- Jul 22, 2008
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And maybe I've just got me beer goggles on but I luv 'im and think we're gonna be ferocious next season.
I'd just be happy to see us make slow and steady progress. Not expecting miracles, regardless of who comes in.
Oh, not the 'fans'.
The same fans that grumbled before Villas Boas had even sat down?
The same fans that couldn't understand why Redknapp went?
There's a fair few of these type of 'fans' about (I know you're not one of them) and to be honest if they can't see the bigger picture of the intention of appointing Poch would be, then fuck 'em. IT MIGHT NOT WORK. Poch may fail. Sure: but as it stands, he's a pretty logical appointment & hopefully will not be arrogant like Villas Boas or arrogant like Sherwood and fall out with players like Villas Boas or fall out with players like Sherwood. That's all we need: a tactically aware coach without a chip on his shoulder. Poch and FDB stand pretty equal on that IMO.
And the players? Well they can train hard & play hard and hopefully enjoy whomever is in charge of them whilst enjoying their already very comfortable and successful lives. One or two may go. Very few enhanced their reputations last season so very few may get that dream move and will have to knuckle down. So it goes...
We're not doomed. Far from it.
Oh I know there's plenty of fans that will jump on any tiny mistakes of whoever comes in, but that's part of my reasoning for being worried about Pochettino. Of all the names we've been linked with, he's the one I can see a lot of fans turning against quickly. De Boer would have the excuse of having to adapt to a new league. Benitez would have his impressive record to persuade fans that he's worth sticking with for a little while.
And Pochettino? He's already had 18 months to get used to the Prem. People will look at Southampton's lack of points from losing positions, and the amount of points lost from winning positions, and if things aren't working out I can see a lot of fans feeling that he's unable to handle a squad at a higher level, in a league he's familiar with.
As for the players...don't tell me most of our squad would have been watching or caring about Southampton. Benitez and De Boer are simply bigger names...ones that would massage their egos and make it easier to believe they're playing for a big club with real ambition. If things turn ugly in the dressing room who would you rather have at the helm, a manager who has worked with huge egos at clubs like Chelsea, Inter, Liverpool....a manager who has been in charge of the dominant force in Holland, where he's consistently instilled a winning attitude...or a manager who's biggest success has been to take potential relegation candidates to mid-table?
Not to mention the issue of attracting players to the club. Like it or not, reputation plays a big part in the psychology of fans and players alike, and Pochettino is still establishing his rep.