Article by Steve CarringtonClick here to follow e-Spurs on Twitter!
I previously wrote here that I won't be getting carried away this season with yet another new era, and I remain resolute.
Perhaps, that is why I am pleased with the uncharacteristically minimal transfer activity and why I am surprised with the amount of negative reaction out there from the Spurs faithful on the matter.
It’s true that Chelsea, Arsenal and both Manchester clubs, have all added to their ranks with significant purchases, while Liverpool have lost their talisman and are adding several players to compensate. All will be stronger than last year.
Still, after last summer’s supermarket sweep, I remain happy with the relative quiet. The more measured approach. I have the impression that Pochettino really is a man with a plan, that he is taking his time to get to know the current players, assess them as individuals and how he sees them contributing. No knee-jerk reactions, no reliance of past successes via the mass purchasing of Saints players (despite the speculation).
So, for all the rumours, could it be that the lack of activity really is by design?
MAXIMIZING PLAYER POTENTIAL
Plenty has been written about Pochettino’s ability to improve players. Let’s be rational, despite last season’s evidence, last summer’s purchases are genuine quality. Circumstances contributed to most under-achieving, but all have pedigree and proven success prior to arriving en masse at the Lane last summer.
Therefore, I am sure his remit includes coaching the value out of the players already on the wage bill. The man himself has indicated as much. Earlier this week on ESPN he stated that new signings are not his main priority and backed that up later, as reported in London 24, saying, “We are very pleased with our squad. The club made a big investment last season and we have an unbelievable squad.”
I am particularly intrigued with Etienne Capoue. Seemingly under-rated and overlooked after a really strong start last season before an ankle injury put his progress on hold. I am a big fan, he is a true athlete. His fitness levels are, if the rumours are true, the highest ever recorded at the club. He is mobile and can pick a pass (84% accuracy since joining us). Given the first glimpses in Seattle of the famed high pressing style, I can really see him flourishing.
As for Lamela, I am certain that Pochettino’s shared nationality with our ill-at-ease record signing is not merely a coincidence in the hiring decision, as Mr. Levy looks to get some return on that particular investment. Lamela himself has a new lease of life telling Sky sports this week that, "I have recovered from my injuries, we have a new manager and I cannot wait to play, I am confident you will see a much better me this season."
PLAYER MOTIVATION & COMMITMENT
I suspect that another big factor in Mr. Levy’s choice was Pochettino’s burgeoning reputation for man management and player loyalty, especially after a series of public fallouts between various senior players and the previous two managers.
He was excellent at Southampton at getting players to buy into his philosophy. You don't get that kind of commitment without a clear vision and decisive strategies by which to execute it. With Lloris signing a new 5 year deal, citing the new regime's plans as a big factor in that decision, the signs are encouraging that he is already convincing our players to line up behind him. Jermain Defoe, talking ahead of the Toronto game, claims to have been impressed with what he has heard from the spurs players. “Speaking to the lads, they love him [Pochettino] already.”
What impact might that have on players like Vertonghen, Adebayor, Paulinho? All incredibly gifted, yet at times undermined by disenchantment during the last campaign.
THE QUALITY FEW
What is also clear is that he has identified one or two areas to improve. As the man himself put it this week “We always need to improve and it is possible we will add some players, but there will not be many changes.”
He gets no big credit in identifying the need for a left sided full back. Though the capture of talented Ben Davies represents a more methodical, altogether shrewder approach to transfer policy, particularly as he is young, quick and possesses excellent delivery. These are attributes that fit well with the overall strategy Pochettino is building a reputation for.
I, for one, hope things remain relatively quiet.
© e-Spurs 2014 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Spurs
I agree with 90% of what you have said but the relative quiet should be broken when it comes to a centre back or two and maybe a striker.
ReplyDelete