create space for the playmakers to exploit, this is why Naughton and Rose played so high up, to stretch the pitch and pin the opposition wingers to give the CBs and midfield 3 enough room to manoeuvre the ball.

Holtby showed incredible levels of fitness for his first pre-season game and while he, like everyone else, seemed to struggle with shifting the ball over the field turf, he showed how he could potentially be a key component to Pochettino's Spurs next season.

The positioning of Naughton and Rose also showed how Poch wanted to position his attacking 3, in this case Lennon, Townsend and Kane (Townsend and Lennon both acting as inside forwards). The front 3 were very narrow and they usually kept in close proximity to each other.

Front 3 vs Seattle 1st half.png


As the above diagram illustrates, the front 3 were used to support the midfield 3 and pressure and pin the Seattle back line. In terms of its effectiveness, IMO the likes of Lennon and Kane struggled initially with the movement that was required of them. Lennon has never really found success cutting in from the left and in games he tends to avoid the central areas where he can be bullied off the ball or crowded out. Kane seemed to fade out of the game after a bright start and he seemed to stick to his position in between the opposition CBs where he was eventually marked out of the game. Townsend was bright when on the ball but it was clear to see that he was lacking match fitness and Holtby's runs and energy seemed to naturally attract the ball away from Townsend.

The first half ended 1-1, Holtby's header rounded off a fine move which started with Tom Carroll playing a great over the top through ball to Aaron Lennon who made a penetrating run in behind the opposition FB from where he played the ball back to Kane who's floated cross perfectly met the head of the onrushing Holtby. The penalty conceded by Dawson was soft and it's hard to fault Dawson for it as 9 times out of 10 he would've walked away unpunished in the Premier League. My MOTM of the first half was Holtby, narrowly beating Naughton but for the goal.

The second half kicked off with a similar system to the first half, Veljkovic, Kaboul, Fredericks, Ceballos, Lamela and Soldado came on for Dawson, Rose, Naughton, Lennon, Townsend and Kane.

2nd half XI vs Seattle.png


Early on in the second half the boys found themselves 2-1 down to a worldie scored by Ossie Alonso who Capoue was unable to close down due to an unfortunate trip (though Carroll should've really been covering, was too slow to react).

The boys were very positive in response, the Spanish-speaking front 3 of Ceballos, Lamela and Soldado was much more fluid and interchangeable who probably found the system easier to adjust to than their English counterparts due to their foreign education at clubs like Real Madrid, Barca and River Plate. Soldado won and scored a penalty after a great run latching onto a ball from Capoue which showed flashes of the Soldado from Valencia who would drop deep than run into the space created running onto a ball played from the likes of Banega, however I can't help but think a confident Soldado would've finished the chance rather than wait for the challenge from behind.

Substitutions made in the 2nd half included Mason on for Capoue and Falque on for Holtby. Mason slotted in alongside Carroll which saw Carroll's influence on the game grow as now Capoue wasn't dominating Carroll's space and Mason allowed Carroll more time and opportunities to pick up the ball.

The introduction of Falque saw Ceballos drift in more from the right hand side of the pitch as well as Lamela dropping deeper to pick up the ball from Carroll, Mason etc, however Lamela was also tasked with supporting Soldado in the defensive shape, probably to work on his fitness. The communocation between our front 4 was great in assisting Pochettino's high pressing system, most times are front 4 charged down Seattle players deep in their own half with Mason & Carroll supporting them. This work ethic was fantastic from the lads as a high pressing style can only work if every player is working on a similar page, it was refreshing to see how well Poch had got his side drilled within a few weeks of training.

high press vs seattle.png


The great work in the second half was overshadowed slightly by the poor goal we conceded to make it 3-2 to Seattle, Kaboul stepped up and Veljkovic didn't, this again showing signs that our players are still adapting to Poch's system and learning when is the right time to step up. The lads didn't disappoint with their response, Ceballos ran onto a good ball by Falque, lost possession after taking it to the byline but reacted well in making the recovery tackle, feeding Falque who nut-megged his marker and who's chipped cross met the arms of a Seattle defender resulting in the 3rd penalty of the game. Falque clinically stoked his penalty away to make it 3-3. Great technique from Falque who's ball to Ceballos led to him receiving the ball to run onto goal and to force the penalty. Penalty was well struck, Falque did well to put it right into the corner along the floor on the bobbly surface.

