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Manager Mauricio Pochettino

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I’m not criticizing Poch, there’s no one else in the world I’d rather have. And I’m not saying the late subs are a problem that’s holding us back - what I’d really like is to better understand it.

I’d hypothesize that we’ve made far fewer subs than the average PL club. I’d also hypothesize that our average 1st/2nd subs appearance is probably somewhere around 8 minutes later than the average, probably across the board even if you parsed our specific scenario (i.e. trailing by one goal away). I’d say that the trend is strong enough that it likely discounts any idea that Poch gets caught out without having plans A-Z prepared and players sufficiently warmed up for those.

It’s seems likely to be something ingrained into his coaching ethos, the late sub. I haven’t read his book, not done a deep dive for Poch comments on coaching strategy, but if there’s anyone that could shed light on that I’d love to understand it. It’s fascinating because to me it does seem like a specific ideal that runs somewhat against popular conception.

I have read the book. One comment that springs to mind is the faith Poch puts in his XI players and his coaching strategy. Any sub will disrupt the team/shape so I guess it's not something he eagerly looks to do.
 
The point is that if the opponent changes the game unpredictably; i.e. makes a change to the formation or lineup that hasn't been already considered when the coaching staff have been analyzing the opponents previous games. There is a minimum amount of time required to make adjustments for that in game.

Poch has done it himself a few times in a bid to gain an advantage tactically. Lining up to beat Woolwich on the break in his first or second season comes to mind, when everyone was talking about our "high press", or moving Eriksen to the centre pair - and some not so successful - playing Son at left back against Chelsea.

He certainly has room to improve till he gets to Pep's level of reading the game and changing it to get the win.

Poch certainly looks to play in a particular style, an attack-orientated pressing game which most of the time is successful. I think he can be a bit slow to change that, and only seems to do this infrequently. When Poch has changed the team's shape we've had mixed results but I'd like to see a slightly more proactive approach when faced with opposition manager's tactical changes. It's IMHO one of the few weaknesses in our coaching at the moment - squad morale, for instance, seems very good.
 
I have read the book. One comment that springs to mind is the faith Poch puts in his XI players and his coaching strategy. Any sub will disrupt the team/shape so I guess it's not something he eagerly looks to do.

yes it also sounds like they focus on 1-2 strategies before the game, moving away from this is likely to cause confusion and gaps...

The good thing about our drills is how well the players know the system

However

The problem with the drill is the players inability to move away from the system

In games like this I feel it's going to come down to an individual piece of brilliance, often this has been Kane, CE, or Sonny... tonight they didn't perform. Would help to have a few more game changers but they cost cash.

Dembele is frustrating me, however brilliant he is, it's a worry when a commentator makes a gag about not worrying about him shooting... he's predictable, ball along the floor and never shoots. He has the ability to win the game single handed by dribbling through a defence, why is he not pushing on and taking more shots?
 
Personally, I think he’s taken the club as far as it can go under him - he’s not a winner, and that’s what this squad needs now; the talent is there, but the tactics are not.

I know he’s seen as a Saint amongst fans, but the reality is he’s been more Keegan than Clough.

Happy to put this out there for posterity - results and performances have not been the best over the past two or three weeks, but I'm backing the current leadership team 100%.
 
In Poch I trust.
I am excited about him leading us into our new stadium.

And the Europa League/back into obscurity?

Him taking the club to 3rd/2nd place finishes was facilitated primary by the Manc clubs hibernating - even in those two seasons, Pochettino had a better squad than those who finished above him.

The shambolic tactical approach against City in both games this season, and the awful game management vs Juve underlined how one-dimensional he is as a coach; the club and this squad deserves better.
 
Look what Simeone has done with Atleti up again two genuine European superpowers in Spain and in Europe - he’d create a dynasty here.

Even with the current squad, it’d be perfect for his 4-2-2-2/4-4-2 - Wanyama and Winks central, Dele and Eriksen either side/ahead. with Son and Kane up front. He’d do away with that moronic high line too.
 
Coming to crunch time in the season.....last two games I don’t think Poch has been bold enough.

For us to turn that corner we need him to become that manager who can turn these games into something that doesn’t depend on a bit of luck or a last minute penalty etc.

So far he has struggled to do that. Sounds odd considering his great management but it is a weakness.
There are times we need to do something drastic.

Llorente 85th minute or like for like among the AMs is not that.
 
And the Europa League/back into obscurity?

Him taking the club to 3rd/2nd place finishes was facilitated primary by the Manc clubs hibernating - even in those two seasons, Pochettino had a better squad than those who finished above him.

The shambolic tactical approach against City in both games this season, and the awful game management vs Juve underlined how one-dimensional he is as a coach; the club and this squad deserves better.

Fuck off with shite, Gooner.
 
Fuck off with shite, Gooner.

How is wanting the club to make the next step and win the trophies that the squad and general project deserve indicative of a Gooner? They would love seeing Pochettino being the nearly man for the next 5 years.

This club is a great coach away from a successful dynasty.

The team above us are going to be even stronger next season, while we’ll likely be weaker if we sell Alderweireld - Pochettino has had 3 years of having the best first 11 in the league and has won fuck all; it’s not going to get any better under him.
 
or what? We disappear? Cease to exist?

OR THIS!

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How is wanting the club to make the next step and win the trophies that the squad and general project deserve indicative of a Gooner? They would love seeing Pochettino being the nearly man for the next 5 years.

This club is a great coach away from a successful dynasty.

The team above us are going to be even stronger next season, while we’ll likely be weaker if we sell Alderweireld - Pochettino has had 3 years of having the best first 11 in the league and has won fuck all; it’s not going to get any better under him.

I remember when Jol wasn't good enough so we got Ramos in.

I'm happy being a "nearly" team TBH, its better than being a "nearly relegated" team.
 
How is wanting the club to make the next step and win the trophies that the squad and general project deserve indicative of a Gooner? They would love seeing Pochettino being the nearly man for the next 5 years.

This club is a great coach away from a successful dynasty.

The team above us are going to be even stronger next season, while we’ll likely be weaker if we sell Alderweireld - Pochettino has had 3 years of having the best first 11 in the league and has won fuck all; it’s not going to get any better under him.

We can always go backwards. In Poch we trust.
 
And the Europa League/back into obscurity?

Him taking the club to 3rd/2nd place finishes was facilitated primary by the Manc clubs hibernating - even in those two seasons, Pochettino had a better squad than those who finished above him.

The shambolic tactical approach against City in both games this season, and the awful game management vs Juve underlined how one-dimensional he is as a coach; the club and this squad deserves better.
HE'S MAGIC, YOU KNOOWWWWW, MAURICIO POCHETTINOOOOOO
 
And the Europa League/back into obscurity?

Him taking the club to 3rd/2nd place finishes was facilitated primary by the Manc clubs hibernating - even in those two seasons, Pochettino had a better squad than those who finished above him.

The shambolic tactical approach against City in both games this season, and the awful game management vs Juve underlined how one-dimensional he is as a coach; the club and this squad deserves better.
utter nonsense.
you've selected a handful of games to fit in with your thin argument. Bad management of the juve game?- we had 20 minutes of shitness over the 180 and were punished by an excellent, seasoned team. We lost 2 times againt City who have been unplayable for most of the season. Only Liverpool have their number and remember they've spent heavily to get there. (sala, firmono and mane cost about 100 mill)
You neglect how Poch has turned our players and team into one of the best, that we've maintained our form despite playing 38 away league games.
I don't why I'm typing this you're a cunt.
 
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