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How Pochettino’s Tactical Prowess Has Transformed Spurs

4 min read
by Editor
At the age of just 45, Mauricio Pochettino is already one of world football’s most sought-after managers. He has taken Tottenham Hotspur to the next level since arriving in 2014 – their form between 2015 and 2017 is unrivalled in the Premier League and, despite not having a trophy to show for it, his reign […]

At the age of just 45, Mauricio Pochettino is already one of world football’s most sought-after managers. He has taken Tottenham Hotspur to the next level since arriving in 2014 – their form between 2015 and 2017 is unrivalled in the Premier League and, despite not having a trophy to show for it, his reign in North London up to now has been an undoubted success.

His first managerial role, at his beloved Espanyol, saw the Argentine save the Spanish outfit from relegation in his inaugural season, and he would go on to have two similarly successful years thereafter. Despite this, it was his time at Southampton – his first job in the Premier League – that really turned heads. After only one full season he led the Saints to an eighth-place finish, a feat they achieved by playing some exquisite football, and Spurs did not require any more encouragement to make the young Argentine their head coach.

Since doing so, Pochettino’s ethos and tactical approach have made Tottenham an excellent team. What makes this all the more remarkable is that, in comparison to their immediate rivals; Arsenal, the two Manchester clubs, and Chelsea, their net spend each year is rather low. Pochettino has managed to fully implement his style of management in two years, without breaking the bank, and whilst promoting young players to the first team. His tactical prowess has transformed Spurs into title challengers, but how?

Formations and Flexibility

Pochettino, throughout his managerial career thus far, has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation, and this was no different upon his arrival at Spurs. Playing with a fluid front four, the Argentine likes to employ two holding midfielders in front of the defence, although one is usually given a slightly more advanced role. His full-backs provide the width in the team, and this enables the three attacking midfield players to come inside, make incisive runs, pick passes, and create chances.

In the current Premier League season, the Spurs boss has utilised a different formation at times. Rising to prominence in England due to Antonio Conte’s use of it at Chelsea, the 3-4-2-1 setup certainly suits Tottenham’s style and personnel, and Pochettino recognised this. It gives his full backs even more of a license to get forward, and the versatility of Eric Dier in particular means that he can operate as the third centre back without difficulty. This season the Argentine has frequently alternated between the two formations, and this certainly highlights Spurs’ flexibility under Pochettino.

Movement and Fluidity: Spurs in possession

As already mentioned, when Spurs have the ball Pochettino favours fluidity and movement over structural rigidity. His front four – the three attacking midfielders and the central striker – have his blessing to roam the final third of the pitch in search of space and opportunities. They often find themselves infield, as opposed to hugging the touchline, which leaves space for the full backs to overlap and offer width.

The Argentine has his team passing forward, playing progressively, and constantly moving across the opposition’s defensive line. This not only drags defenders out of position, creating gaps to exploit, but also tires the opponents out, enabling Spurs to dominate in the latter stages of the contest. We have seen Pochettino’s fluid front four reap rewards on many occasions this season – just think how many times you have seen Heung-Min Son, or Dele Alli especially, getting beyond Harry Kane and scoring from what is typically a centre forward’s position. This makes Spurs very difficult to deal with and in Betsafe’s latest predictions, Paul Dickov and Peter McNally tip Tottenham to officially end Man United’s chances of a top four finish.

Stamina and Pressure: Spurs out of possession

It is evident that Pochettino has changed the way that Tottenham attack, but Spurs were already quite a capable side going forward before he took charge. It’s defensively that the Argentine has truly transformed this Spurs side, and he has done so by religiously implementing his high-pressing mantra. Long gone are the days of passive defensive displays at Tottenham – now, as soon possession is overturned, they press.

The Argentine expects his team to have more stamina, athleticism, and desire than the opposition, and this is what his high-pressure ethos is built around. The whole XI is responsible for winning the ball back; even Harry Kane, who brings so much to the team offensively, plays his part, and rightly so. This system only needs one player to abandon their duty for the press to be beaten.

As well as vastly improving Tottenham’s defensive capabilities, this method also makes them a more potent force going forward. Pressing high enables Spurs to win the ball back in advanced positions, which is especially dangerous given that the opposition will still be in their offensive shape.

Dynamism and Youth: Spurs bridging the gap

It is worth mentioning, and subsequently applauding, the way in which Pochettino has catapulted Spurs into the top four with the sixth-highest wage bill in the Premier League. As he has done throughout his time in management, the Argentine has kept a watchful eye on the Tottenham youth ranks and does not hesitate to give a first-team opportunity to a budding talent.

Pochettino’s ability to nurture young players has enabled Spurs to bridge the gap between themselves and England’s big-spending clubs. What’s more, they have achieved this whilst playing a fluid and energetic brand of football, all under the tactical instruction of their talented young manager.

 

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