In the end it was a pleasing performance for Pochettino's first game of pre-season, great workout for the boys in the heat and some great plays which led to the goals whether they were penalties or not. MOTM for the second half for me was a tossup between Soldado, Ceballos or Carroll. The only part of the game which I didn't enjoy was the scrap at the end of the match as a result of Soldado's challenge on Ossie Alonso, showing flashes of the temper he had over in Spain, hopefully that's the last we'll see of that, though it was great to see the likes of Lamela and Kaboul rush to his aid.

Ratings:

Friedel - 6 -
Some great saves to deny Seattle when chances came their way and could do very little for the 3 goals we conceded. Distribution was very poor albeit his first game in a while but still looks uncomfortable when called off his line.
Naughton - 6.5 - Improved a lot in terms of positioning himself higher up the pitch, struggled slightly with the new defensive approach but put in a very solid performance nonetheless.
Dawson - 5 - Like most of our back 4 in the first half, struggled with the step-up approach, field turf didn't help his passing and conceded the penalty, a game to forget for our captain.
Fryers - 6 - Did better when shifted to LB in the second half, at CB his positioning sense still looks very raw to me but a solid performance from Zeki.
Rose - 6 - A decent game from Danny Rose, a goal-line clearance and generally seemed to use his pace to cover our CBs, his facial expressions did little to fill me with hope concerning his rumored attitude.
Capoue - 6 - Did his job well in taking the ball off of defense and provided a great ball for Soldado to run onto for the penalty, was a bit light in terms of tackling but he's still working his way back from injury.
Carroll - 6.5 - Grew into the game especially once Capoue was subbed off, looked tidy as always and a great ball for Lennon in the build up to the first goal but really needs to impose himself on games, he needs to demand the ball rather than wait for it. Personally think he should stay with us for next season.
Holtby - 7.5 - Great work ethic and looked like he followed Poch's instructions to the letter, great run and great goal and helped the team tick.
Townsend - 5.5 - A quiet game for Townsend, this was a game for Townsend to work on regaining his fitness. The more central role for Townsend will allow him to go either left or right and will be interesting to see what Poch can do with him.
Lennon - 5.5 - As always, Lennon never looks at home on the left or in a central area however though he was missing for a lot of the time he was on the pitch, he played an important role in our 1st goal and we'll have to see how he adapts to Poch's system.
Kane -5.5 - Bright start but faded very quickly after the goal, not as mobile as Soldado was and thus he allowed himself to be marked out of the game. I reckon the lack of fitness may have been a cause for this.

Fredericks - 5.5 -
Generally positive when on the ball but ultimately didn't see enough of it, could be good but struggle to see how he'll place himself above either Naughton or Walker in the pecking order.
Kaboul - 6 - Keen to step up and led the team well when he came on but was at fault with Veljkovic for the 3rd goal.
Veljkovic - 6 - Tidy in possession but still not sure whether his future lies in central defense or central midfield.
Lamela - 6 - A decent game for Lamela considering he hasn't played in a good few months, needs to pick better times to dribble with the ball, ran into a cul-de-sac too often but was bright when on the ball.
Ceballos - 6.5 - Fitted well into the side when he cam on and linked up well with Lamela, Soldado and Falque. Refreshing to see an attacking player put in some tackles and shows that he should not be written off yet.
Soldado - 7 - Looked a lot more confident in this system, made some good runs and showed flashes of his old self, positive game for Bobby.
Mason - 5.5 - Supported Carroll well when in possession but gave away a few fouls suggesting a deeper role is not ideal for him when he's meant to be the more physical of the holding two.
Falque - 6.5 - Like Ceballos, slotted in well when subbed on and great work for the 3rd goal but still not sure where he will be come the start of the season.
 

alex3

tottenham till i die
Jun 17, 2011
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i thought it was more of a 4-3-3 than a 4-2-3-1

.......capoue..
..holtby...carroll

townsend.....lennon
............kane......
 

