Mauricio Pochettino has done a great job as manager of the Tottenham Spurs. But challenges loom–protecting players from transfer, getting transfer players, and moving to Wembley.
Courtesy: IBTimesUK
In 2014 Mauricio Pochettino was hired by the Tottenham HotSpurs following the sacking of Tim Sherwood. He was given the task of guiding the Spurs into the lucrative European Champions League.
The Argentine made it clear at his press conference that he would be competing for major honours: “We are determined to give supporters the kind of attacking football and success that we are all looking to achieve.”
Fans were excited.
And Pochettino’s hire has turned out to be a stroke of genius. He has delivered on his promise to instill an attacking form of football and a defensive orientation has brought confidence to the team.
The ability of fullbacks to attack with high intensity is magnificent and has contributed to demolishing teams that visit White Hart Lane. The midfield solidity and the intelligence to open up teams are sublime.
What really impresses me about Pochettino is how he is able to transform fringe players into to top-quality players.
Put simply, Pochettino is an exceptional manager. His tactical flexibility gives him options to break down difficult teams that sit back and defend.
Spurs Chairman, Daniel Levy, has been very supportive since Pochettino’s arrival. The Chairman has done especially well in the area of transfer business. Levy gives his manager the financial backing to bring in players that fit his philosophy. He also makes sure that players in Pochettino’s long-term plan are given what they deserve to keep them with the club.
The full backing of the club has given this former Southampton coach the confidence to carry out his job effectively.
The big question now is this: Are Spurs ready to win the Premier League title?
Courtesy: The Sun
I think the answer is yes, but there are challenges. One challenge is whether the Spurs can retain their best players. Big clubs will make mouth-watering offers to test the Spur’s resolve. And it remains to be seen what will happen when that time comes.
The Spurs have faced this challenge before. When Real Madrid indicated an interest in Luka Modric and Gareth Bale the Spurs insisted those players were not for sale. But the duo eventually left because Madrid’s offers were just too tempting. The same thing happened when Manchester United bought Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick.
While we don’t know what will happen this time, one thing is for sure: next season will be a tough test for Pochettino’s side. The Spurs’ position in the league table has guaranteed them Champions League football next year.
I believe Spurs can cope with the pressure of playing in Europe while playing domestic competitions–as long as they meet a second challenge–getting reinforcements during the next transfer window. Bringing in new players would provide a strong bench and multiple options when injuries and fatigue set in.
Rendition of Tottenham’s new stadium (courtesy BBC)
And there’s yet a third challenge to address. While their new stadium is under construction, the Spurs have confirmed they’re going to play home games at Wembley Stadium next season. Can the Spurs adapt quickly to that move? The Spurs have struggled there in the past, and those struggles contributed to their elimination in the group stage of the competition.
If the team is able to retain current players, get new players, and adapt to Wembley, then look for Tottenham to be a force next year.
