- Aug 31, 2012
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Not anymore its not, it has been in decline for a few years now. Feyenoord & PSV (and possibly some other dutch clubs) have better academies now.I just don't view it as simply as that. You have to look at the context in each case. Southampton are never going to win titles unless someone buys them in similar fashion to that of Man City. That's the simple truth of it. However, despite having a good sqaud, Pochettino has managed them to a very respectable finishing position whilst playing very good football.
Its his potential that excites me and its easy to see why he's being heavily linked with us. Its only a matter of time before he gets a bigger job, if he doesn't with us, I'm sure he will with someone else soon enough.
FDB has obviously done very well with Ajax but the reality is he's at a Club that is exceptionally well placed to win things - domestically anyway. Yes he's lost some of his best players, but their academy is superb and their rivals lose players to.
I'm not knocking it by the way, it does deserve praise for sure, no question, but when weighing all this up you need to apply perspective. Pochettino's experience and proven coaching ability in this League should certainly be high up in Levy's thinking. The fact that he made such a quick and impressive impact with Southampton must appeal as well, not to mention if he can apply the same here with a superior group of players.
I can see why FDB is an exciting candidate for most people, but just because he's won things with Ajax doesn't mean he's going to slot seemingly into way of life in this League. Pochettino isn't guaranteed it either in terms of us, but he's less of a risk in terms of a slow adapting period IMO.
FDB has actually been tasked in improving it but it will take a few years for his work to come into fruition.