LukeBB

Well-Known Member
Aug 4, 2013
488
1,793
i thought it was more of a 4-3-3 than a 4-2-3-1

.......capoue..
..holtby...carroll

townsend.....lennon
............kane......
Yeah, thats what it turned into due to Holtby's movement but when we lost possession we transitioned into a 4-4-2/ 4-2-3-1 shape with Holtby on the right of midfield.
 

LukeBB

Well-Known Member
Aug 4, 2013
488
1,793
Bloody hell LukeBB
How many times have you watched the game?
Let's just say I found the whole match on YouTube ;)

I've watched it twice, making notes the 1st time around, 2nd time around to get screenshots
 

The Spurs Lad

Ye more thou know
Jun 18, 2012
634
953
Firstly well done on putting together a thought out and reasoned argument, that's better than most come away with.

However I have to disagree on the 4231 (Holtby right side) thing. For me it was a clear 433 from the first minute and that screenshot you show where you argue Townsend is playing up front (in a 442) I would say is Townsend coming inside from the right as play is on the left and Lennon tracking back. From the first minute it looked clear to me that Holtby was playing advanced CM and chasing everything down (potentially giving the appearance of being wide right at times).
 

LukeBB

Well-Known Member
Aug 4, 2013
488
1,793
Firstly well done on putting together a thought out and reasoned argument, that's better than most come away with.

However I have to disagree on the 4231 (Holtby right side) thing. For me it was a clear 433 from the first minute and that screenshot you show where you argue Townsend is playing up front (in a 442) I would say is Townsend coming inside from the right as play is on the left and Lennon tracking back. From the first minute it looked clear to me that Holtby was playing advanced CM and chasing everything down (potentially giving the appearance of being wide right at times).
Agreed, we did play a 4-3-3 shape when in possession but when we lost possession we transitioned into a 4-2-3-1/ 4-4-2 shape w/ Holtby shifting to the right and Townsend joining up alongside Kane and in the second half, I saw it was mostly Soldado and Lamela or Ceballos pressuring the opposition defense.

People all see football/ tactics in different ways and explain it in different ways... point being... I'm falling in love with Pochettino :)
 

The Spurs Lad

Ye more thou know
Jun 18, 2012
634
953
Agreed, we did play a 4-3-3 shape when in possession but when we lost possession we transitioned into a 4-2-3-1/ 4-4-2 shape w/ Holtby shifting to the right and Townsend joining up alongside Kane and in the second half, I saw it was mostly Soldado and Lamela or Ceballos pressuring the opposition defense.

People all see football/ tactics in different ways and explain it in different ways... point being... I'm falling in love with Pochettino :)

I will keep an eye out for that in the next game and come back to this, I thought we were dropping into a 451 when we lost the ball. Have to agree on Pochettino though, this is the most promising first game I have seen tactically from any Spurs manager.
 

mpickard2087

Patient Zero
Jun 13, 2008
21,886
32,513
Pochettino did the same thing at Southampton re. the Holtby role. He usually had Davis/Ward-Prowse playing in a very tucked in right hand side role playing in between central midfield and the wide role. On the ball they can create a three in midfield to move the ball, without it they can help press high up the pitch.

Shape was lop-sided and something like:

1048322_Southampton.jpg


What will be interesting is if he tries to replicate the other attacking midfield roles as well. Eriksen would be a good romaing No.10, as I have said though I can see us buying a direct wide player who is winger/striker hybrid.
 

JohanTheYid

Well-Known Member
Sep 21, 2004
1,014
1,432
A great read, I look forward to your analysis of the remainder of our games, and by remainder I mean from here until May ;)
 

LukeBB

Well-Known Member
Aug 4, 2013
488
1,793
Luke are you a coach?

If not you should be
I recently completed my Level 1 coaching award since we've finally broken up from college, I'm linking up with a few local clubs but I've got a long and expensive way to go...

I find it easy to analyse and read games but to teach the game is something completely different but I'm loving it.
 
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