I’ve always thought the idea that managers can be ‘finished’ in the same ways players are to be stupid. Jose is a top manager, wherever he goes. Sure, he has some quirks that mean he probably isn’t going to last long at most places but I doubt he’s lost much of what made him great in the first place. The knowledge is always there - and if anything people like him can become more savvy as they get older.
I still think in the one off match he’s the best manager in the world. I don’t know if he’ll be a success at Spurs but what you say on Sunday and what you describe in the OP is textbook game management from Jose.
comment by Robb Pochettino (U22311)
posted 3 minutes ago
I’ve always thought the idea that managers can be ‘finished’ in the same ways players are to be stupid. Jose is a top manager, wherever he goes. Sure, he has some quirks that mean he probably isn’t going to last long at most places but I doubt he’s lost much of what made him great in the first place. The knowledge is always there - and if anything people like him can become more savvy as they get older.
I still think in the one off match he’s the best manager in the world. I don’t know if he’ll be a success at Spurs but what you say on Sunday and what you describe in the OP is textbook game management from Jose.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You do wonder whether their methods are still valid at times. Fergie's hair-drier treatment of players was legendary but do that now and players sulk and get their agents to find a new club. Jose is a bit old skool and his criticism of Utd players didnt always seem to have the right affect, but you know it comes from the right place. Pogba is the perfect example. Wanted him to work harder and showboat less and he didnt, and there was a huge fall out, but the fans are still demanding this of Pogba now. SO Jose was right but did he deal with it correctly????
I think You are finished if you can no longer relate with the players, to get the best out of them. Knowledge, tactics and these skill sets stick with you.
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Robb Pochettino (U22311)
posted 3 minutes ago
I’ve always thought the idea that managers can be ‘finished’ in the same ways players are to be stupid. Jose is a top manager, wherever he goes. Sure, he has some quirks that mean he probably isn’t going to last long at most places but I doubt he’s lost much of what made him great in the first place. The knowledge is always there - and if anything people like him can become more savvy as they get older.
I still think in the one off match he’s the best manager in the world. I don’t know if he’ll be a success at Spurs but what you say on Sunday and what you describe in the OP is textbook game management from Jose.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You do wonder whether their methods are still valid at times. Fergie's hair-drier treatment of players was legendary but do that now and players sulk and get their agents to find a new club. Jose is a bit old skool and his criticism of Utd players didnt always seem to have the right affect, but you know it comes from the right place. Pogba is the perfect example. Wanted him to work harder and showboat less and he didnt, and there was a huge fall out, but the fans are still demanding this of Pogba now. SO Jose was right but did he deal with it correctly????
I think You are finished if you can no longer relate with the players, to get the best out of them. Knowledge, tactics and these skill sets stick with you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The same with Shaw. He became exasperated with him and guess what? Post Jose, Shaw is still an issue as you we saw on Sunday.
Look at Ndombele. The guy is beginning to respond well and perhaps Jose’s tough love still has a place in today’s game. Jose had a year off after the United job and I genuinely think it’s done him good. Spurs is a great place for him to be now as the expectations are a bit more tempered and I think both club and manager are at the same juncture right now. Both have something to prove and can help each other get to where they need to be.
Still not sure how to judge the weekends results Spurs like against southampton second half, look great on the break and going forward.
Having said that, I don't think i've ever seen a worse 20 minutes from a top side in my whole life watching football.
After going 1 nil up utd were abysmal, never seen anything like it.
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 3 minutes ago
Still not sure how to judge the weekends resultsSpurs like against southampton second half, look great on the break and going forward.
Having said that, I don't think i've ever seen a worse 20 minutes from a top side in my whole life watching football.
After going 1 nil up utd were abysmal, never seen anything like it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The defending for the Spurs equaliser should never be shown again without being accompanied with Benny Hill music.
I wouldn't take too much from Spurs' results so far this season. They have yet to play anyone half decent. Liverpool and United are the two main title contenders. They have just had tougher fixtures against top teams so can't really compare points totals so far. United fan xx
We've done well recently, granted and both the team and Jose deserve great credit for that but whilst you talk of pragmatism, I think a little realism shouldn't be ignored. Our two most impressive performances have been against some utterly woeful teams in Southampton and United. We were good, yes, but they were awful. We were poor against Everton and very nearly went out in the first two qualifying rounds of the Europa League.
