Ten talking points from Mauricio Pochettino's first 10 league games

[elvis7754]

Mauricio Pochettino has presided over Spurs' worst start to a Premier League season since 2008 but there have been plenty of promising signs.

Read the full article at TheTottenhamWay

 

[yido_number1]

Most of this is drivel. Too much agenda focussed opinions being put out there at the moment. Let the guy do his job and when he has had the time judge him then.

 

[avonspurs]

Most of this is drivel. Too much agenda focussed opinions being put out there at the moment. Let the guy do his job and when he has had the time judge him then.

At one point, he states that Poch has his undroppables and won't play Kane, then further down praises him for his handling of Harry.

 

[JoeT]

At one point, he states that Poch has his undroppables and won't play Kane, then further down praises him for his handling of Harry.

It's the other side of the coin though isn't it? Kane didn't play many games, so avoided sort of media 'circus' that -in part- may be affecting other young English players, (such as Sterling at Liverpool.)

 

[avonspurs]

It's the other side of the coin though isn't it? Kane didn't play many games, so avoided sort of media 'circus' that -in part- may be affecting other young English players, (such as Sterling at Liverpool.)

Yeah, I agree - it was just in the article it seemed to be arguing for him to be played more, yet praising Poch for taking care of him.

 

[Gaz_Gammon]

Like him or not Sherwood was right on the mix of limited talent, and lack of conviction from players on the pitch. Pretty much of a muchness pretty well sums up the season so far.

It must be difficult for Poch to move the team forward when there is really little if any options on the bench.

 

[mawspurs]

Like him or not Sherwood was right on the mix of limited talent, and lack of conviction from players on the pitch. Pretty much of a muchness pretty well sums up the season so far.

It must be difficult for Poch to move the team forward when there is really little if any options on the bench.

I agree many of us on here were not happy when Timbo made the comments but he has been proved right. I still think he did not need to make the comments to the media though.

 

[Gaz_Gammon]

I agree many of us on here were not happy when Timbo made the comments but he has been proved right. I still think he did not need to make the comments to the media though.

I'd take open honesty from a Manager than bluster and bullshit. If players get upset with open critisism then let them cry all the way home in their Bentley's.

 

[whitesocks]

MP has had a couple of successes as it says:
Mason/Kane getting game time and the injury load seems to be much less.

If he can build on that and get a couple more youth in the team, and a few more next season, in many ways we'd be a proper football club again with a British spine. Midtable but not unpleasantly so.

 

[Barry Mead]

Pretty fair as far as I can see, I don't understand the Europa hangover issue and I'm pretty sure Poch must be scratching his head too because hardly any of the same players have played in the Europa game and the following PL game

One of life's enigma's or simply we haven't played well in those games, I'd guess the later

 

[tippspur59]

Good point on the injuries though,there does seem to be less of them this season so far.

 

[doom]

compared to Sherwood and AVB our football is at least improving - we've had 3 or 4 great games at least. I don't feel Poch deserves much criticism with the players at his disposal. I have faith that he will make us good and consistent before the season is out - a lot must depend on signings in Jan though.

 

[HotspurFC1950]

compared to Sherwood and AVB our football is at least improving - we've had 3 or 4 great games at least. I don't feel Poch deserves much criticism with the players at his disposal. I have faith that he will make us good and consistent before the season is out - a lot must depend on signings in Jan though.

Can't get any decent players in the January window. It's almost a waste of time.

 

[RogerTCB]

I'd take open honesty from a Manager than bluster and bullshit. If players get upset with open critisism then let them cry all the way home in their Bentley's.

I agree that if you (correctly) slate someone for not trying hard enough or performing to their potential, that is fair enough. If you actually agree that they are a bunch of mediocre players then telling them is a bloody silly thing to do as you aren't going to get any more out of them; quite the reverse.

 

[yido_number1]

I agree that if you (correctly) slate someone for not trying hard enough or performing to their potential, that is fair enough. If you actually agree that they are a bunch of mediocre players then telling them is a bloody silly thing to do as you aren't going to get any more out of them; quite the reverse.

I agree with this. I think there is a way to go about things and criticising performances is generally best done in a constructive behind closed door way. Giving the media ammunition in public didn't work for TS and wouldn't for Poch. I think the closest sign of him not being happy is him chucking his water bottle and saying he is working on improving the mentality.

 

[Shirtfront]

Most of this is drivel. Too much agenda focussed opinions being put out there at the moment. Let the guy do his job and when he has had the time judge him then.

How is it drivel?

Point 1: I completely agree. The players we bought over the summer add nothing to the First XI. We needed real quality in one or two positions; not back ups in several. Ok, we couldn't buy a player Soton wouldn't sell. But the principle is right: we would have been better served signing one player of quality than four squad players.

Point 2: I completely agree. Lloris not Kaboul should have been Captain.

Point 3: Dull but true. We do have a pretty full squad compared to others.

Point 4: It is a point everyone is making, particularly re Kane. I don't agree with it - I think he is picking who he thinks is best and has shown he will change (eg 442 last week) if he deems it necessary. But it is a fair question to ask rather than drivel

Point 5: Probably the best point of the bunch. There is all this talk of a high tempo, high pressing "philosophy" - but in fact no evidence of it on the pitch. This suggests a reason why.

