- Jun 13, 2008
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What I don't understand, and what links the two pieces, is why does Pochettino's philosophy or system not allow for a change in shape and application ? I can understand him sticking to his basic philosophy of energetic press, high tempo, high line but why does he never adapt the shape or vary the strategy to counter the differing type of tactical opposition he meets.
We can still apply his high tempo, high press methods within the framework of a 433 (or other) so why is he so vehemently routed to the 4231. His mentor Bielsa was far more tactically versatile over the course of his coaching career, using some weird and wonderful formations including 3313, 4231, 343, 433 and was an innovative early exponent of converting CM's (or FB's) as CB's so his teams could play football in every area of the pitch (Later to be copied by Guardiola for example).
Anyone have any ideas ?
This is all stuff I have banged on about for ages, across several different managers, wanting to see it from whoever is in charge and to be honest is how I ultimately rate a coach - If they are a very good coach then they will have the ability to adapt. With Poch it has been more of the same, there have been times where in my opinion he should have adapted shape or personnel, rather than sticking to the 'tried and trusted'.
My honest opinion is that a lot of managers are not very good tacticians and also very unimaginative. They have a few principles about how they want the game to be played, but arent very good at putting a team together. They scratch around until they stumble upon something that works for them and stick to it. With a barely cohesive plan A though, they are hardly likely to switch to a plan B, C, D etc and be confident of keeping the principles of how that team plays as the shape changes.
I'm someone who tends to put the manager under a lot of scrutiny, but I love watching managers who try to be a bit different, try out new formations and use of players and think outside the box. It might not always work, but at least you don't die wondering and all options/possibilities are exhausted. If we had someone like a Bielsa/Guardiola type in charge I'd probably give them 5 years breathing space, because they'd be interesting tactically and keep giving us fascinating stuff to ponder.
As for the here and now... There are definitely some games where I would like to see a 4-3-3. Dembele is I guess a halfway house towards it but even he has been mostly playing as part of a 'front four' rather than dropping back in. I'd like to see a holding player alongside Bentaleb and Mason, as it would hopefully free them up to surge forward more. I think the balance of the three up top though would need looking at... A cm3 plus Lamela and Eriksen is very samey to me. I think Chadli would be necessary as the second person who gets in the box alongside the central striker. I also think that whoever you pick its lacking in a bit of pace and that bit of explosiveness to frighten defences.