We've improved vastly since the start of the season and we seem to be dominating the ball a bit more which is nice to see but I think we need to apply a bit of caution to this up curve. One theory for our recent good form could easily be fitness. We've played 3 more games than everyone else and therefore have hit our peak before the others. That might be why United and Southampton struggled. That could level off in the coming weeks. I just think it's very early to be singing Jose's praises. If he manages to sustain it for 5 weeks, let alone the 5 years Poch did, I'll be amazed.
It's improving though so I can't sit here and slag Jose off. Let's wait and see. I have to say though, talk of the title is just laughable. I know Sandy has put a bet down but I think that's just crazy. We're nowhere near it. I think we're too leaky at the back for that. It will still be Liverpool or City, we all know it. We can dream but it's fanciful to expect a team with a lot of new signings in hit the ground running and somehow clinch a title against two teams that have averaged around 95 points in the last 2 years.
Great article Devon
I love Poch but one thing that annoyed me with him was his overuse of key players when it was unnecessary.
For example, the festive period around December 2018. I remember we were 3-0 up against Bournemouth (we won 5-0) and he left Kane & Son on till near enough the f end I think. He also didn’t take Sissoko off (he was playing pretty well at the time and Dembele was injured). That game was over after about 50 minutes.
He also left Kane on for 90 minutes in the 6-2 win over Everton around the same time.
We had a very busy run of games around December and January and I remember Kane and Sissoko picked up injuries in the game v Man Utd. I can’t help thinking that was partly due to them being overused, certainly Sissoko’s was.
Poch also brought Kane on when we were 7-0 up at Tranmere because he said we owed cot to the home fans
yes very good article
dont often rate but
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 2 minutes ago
We've done well recently, granted and both the team and Jose deserve great credit for that but whilst you talk of pragmatism, I think a little realism shouldn't be ignored. Our two most impressive performances have been against some utterly woeful teams in Southampton and United. We were good, yes, but they were awful. We were poor against Everton and very nearly went out in the first two qualifying rounds of the Europa League.
We've improved vastly since the start of the season and we seem to be dominating the ball a bit more which is nice to see but I think we need to apply a bit of caution to this up curve. One theory for our recent good form could easily be fitness. We've played 3 more games than everyone else and therefore have hit our peak before the others. That might be why United and Southampton struggled. That could level off in the coming weeks. I just think it's very early to be singing Jose's praises. If he manages to sustain it for 5 weeks, let alone the 5 years Poch did, I'll be amazed.
It's improving though so I can't sit here and slag Jose off. Let's wait and see. I have to say though, talk of the title is just laughable. I know Sandy has put a bet down but I think that's just crazy. We're nowhere near it. I think we're too leaky at the back for that. It will still be Liverpool or City, we all know it. We can dream but it's fanciful to expect a team with a lot of new signings in hit the ground running and somehow clinch a title against two teams that have averaged around 95 points in the last 2 years.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For sure we need to be realistic. It is still early days in this apparent renaissance.
However, you talk about our 2 best performances being against woeful opposition but when you look at the Sainst game we were poor in the first half. Very poor! A HT change bringing on Lo Celso and a tweak to the tactics and took control. Yes Saints did not defend well 2nd half but this result was still a response the issues we faced first half.
Same vs Chelsea. Being pressed and suffering in the first half which Chelsea controlled, some minor tweaks at HT and we dominated the 2nd half and deservedly got back in to it. and the tweak was simply in that we started to be more aggressive, play slightly more advanced and bypass the press with quicker ball to the forward players. It was a reaction, it wasnt just more of the same.
Im not making a case for being Champions here. Just discussing progress and being better able to observe what Jose is achieving now that we have a more settled group with a bit of confidence and key injuries behind us.
Toby A never signed a new contract under Poch. As soon as Jose came in he signed one after a few months. Always wondered what the beef was between Toby and Poch.
"It is weird because it appears that Jose is thinking 'outside of the box' in some of his decisions but really he just sees something and responds to it in a way he thinks is sensible and practical. Pragmatism !"