Point 6: Again, I am not sure I agree - but it is a criticism that was levelled at Poch since day one and deserves consideration. I think we have struggled to break down teams, particularly at home, and Poch's Plan A is not quite firing yet (see above). It's hardly surprising that his Plan B therefore is further from fruition. He needs time. And better players.

Point 7: Kane is just an example (and the only really good one) of Point 4. Peversely, I think this point answers the question. He is trying to bring Kane on gradually. He's a young guy, after all.

Point 8: I couldn't agree more. Mason has looked full of energy; composure an heart. If we could clone him, we would have a great, home grown, central midfield. Rather than a bunch of much more mature, possibly gifted, stronger mercenaries who perpetually let the side down.

Point 9: The Europa curse is overstated and overdone, but again it's something everyone feels the need to highlight. Hardly drivel.

Point 10: I completely agree. I thought Tim was a bit out of line when he aired his grievances about the squad - players like Verts, Dembele etc who had looked so good under AVB. Turns out he was the canary in the coal mine. They are an utter disgrace.

So all in all, I thought it was a pretty good article. A fair summary of the main features of the season this far and the challenges that face us.

But that's just my two cents.

 

[Shirtfront]

Pretty fair as far as I can see, I don't understand the Europa hangover issue and I'm pretty sure Poch must be scratching his head too because hardly any of the same players have played in the Europa game and the following PL game

One of life's enigma's or simply we haven't played well in those games, I'd guess the later

I guess it means that on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday you are preparing or travelling for a completely different match rather than the EPL one on the weekend. So I imagine the "Second XI" have to train in primacy and the "First XI" take a back seat, if only for a couple of days.

That has to interrupt your preparation for the weekend. It's like having to sit two exams in a week, rather than just one. You may really care about the second one, but you still have to get through the first one.

 

[m*****73]

How is it drivel?

Point 1: I completely agree. The players we bought over the summer add nothing to the First XI. We needed real quality in one or two positions; not back ups in several. Ok, we couldn't buy a player Soton wouldn't sell. But the principle is right: we would have been better served signing one player of quality than four squad players.

Point 2: I completely agree. Lloris not Kaboul should have been Captain.

Point 3: Dull but true. We do have a pretty full squad compared to others.

Point 4: It is a point everyone is making, particularly re Kane. I don't agree with it - I think he is picking who he thinks is best and has shown he will change (eg 442 last week) if he deems it necessary. But it is a fair question to ask rather than drivel

Point 5: Probably the best point of the bunch. There is all this talk of a high tempo, high pressing "philosophy" - but in fact no evidence of it on the pitch. This suggests a reason why.

Point 6: Again, I am not sure I agree - but it is a criticism that was levelled at Poch since day one and deserves consideration. I think we have struggled to break down teams, particularly at home, and Poch's Plan A is not quite firing yet (see above). It's hardly surprising that his Plan B therefore is further from fruition. He needs time. And better players.

Point 7: Kane is just an example (and the only really good one) of Point 4. Peversely, I think this point answers the question. He is trying to bring Kane on gradually. He's a young guy, after all.

Point 8: I couldn't agree more. Mason has looked full of energy; composure an heart. If we could clone him, we would have a great, home grown, central midfield. Rather than a bunch of much more mature, possibly gifted, stronger mercenaries who perpetually let the side down.

Point 9: The Europa curse is overstated and overdone, but again it's something everyone feels the need to highlight. Hardly drivel.

Point 10: I completely agree. I thought Tim was a bit out of line when he aired his grievances about the squad - players like Verts, Dembele etc who had looked so good under AVB. Turns out he was the canary in the coal mine. They are an utter disgrace.

So all in all, I thought it was a pretty good article. A fair summary of the main features of the season this far and the challenges that face us.

But that's just my two cents.

Mate - that's one of the best, well thought out and considered post that I've read on this forum for a very long time. Top notch.

 

[yido_number1]

How is it drivel?

Point 1: I completely agree. The players we bought over the summer add nothing to the First XI. We needed real quality in one or two positions; not back ups in several. Ok, we couldn't buy a player Soton wouldn't sell. But the principle is right: we would have been better served signing one player of quality than four squad players.

Point 2: I completely agree. Lloris not Kaboul should have been Captain.

Point 3: Dull but true. We do have a pretty full squad compared to others.

Point 4: It is a point everyone is making, particularly re Kane. I don't agree with it - I think he is picking who he thinks is best and has shown he will change (eg 442 last week) if he deems it necessary. But it is a fair question to ask rather than drivel

Point 5: Probably the best point of the bunch. There is all this talk of a high tempo, high pressing "philosophy" - but in fact no evidence of it on the pitch. This suggests a reason why.

Point 6: Again, I am not sure I agree - but it is a criticism that was levelled at Poch since day one and deserves consideration. I think we have struggled to break down teams, particularly at home, and Poch's Plan A is not quite firing yet (see above). It's hardly surprising that his Plan B therefore is further from fruition. He needs time. And better players.

