Implementing Pochettino’s Plan

With less than two weeks before the start of the new Premier League season, we as Spurs fans are getting excited about what the season will bring. Last year was a pretty successful season, finishing 5th and reaching a Cup final was more than expected for Mauricio Pochettino’s first season.

We didn’t invest massively in last seasons transfer window, both the ins and outs at the club weren’t hugely significant. Even so, the club still managed to blossom especially though youth players such as Harry Kane, Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason. Three key players last season along with Hugo Lloris and for the majority Christian Eriksen, saved us on some occasions and brought extreme joy with those late winners too. When looking back to the previous season, you see a plan from the boss with players used. Youth players were coming through and experienced players were being dropped, such as Etienne Capoue, Emmanuel Adebayor and Younes Kaboul to name a few. The reason for mentioning this plan and the mention of last years Summer transfer window, is that it seems Pochettino is doing things the way he wants it to be done. So far we’ve sold Lewis Holtby, Etienne Capoue, Paulinho, Younes Kaboul, and Benjamin Stambouli, with heavy rumours that Vlad Chiriches, Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Soldado and Aaron Lennon will be soon to follow. For years Spurs fans have been calling for Levy and the manager at that time to have a clear out of ‘dead wood’ and it seems that the message has finally got through to the club.

For me, the credit must go to Pochettino for being firm in what he is known for, getting rid of players who aren’t needed and focusing on his new plan for the future. Along with getting rid of these players, we have done some good business with the players brought in. The star signing so far has been Toby Alderwerield, finally an experienced, proven centre half to play alongside Jan Vertonghen at the heart of our defence. Pochettino and Paul Mitchell, the head scout, have also improved the defence with the arrival of Kieran Trippier at right back. A solid defender who is good going up and down the pitch, should be a good addition to the side and prove healthy competition for Kyle Walker. Kevin Wimmer, the final one of the three players brought in so far, a centre back from FC Koln in the Bundesliga looks to have been brought in to play in the future. Looking at the business shows the direction in which the club wants to go and trying to find solutions to the problems that we had last year.

Of course, there are areas that need improving such as a disciplined holding midfielder, two strikers and possibly a winger. Current rumours suggest that Saido Berahino will be one of those coming in, with Timo Werner also being linked. Midfield names such as James McCarthy, Christoph Kramer and Sven Bender have been touted also but personally, I can only see us signing two more players but I would be more than happy with a striker such as a Berahino and a midfielder in McCarthy. But as spurs fans we know not to believe every rumour we hear…

Everything seems to be moving forward with the club and the future is looking bright with the recent plans for the new stadium. I think we have another successful year to look forward to under Pochettino’s management and hopefully push on in the league and maybe win a cup.

By Conor Kennedy

Related Topics