Alot of so called Spurs posters and even non supporting spurs fans think Jose's tactics are washed up and prehistoric. There is a huge clamour to have possession and dominate teams for 90 mins. As shown in the Newcastle game that particular tactic did not work but at least we didn't lose.
Agree with the sentitment of your article. Some really good points are made.
One of my few criticisms of Poch was his poor game management at times and leaving subs til the 80th minute when change was needed
Good article Devon btw 👏🏻👍
comment by LukaBrasi - Bale Bale Bale (U22178)
posted 6 minutes ago
Toby A never signed a new contract under Poch. As soon as Jose came in he signed one after a few months. Always wondered what the beef was between Toby and Poch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Toby was very happy at Spurs but also hoping for a big club so didnt commit as that would prevent such a move with Levy. When this never materialised, and at his age the opportunities would become even fewer, he concluded he couldnt do any better than Spurs so stayed. May be Jose influenced this may be not?
Excellent analysis.
Agree with all that was said.
comment by LukaBrasi - Bale Bale Bale (U22178)
posted 17 minutes ago
"It is weird because it appears that Jose is thinking 'outside of the box' in some of his decisions but really he just sees something and responds to it in a way he thinks is sensible and practical. Pragmatism !"
Alot of so called Spurs posters and even non supporting spurs fans think Jose's tactics are washed up and prehistoric. There is a huge clamour to have possession and dominate teams for 90 mins. As shown in the Newcastle game that particular tactic did not work but at least we didn't lose.
Agree with the sentitment of your article. Some really good points are made.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess tactics are partly dictated by the opposition and how they’re set up.
The tactic of dominating possession should have worked against Newcastle but first our profligacy and a terrible penalty decision.
Excellent article Devonshirespur!!
I agree with all of your points. Let's see what the next few games bring, but I just sense that things are clicking into place - we have Kane and Son at the top of their games. We have signed players that improve our first team and we have a manager that knows how to manage a game....that element is priceless.
ps
I don't want anyone to interpret my comments about Jose's ability to manage a game as a criticism of Poch. Poch is still a hero in my eyes.
comment by The Mighty Tottenham Hotspur. (U7858)
posted 26 minutes ago
One of my few criticisms of Poch was his poor game management at times and leaving subs til the 80th minute when change was needed
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I kinda agree but his subs bench wasn’t as good as it is right now.
OP, I think that's what I mentioned a while ago about Jose. He is pragmatic!
That was clear to see in how he approaches each differently!
He sets up his tactics based on opponents, competition, players available, what other game is coming up (Son for example) and during games, he takes action quickly. Remember Dier after just 20 mins taken off?
One thing I would say that is a side effect of pragmatism is that too much of it, can look and feel boring!
But as long as he wins us a trophy and a top 4 place, we are dying to get bored
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 hour, 23 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 2 minutes ago
We've done well recently, granted and both the team and Jose deserve great credit for that but whilst you talk of pragmatism, I think a little realism shouldn't be ignored. Our two most impressive performances have been against some utterly woeful teams in Southampton and United. We were good, yes, but they were awful. We were poor against Everton and very nearly went out in the first two qualifying rounds of the Europa League.
We've improved vastly since the start of the season and we seem to be dominating the ball a bit more which is nice to see but I think we need to apply a bit of caution to this up curve. One theory for our recent good form could easily be fitness. We've played 3 more games than everyone else and therefore have hit our peak before the others. That might be why United and Southampton struggled. That could level off in the coming weeks. I just think it's very early to be singing Jose's praises. If he manages to sustain it for 5 weeks, let alone the 5 years Poch did, I'll be amazed.
It's improving though so I can't sit here and slag Jose off. Let's wait and see. I have to say though, talk of the title is just laughable. I know Sandy has put a bet down but I think that's just crazy. We're nowhere near it. I think we're too leaky at the back for that. It will still be Liverpool or City, we all know it. We can dream but it's fanciful to expect a team with a lot of new signings in hit the ground running and somehow clinch a title against two teams that have averaged around 95 points in the last 2 years.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For sure we need to be realistic. It is still early days in this apparent renaissance.
However, you talk about our 2 best performances being against woeful opposition but when you look at the Sainst game we were poor in the first half. Very poor! A HT change bringing on Lo Celso and a tweak to the tactics and took control. Yes Saints did not defend well 2nd half but this result was still a response the issues we faced first half.
