Why Project Poch is in need of a reboot
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has branded his new project at Spurs as a software update – Tottenham 6.0.
It is supposed to be a nod towards the Argentine’s sixth season in charge.
But, like all of us, he knows there are always issues with new technology – and gremlins appear to be affecting the system in north London.
Starting with the man in charge, right through to the players, there seems to be confusion.
Of course, some of it has been fuelled by Pochettino himself.
It was, after all, the 47-year-old who suggested he would walk out of the club had the Champions League ended up in N17.
He claimed as justification that there wouldn’t be a better way to top that achievement.
He’s probably right. Going out on a high would have confirmed his legendary status for all eternity.
Manchester United remain admirers. Real Madrid have made their interest known. Finding another upgrade – Bernabeu 1.0 for instance – is not going to be a problem for the likeable South American.
Yet the defeat by Liverpool just over three months ago is looking for all the world like a high watermark.
It’s strange to be writing those words, just one fortnight after a creditable draw at Manchester City.
And it’s not a knee-jerk reaction to Newcastle’s smash ‘ n’ grab win at Tottenham, with the home side’s 80 per cent of possession counting for nothing.
But how can Pochettino replicate or improve upon the excitement of a new stadium and last term’s breathless charge to Madrid?
He’s got one or two bugs that are gnawing away inside the club – such as Christian Eriksen’s future – and even if there is a temporary fix when the transfer window shuts, the issue is likely to return in a few months’ time.
Toby Alderweireld’s loss will be felt too at some stage – the hole left by the Belgian’s exit will be a big one when his contract eventually winds down.
And several players – such as Dele Alli for one – have come off the boil.
Kieran Trippier’s exit to Atletico Madrid was a surprise.
But seeing as how Diego Simeone has based his entire managerial philosophy on a defence that is tighter than a drum, perhaps he feels that the England international can be licked into shape.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, the mortar that held together the brickwork is slowly being eroded... and we haven’t even started to discuss Harry Kane’s future at White Hart Lane yet.
It was England’s skipper who delivered the half-time team-talk that ended with that stunning comeback in Amsterdam.
He has continually talked about wanting to win a trophy for the club. And despite plenty of near misses and bagfuls of goals, he still has not won a medal to show his grandkids and with which to bore them rigid about the glory, glory days.
How long will Kane maintain his mojo?
How long can he keep banging in an average of 25 goals per season as he has done, incidentally, since Pochettino has been in charge? When does he turn around and say: ‘ Enough of this – I need guaranteed silverware’ and rushes off to Spain, Italy – or Manchester City – to win some.
Victory over Arsenal today will go a long way towards restoring the faith – but is it just papering over widening cracks?
Let’s be honest, no one expects Spurs to finish ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool this season, do they?
Under Pochettino, the club has sailed along serenely for five years.
There now appears to be choppier waters ahead.
Constant speculation about the manager, predators circling the best players, indifferent form of others and time running out for the star striker to win a trophy.
It’s all pointing towards a serious reboot – or serious booting out – and the outcome of today’s fixture might well give us a hint which way this one is ultimately heading.