Spurger King
can't smile without glue
- Jul 22, 2008
- 43,881
- 95,149
A supposedly simple question - has the botched ending to the transfer window given Pochettino more leeway with both the fans and Levy this season?
I say 'supposedly' because the more I think about it, the less obvious and simple it seems.
This is not an anti-Pochettino thread. Nor is it particularly anti-Levy. The main argument is that Pochettino clearly targeted at least a striker and a central midfielder for this window. Throughout the summer we have heard how we have been chasing Berahino and a DM. Pochettino made Schneiderlin his number one target last summer as well, so it's an area he obviously wants to strengthen with a 'starting 11' quality player.
The striker situation is apparent to all of us. Yes we have some square pegs available to force into the round hole if Kane is injured or needs resting, but I'd be very surprised if Pochettino is happy with the lack of options up front.
So given the paper-thin strength of key areas of the squad, and the impression that important transfers failed to materialise, will Pochettino be shown some sympathy from the fans if we struggle? Equally, will Levy be less reluctant to swing the axe considering he's played a big part in shackling this team?
Maybe you think a good manager should be able to work with what they have? Maybe the lack of a striker and DM are not enough to cover up other deficiencies in the team, and should not be used as an excuse? Perhaps you feel any form of success Pochettino achieves this season should be considered twice as good due to Levy letting him down in the transfer market?
I know some will say that the lack of a striker and a DM are really not that big a deal. Personally I think it will have all sorts of issues that will cause problems. For example, Pochettino will have to play Kane a lot more than I might otherwise do. He also has less room to change things up if Kane has a significant drop of form. Playing Son, N'jie, or Chadli out of position prevents them from playing where they are deemed more effective, and could damage their confidence. The lack of a DM also puts a lot of pressure on our young CM's, and without an experienced head in the centre of the park and on the training ground they won't be learning many new tricks when it comes to dealing with pressure situations.
I'd like to think that I'd keep in mind that the window has painted Pochettino into a bit of a corner, but in truth I'll probably forget all about that the next time we lose or play badly. I suspect a lot of fans will be the same (if, of course, we actually have a poor season). I'd also like to think Levy would own up to his part in any poor performances, but is that really too likely?
I say 'supposedly' because the more I think about it, the less obvious and simple it seems.
This is not an anti-Pochettino thread. Nor is it particularly anti-Levy. The main argument is that Pochettino clearly targeted at least a striker and a central midfielder for this window. Throughout the summer we have heard how we have been chasing Berahino and a DM. Pochettino made Schneiderlin his number one target last summer as well, so it's an area he obviously wants to strengthen with a 'starting 11' quality player.
The striker situation is apparent to all of us. Yes we have some square pegs available to force into the round hole if Kane is injured or needs resting, but I'd be very surprised if Pochettino is happy with the lack of options up front.
So given the paper-thin strength of key areas of the squad, and the impression that important transfers failed to materialise, will Pochettino be shown some sympathy from the fans if we struggle? Equally, will Levy be less reluctant to swing the axe considering he's played a big part in shackling this team?
Maybe you think a good manager should be able to work with what they have? Maybe the lack of a striker and DM are not enough to cover up other deficiencies in the team, and should not be used as an excuse? Perhaps you feel any form of success Pochettino achieves this season should be considered twice as good due to Levy letting him down in the transfer market?
I know some will say that the lack of a striker and a DM are really not that big a deal. Personally I think it will have all sorts of issues that will cause problems. For example, Pochettino will have to play Kane a lot more than I might otherwise do. He also has less room to change things up if Kane has a significant drop of form. Playing Son, N'jie, or Chadli out of position prevents them from playing where they are deemed more effective, and could damage their confidence. The lack of a DM also puts a lot of pressure on our young CM's, and without an experienced head in the centre of the park and on the training ground they won't be learning many new tricks when it comes to dealing with pressure situations.
I'd like to think that I'd keep in mind that the window has painted Pochettino into a bit of a corner, but in truth I'll probably forget all about that the next time we lose or play badly. I suspect a lot of fans will be the same (if, of course, we actually have a poor season). I'd also like to think Levy would own up to his part in any poor performances, but is that really too likely?