Same vs Chelsea. Being pressed and suffering in the first half which Chelsea controlled, some minor tweaks at HT and we dominated the 2nd half and deservedly got back in to it. and the tweak was simply in that we started to be more aggressive, play slightly more advanced and bypass the press with quicker ball to the forward players. It was a reaction, it wasnt just more of the same.
Im not making a case for being Champions here. Just discussing progress and being better able to observe what Jose is achieving now that we have a more settled group with a bit of confidence and key injuries behind us.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Isn't this all spin though? A half-time masterclass in tactical switches shines a light not only in Jose's ability to change a game but surely that he's getting his tactics woefully wrong from the outset. It says as much about his preparation that he has to change things after 45 mins. That worries me a little. He's an adaptive manager rather than a dominant one. Pep has one way of playing but it's utterly brilliant. Mourinho changes dependant on the opposition. My love for the game leans me towards the former but if the latter wins trophies, who cares?!
Good players win games. It's the one true part of football that has never changed. Klopp was nowhere near the title until he dipped into the market and bought big. If we win anything, it'll be down to the players we've just bought and whether they adapt well, not the manager.
Rather have a manager who can change things than one who cannot.
Great article Devonshire, have five stars from me. 10/10 article.
I will not comment on the managers, as I will be accused of having a pop at one of them.
The one thing I will say though, is it going to be the case of every team Spurs beat, they are apparently rubbish according to some supporters, and wait until they come up against good opposition.
Spurs knocked Chelsea out of the League Cup and hammered Man United 6-1 away all the space of five days. They achievement is not to be scoffed at as somehow Spurs are only beating goat herders.
Sign in if you want to comment
Pragmatic Jose
Page 1 of 3
posted on 7/10/20
I’ve always thought the idea that managers can be ‘finished’ in the same ways players are to be stupid. Jose is a top manager, wherever he goes. Sure, he has some quirks that mean he probably isn’t going to last long at most places but I doubt he’s lost much of what made him great in the first place. The knowledge is always there - and if anything people like him can become more savvy as they get older.
I still think in the one off match he’s the best manager in the world. I don’t know if he’ll be a success at Spurs but what you say on Sunday and what you describe in the OP is textbook game management from Jose.
posted on 7/10/20
*saw on Sunday
posted on 7/10/20
comment by Robb Pochettino (U22311)
posted 3 minutes ago
I’ve always thought the idea that managers can be ‘finished’ in the same ways players are to be stupid. Jose is a top manager, wherever he goes. Sure, he has some quirks that mean he probably isn’t going to last long at most places but I doubt he’s lost much of what made him great in the first place. The knowledge is always there - and if anything people like him can become more savvy as they get older.
I still think in the one off match he’s the best manager in the world. I don’t know if he’ll be a success at Spurs but what you say on Sunday and what you describe in the OP is textbook game management from Jose.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You do wonder whether their methods are still valid at times. Fergie's hair-drier treatment of players was legendary but do that now and players sulk and get their agents to find a new club. Jose is a bit old skool and his criticism of Utd players didnt always seem to have the right affect, but you know it comes from the right place. Pogba is the perfect example. Wanted him to work harder and showboat less and he didnt, and there was a huge fall out, but the fans are still demanding this of Pogba now. SO Jose was right but did he deal with it correctly????
I think You are finished if you can no longer relate with the players, to get the best out of them. Knowledge, tactics and these skill sets stick with you.
posted on 7/10/20
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Robb Pochettino (U22311)
posted 3 minutes ago
I’ve always thought the idea that managers can be ‘finished’ in the same ways players are to be stupid. Jose is a top manager, wherever he goes. Sure, he has some quirks that mean he probably isn’t going to last long at most places but I doubt he’s lost much of what made him great in the first place. The knowledge is always there - and if anything people like him can become more savvy as they get older.