Point 7: Kane is just an example (and the only really good one) of Point 4. Peversely, I think this point answers the question. He is trying to bring Kane on gradually. He's a young guy, after all.

Point 8: I couldn't agree more. Mason has looked full of energy; composure an heart. If we could clone him, we would have a great, home grown, central midfield. Rather than a bunch of much more mature, possibly gifted, stronger mercenaries who perpetually let the side down.

Point 9: The Europa curse is overstated and overdone, but again it's something everyone feels the need to highlight. Hardly drivel.

Point 10: I completely agree. I thought Tim was a bit out of line when he aired his grievances about the squad - players like Verts, Dembele etc who had looked so good under AVB. Turns out he was the canary in the coal mine. They are an utter disgrace.

So all in all, I thought it was a pretty good article. A fair summary of the main features of the season this far and the challenges that face us.

But that's just my two cents.

Read through it and point out any statistical facts about the things you mentioned. I think you will be hard pressed. It is an opinion heavy article that contradicts its self and offers nothing new and serves to beat an agenda against both the chairman and the manager.

Point 1: The signings we made although not revolutionary have added depth to places in the squad (it is a squad game now) and covered area's we were weak in last season. I saw that window as building a base and hopefully future windows will add class players in place of those that aren't up to much.

1.) Friedel (43) taking a back seat for Vorm. Great business and if injured a good replacement for Lloris and one of the best reserve keepers in the league.
2.)Davies - I think he was brought in to replace Rose, but Rose has upped his game and is keeping him out of the team. I think he will be an improvement on Rose when the time is right but we badly needed competition in the LB position.
3) Dier - Played most of the season at RB and did a good job until the Newcastle game. Showed in preseason to be a good CB and now Naughton is fit I wouldn't be surprised to see him getting more games in CB and us letting Chiriches go who has proved a liability and thankfully not got much game time. - Great signing for the next five years as well as now, also not injury prone.
4)Fazio - I thought he would get more game time and replace Kaboul but this hasn't happened for what ever reason. He does look fairly solid when he plays and shows a nice pass and touch for a big man. Would like to see him paired with Vertonghen more and hopefully we will soon.
5)Stambouli - This is a strange one so far. ITK says he is a Poch signing and a lot of people have commented on his fitness in his cameos so far. Hasnt had a preseason with us and only joined 2 months ago. I think we will see him more in the new year and I think he looks a great player for the poch system time will tell but he replaced a massively injury prone ex hero of ours and will be available more than he isn't.

I can't remember if we signed anyone else but I was happy with the window and we have built a good squad and have more players we could get rid of with out challenging either the cup or league first 11.

Point 2: Maybe Lloris could of been captain but not ideal to have a keeper in that position. Who knows what Lloris is like behind the scenes he might be quiet he might even be leaving at the end of the year so not as clear cut as he made out.

Point 3: Injuries - early days but he forgets to mention Naughton, Mason, Betaleb and Soldado have both missed games through injury this year and its early in the season, post christmas we will know more.

Point 4: Opportunity to mention Kane not starting and talk about favourites. The back four who only 2 have been fairly regular and undropped. Kaboul and Rose. Vertonghen has been in and out and so has Naughton and Dier. Dembele has been replace by Mason and at the start of the season before injury Bentaleb was getting a lot of games. Ade has played a lot but we haven't got great alternatives.

Point 5: He doesnt even make a point or use statistics to compare us to southampton or show what we have been doing. Waste of words.

Point 6: We've played deep in one game and he uses this as an example to show how poch has different tactics. Maybe talking about the constant switch to 442 and different cup formations could of been better.

Point 7: You could say he hasnt started in the league but he would be replacing one of two big name players. It would be better to say he has been a constant in the cup games and gradually increased his performance to the point where he is knocking on the league door. Good management in my opinion.

Point 8: Mason being brought in is great by the manager but where is analysis to show why it has proved good?

Point 9: Most teams are crap after Europe, not everyone has played but most travel and dont have the extra rest day in the week due to being at the stadium till after 10pm 2 or 3 days before match day.

Point 10: Chance to have a pop at Sherwood and once again no facts. We have replaced some average players with better options as evidenced above all could go on to be first team signings. When we built bulls cross we werent doing it to dodge taxes. This is a plan from the top and is starting to pay off...

 

[Barry Mead]

I guess it means that on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday you are preparing or travelling for a completely different match rather than the EPL one on the weekend. So I imagine the "Second XI" have to train in primacy and the "First XI" take a back seat, if only for a couple of days.

That has to interrupt your preparation for the weekend. It's like having to sit two exams in a week, rather than just one. You may really care about the second one, but you still have to get through the first one.

Well I'm not sure why, training sessions generally are not all day and it's not as if we don't have multiple pitches, lots of other facilities and a number of coaches.
There's no logical reason both sets of players cant train. OK some players may overlap but there's surely enough time available for all players needed to join in specific focussed match sessions .
I think long journey travel can hit energy levels even if you aren't playing and there are a few teams that need a long journey, but mostly they are pretty short hop European locations from which a good nights sleep should recover any tiredness
I'm still confused by our generally poor form in the PL post Europa matches