Article by Steve CarringtonClick here to follow e-Spurs on Twitter for the latest news and updates!
Mauricio Pochettino told Sky Sports last week that he's content with the balance of the squad going into his first campaign as head of the newest new regime.
I have written previously on the breath of fresh air that comes with his more measured approach and this was clearly evident during his interview. Importantly he articulated, in excellent English by the way, that “Ben Davies, Michael Vorm and Eric Dier give balance to the squad.”
He has quickly isolated and addressed the key issue of the last campaign; that of squad balance. After the summer of unbalancing prior to last season, as I have mentioned before, I am pleased that we have been relatively quiet and certainly more strategic in our recruitment this time round.
“I am very happy with the squad but you always want to improve,” he informed Sky Sports News. This statement itself is nicely balanced. Demonstrating on the one hand the belief he has in the squad while on the other hinting that there is no room for complacency, acknowledging that “We [him and his staff] are ambitious and we put a lot of pressure on the players.”
Belief in the current players
He is backing himself to get the best out of the squad inherited. He has form in this respect from his days at Southampton, of course. Day by day this is showing the players, so short of confidence at times last season, that he has faith in them and that they are sufficiently talented and adaptable to fulfil his lofty ambitions. He told Sky Sports news in the same interview, “They believe in us and I believe in them. Tottenham is a big club and why can we not compete for the top four when we arrive at the end of the season? And, one day, to win the league, why not?”
This positivity is infectious. Coupled with his public praise and lack of knee-jerk transfer activity, this confidence will rub off on the players.
A clear illustration of this otherworldly man management (at least in recent Tottenham history) comes via the much maligned Danny Rose. Still only 24, he must have believed his days were numbered, with the arrival of 21 year old Ben Davies. Instead the offer, and subsequent signing, of a new five-year deal must be a huge boost. Danny’s athletic ability (pace and strength) have never been the question. Fan’s frustration has been based on his positional sense defensively and the quality of his delivery from wide areas. These are areas that can be coached and developed. This vote of confidence should lead to a new-found belief, the competition for places will keep him ‘on his toes’ and the right coaching could transform him. This mix should see him fulfilling his potential.
This simple formula of overcoming a confidence issue with demonstrable belief appears to be paying dividends with the return to action and form of Erik Lamela. Pochettino explained to fans in the Guardian last week, stating that “It [the Premier League] is the most difficult league to play – the style, the language, but now, after one year at Tottenham, we believe that Erik is ready to show his quality.” This public support and the more flexible role allowing Lamela to express himself and influence the game more, evident across our preseason games so far, are testament to the belief show the player. Given his obvious talent, Lamela should excel this season.
Avoiding complacency
Rumours continue unabated with a plethora of potential signings. Depending on how believable they are, this refers to the ‘but you always want to improve’ part of the sky sports interview. I wrote previously about my personal belief in the need to strengthen our defence, and the link with Mateo Musacchio from Villarreal remains, despite hold-ups over sell on clause with River Plate, the club that sold him to Villareal.
Another that refuses to die is the Morgan Schneiderlin saga, with the player apparently making things difficult in an attempt to force a move away. "We spoke to Morgan this morning and the situation is difficult because the player makes it difficult," Koeman was quoted as saying in the International Business times.
One that is more far-fetched, but has gathered pace over the last days is the alleged pursuit of Memphis Depay from PSV. Even though Nacer Chadli is not willing to be part of the deal, the latest is that Depay is still wanted, with a less complicated £15million straight cash deal being rumoured.
Additionally, Pochettino revealed to the Telegraph that he wanted a squad of “no more than 25” going into the new season. This would suggest the need for more than a few names to be moved on. According to Talksport, when quizzed about possible outgoings at White Hart Lane, Pochettino insisted he was still assessing his players. “At the moment we are starting to analyse every player. It’s a lot different seeing a player from the outside and getting a feeling for the player [in training].
He added “It’s important to get a feel for them and then take a decision.” Several candidates spring to mind for all of us I’m sure. For now, all the squad will be putting in 110%. For now I revel in the balance, in all aspects, that Pochettino is bringing to Spurs.
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Nicely balanced article. Unfortunately the performances in friendlies this pre season are nicely balanced by last years performances.
ReplyDeleteHe will have to wield the axe at some point, lets see how well balanced he is then! COYS
ReplyDeleteA side can only be balanced side when we have a settled back 4 who know each others strengths and weaknesses. Can anyone remember when we fielded the same back 4 for more than 3 games on the trot. There's a saying that forwards win you games but defences win you leagues. This was very apparent last season when we played the other top 4 teams I think we only got 1 point and that was against Chelsea. Just think, 2 wins against any of them would have put us in the Champs league.coys
ReplyDelete