I still think in the one off match he’s the best manager in the world. I don’t know if he’ll be a success at Spurs but what you say on Sunday and what you describe in the OP is textbook game management from Jose.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You do wonder whether their methods are still valid at times. Fergie's hair-drier treatment of players was legendary but do that now and players sulk and get their agents to find a new club. Jose is a bit old skool and his criticism of Utd players didnt always seem to have the right affect, but you know it comes from the right place. Pogba is the perfect example. Wanted him to work harder and showboat less and he didnt, and there was a huge fall out, but the fans are still demanding this of Pogba now. SO Jose was right but did he deal with it correctly????
I think You are finished if you can no longer relate with the players, to get the best out of them. Knowledge, tactics and these skill sets stick with you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The same with Shaw. He became exasperated with him and guess what? Post Jose, Shaw is still an issue as you we saw on Sunday.
Look at Ndombele. The guy is beginning to respond well and perhaps Jose’s tough love still has a place in today’s game. Jose had a year off after the United job and I genuinely think it’s done him good. Spurs is a great place for him to be now as the expectations are a bit more tempered and I think both club and manager are at the same juncture right now. Both have something to prove and can help each other get to where they need to be.
posted on 7/10/20
Still not sure how to judge the weekends results Spurs like against southampton second half, look great on the break and going forward.
Having said that, I don't think i've ever seen a worse 20 minutes from a top side in my whole life watching football.
After going 1 nil up utd were abysmal, never seen anything like it.
posted on 7/10/20
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 3 minutes ago
Still not sure how to judge the weekends resultsSpurs like against southampton second half, look great on the break and going forward.
Having said that, I don't think i've ever seen a worse 20 minutes from a top side in my whole life watching football.
After going 1 nil up utd were abysmal, never seen anything like it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The defending for the Spurs equaliser should never be shown again without being accompanied with Benny Hill music.
posted on 7/10/20
I wouldn't take too much from Spurs' results so far this season. They have yet to play anyone half decent. Liverpool and United are the two main title contenders. They have just had tougher fixtures against top teams so can't really compare points totals so far. United fan xx
posted on 7/10/20
We've done well recently, granted and both the team and Jose deserve great credit for that but whilst you talk of pragmatism, I think a little realism shouldn't be ignored. Our two most impressive performances have been against some utterly woeful teams in Southampton and United. We were good, yes, but they were awful. We were poor against Everton and very nearly went out in the first two qualifying rounds of the Europa League.
We've improved vastly since the start of the season and we seem to be dominating the ball a bit more which is nice to see but I think we need to apply a bit of caution to this up curve. One theory for our recent good form could easily be fitness. We've played 3 more games than everyone else and therefore have hit our peak before the others. That might be why United and Southampton struggled. That could level off in the coming weeks. I just think it's very early to be singing Jose's praises. If he manages to sustain it for 5 weeks, let alone the 5 years Poch did, I'll be amazed.
It's improving though so I can't sit here and slag Jose off. Let's wait and see. I have to say though, talk of the title is just laughable. I know Sandy has put a bet down but I think that's just crazy. We're nowhere near it. I think we're too leaky at the back for that. It will still be Liverpool or City, we all know it. We can dream but it's fanciful to expect a team with a lot of new signings in hit the ground running and somehow clinch a title against two teams that have averaged around 95 points in the last 2 years.
posted on 7/10/20
Great article Devon
I love Poch but one thing that annoyed me with him was his overuse of key players when it was unnecessary.
For example, the festive period around December 2018. I remember we were 3-0 up against Bournemouth (we won 5-0) and he left Kane & Son on till near enough the f end I think. He also didn’t take Sissoko off (he was playing pretty well at the time and Dembele was injured). That game was over after about 50 minutes.
He also left Kane on for 90 minutes in the 6-2 win over Everton around the same time.
We had a very busy run of games around December and January and I remember Kane and Sissoko picked up injuries in the game v Man Utd. I can’t help thinking that was partly due to them being overused, certainly Sissoko’s was.
Poch also brought Kane on when we were 7-0 up at Tranmere because he said we owed cot to the home fans
posted on 7/10/20
yes very good article
dont often rate but
posted on 7/10/20
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 2 minutes ago
We've done well recently, granted and both the team and Jose deserve great credit for that but whilst you talk of pragmatism, I think a little realism shouldn't be ignored. Our two most impressive performances have been against some utterly woeful teams in Southampton and United. We were good, yes, but they were awful. We were poor against Everton and very nearly went out in the first two qualifying rounds of the Europa League.
