Another way of looking at it is PPG
1.45 for the last 11 games
2.54 for the 11 games preceding that
That's is a complete drop off of form over almost 1/3 of a season
As you say, the next season, it didn't happen. This was when players hit peak fitness levels and could sustain it the whole way.
Whoever employs Poch is going to need to understand it will take 2 or 3 years to get a squad that can play his way.
AND - in order to sustain it, he may need to get rid of older/less fit players whether they're big names or not. The system works because of fitness and effort.
I think Leeds saw that exact same pattern. Took a couple of years to get good enough to come up, then they stayed up with good performances, but then that squad became unable to carry on.
I loved the prime Poch years, anyone who didn't must have real social and mental issues. But I think he achieved all he could with us. He was never going to be able to keep refreshing the squad to keep all the players in peak condition. Levy or not - the fans would have been in uproar if we sold any star names for younger fitted players to carry on the system. And on top of that, we would likely have always been on the cusp as we'd always have younger less experienced players.
1.45 for the last 11 games
2.54 for the 11 games preceding that
That's is a complete drop off of form over almost 1/3 of a season
As you say, the next season, it didn't happen. This was when players hit peak fitness levels and could sustain it the whole way.
Whoever employs Poch is going to need to understand it will take 2 or 3 years to get a squad that can play his way.
AND - in order to sustain it, he may need to get rid of older/less fit players whether they're big names or not. The system works because of fitness and effort.
I think Leeds saw that exact same pattern. Took a couple of years to get good enough to come up, then they stayed up with good performances, but then that squad became unable to carry on.
I loved the prime Poch years, anyone who didn't must have real social and mental issues. But I think he achieved all he could with us. He was never going to be able to keep refreshing the squad to keep all the players in peak condition. Levy or not - the fans would have been in uproar if we sold any star names for younger fitted players to carry on the system. And on top of that, we would likely have always been on the cusp as we'd always have younger less experienced players.