We've improved vastly since the start of the season and we seem to be dominating the ball a bit more which is nice to see but I think we need to apply a bit of caution to this up curve. One theory for our recent good form could easily be fitness. We've played 3 more games than everyone else and therefore have hit our peak before the others. That might be why United and Southampton struggled. That could level off in the coming weeks. I just think it's very early to be singing Jose's praises. If he manages to sustain it for 5 weeks, let alone the 5 years Poch did, I'll be amazed.
It's improving though so I can't sit here and slag Jose off. Let's wait and see. I have to say though, talk of the title is just laughable. I know Sandy has put a bet down but I think that's just crazy. We're nowhere near it. I think we're too leaky at the back for that. It will still be Liverpool or City, we all know it. We can dream but it's fanciful to expect a team with a lot of new signings in hit the ground running and somehow clinch a title against two teams that have averaged around 95 points in the last 2 years.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For sure we need to be realistic. It is still early days in this apparent renaissance.
However, you talk about our 2 best performances being against woeful opposition but when you look at the Sainst game we were poor in the first half. Very poor! A HT change bringing on Lo Celso and a tweak to the tactics and took control. Yes Saints did not defend well 2nd half but this result was still a response the issues we faced first half.
Same vs Chelsea. Being pressed and suffering in the first half which Chelsea controlled, some minor tweaks at HT and we dominated the 2nd half and deservedly got back in to it. and the tweak was simply in that we started to be more aggressive, play slightly more advanced and bypass the press with quicker ball to the forward players. It was a reaction, it wasnt just more of the same.
Im not making a case for being Champions here. Just discussing progress and being better able to observe what Jose is achieving now that we have a more settled group with a bit of confidence and key injuries behind us.
posted on 7/10/20
Toby A never signed a new contract under Poch. As soon as Jose came in he signed one after a few months. Always wondered what the beef was between Toby and Poch.
posted on 7/10/20
"It is weird because it appears that Jose is thinking 'outside of the box' in some of his decisions but really he just sees something and responds to it in a way he thinks is sensible and practical. Pragmatism !"
Alot of so called Spurs posters and even non supporting spurs fans think Jose's tactics are washed up and prehistoric. There is a huge clamour to have possession and dominate teams for 90 mins. As shown in the Newcastle game that particular tactic did not work but at least we didn't lose.
Agree with the sentitment of your article. Some really good points are made.
posted on 7/10/20
One of my few criticisms of Poch was his poor game management at times and leaving subs til the 80th minute when change was needed
posted on 7/10/20
Good article Devon btw 👏🏻👍
posted on 7/10/20
comment by LukaBrasi - Bale Bale Bale (U22178)
posted 6 minutes ago
Toby A never signed a new contract under Poch. As soon as Jose came in he signed one after a few months. Always wondered what the beef was between Toby and Poch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Toby was very happy at Spurs but also hoping for a big club so didnt commit as that would prevent such a move with Levy. When this never materialised, and at his age the opportunities would become even fewer, he concluded he couldnt do any better than Spurs so stayed. May be Jose influenced this may be not?
posted on 7/10/20
Excellent analysis.
Agree with all that was said.
posted on 7/10/20
comment by LukaBrasi - Bale Bale Bale (U22178)
posted 17 minutes ago
"It is weird because it appears that Jose is thinking 'outside of the box' in some of his decisions but really he just sees something and responds to it in a way he thinks is sensible and practical. Pragmatism !"
Alot of so called Spurs posters and even non supporting spurs fans think Jose's tactics are washed up and prehistoric. There is a huge clamour to have possession and dominate teams for 90 mins. As shown in the Newcastle game that particular tactic did not work but at least we didn't lose.
Agree with the sentitment of your article. Some really good points are made.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess tactics are partly dictated by the opposition and how they’re set up.
The tactic of dominating possession should have worked against Newcastle but first our profligacy and a terrible penalty decision.
posted on 7/10/20
Excellent article Devonshirespur!!
I agree with all of your points. Let's see what the next few games bring, but I just sense that things are clicking into place - we have Kane and Son at the top of their games. We have signed players that improve our first team and we have a manager that knows how to manage a game....that element is priceless.
ps
I don't want anyone to interpret my comments about Jose's ability to manage a game as a criticism of Poch. Poch is still a hero in my eyes.
posted on 7/10/20
comment by The Mighty Tottenham Hotspur. (U7858)
posted 26 minutes ago
One of my few criticisms of Poch was his poor game management at times and leaving subs til the 80th minute when change was needed
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I kinda agree but his subs bench wasn’t as good as it is right now.
posted on 7/10/20
OP, I think that's what I mentioned a while ago about Jose. He is pragmatic!
That was clear to see in how he approaches each differently!
He sets up his tactics based on opponents, competition, players available, what other game is coming up (Son for example) and during games, he takes action quickly. Remember Dier after just 20 mins taken off?
One thing I would say that is a side effect of pragmatism is that too much of it, can look and feel boring!
But as long as he wins us a trophy and a top 4 place, we are dying to get bored
posted on 7/10/20
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 hour, 23 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 2 minutes ago
We've done well recently, granted and both the team and Jose deserve great credit for that but whilst you talk of pragmatism, I think a little realism shouldn't be ignored. Our two most impressive performances have been against some utterly woeful teams in Southampton and United. We were good, yes, but they were awful. We were poor against Everton and very nearly went out in the first two qualifying rounds of the Europa League.
We've improved vastly since the start of the season and we seem to be dominating the ball a bit more which is nice to see but I think we need to apply a bit of caution to this up curve. One theory for our recent good form could easily be fitness. We've played 3 more games than everyone else and therefore have hit our peak before the others. That might be why United and Southampton struggled. That could level off in the coming weeks. I just think it's very early to be singing Jose's praises. If he manages to sustain it for 5 weeks, let alone the 5 years Poch did, I'll be amazed.
It's improving though so I can't sit here and slag Jose off. Let's wait and see. I have to say though, talk of the title is just laughable. I know Sandy has put a bet down but I think that's just crazy. We're nowhere near it. I think we're too leaky at the back for that. It will still be Liverpool or City, we all know it. We can dream but it's fanciful to expect a team with a lot of new signings in hit the ground running and somehow clinch a title against two teams that have averaged around 95 points in the last 2 years.
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For sure we need to be realistic. It is still early days in this apparent renaissance.
However, you talk about our 2 best performances being against woeful opposition but when you look at the Sainst game we were poor in the first half. Very poor! A HT change bringing on Lo Celso and a tweak to the tactics and took control. Yes Saints did not defend well 2nd half but this result was still a response the issues we faced first half.
Same vs Chelsea. Being pressed and suffering in the first half which Chelsea controlled, some minor tweaks at HT and we dominated the 2nd half and deservedly got back in to it. and the tweak was simply in that we started to be more aggressive, play slightly more advanced and bypass the press with quicker ball to the forward players. It was a reaction, it wasnt just more of the same.
Im not making a case for being Champions here. Just discussing progress and being better able to observe what Jose is achieving now that we have a more settled group with a bit of confidence and key injuries behind us.
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Isn't this all spin though? A half-time masterclass in tactical switches shines a light not only in Jose's ability to change a game but surely that he's getting his tactics woefully wrong from the outset. It says as much about his preparation that he has to change things after 45 mins. That worries me a little. He's an adaptive manager rather than a dominant one. Pep has one way of playing but it's utterly brilliant. Mourinho changes dependant on the opposition. My love for the game leans me towards the former but if the latter wins trophies, who cares?!
Good players win games. It's the one true part of football that has never changed. Klopp was nowhere near the title until he dipped into the market and bought big. If we win anything, it'll be down to the players we've just bought and whether they adapt well, not the manager.
posted on 7/10/20
Rather have a manager who can change things than one who cannot.
posted on 7/10/20
Great article Devonshire, have five stars from me. 10/10 article.
I will not comment on the managers, as I will be accused of having a pop at one of them.
posted on 7/10/20
The one thing I will say though, is it going to be the case of every team Spurs beat, they are apparently rubbish according to some supporters, and wait until they come up against good opposition.
Spurs knocked Chelsea out of the League Cup and hammered Man United 6-1 away all the space of five days. They achievement is not to be scoffed at as somehow Spurs are only beating goat herders.
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