Despite some of the social media mob around the world (who claim to be Chelsea fans) hoping that Jose Mourinho wouldn’t take the reins at Spurs, we were absolutely ecstatic with the appointment! Oh rejoice, thee who hate Tottenham!
The story couldn’t have been any better.
Despite no silverware, for me, Mauricio Pochettino was amazing. He turned his side into one of the leagues most exciting.
A proper top-four outfit that (apart from the traditional choke) were capable of beating anyone on the day - and they did.
The progressive style was a pleasure to watch and the appointment of Jose couldn’t be any worse.
Yes, he may bring more consistency, but what happens to the players who have spent the last five years being drilled into one of the best “counter-press” sides in England?
Will we see the likes of Heung-min Son, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen stifled into a deep, rigid formation?
Will Danny Rose become a traditional leftback?
You’d like to think that all Poch’s good work won’t go to waste and that Mourinho will attempt to continue with the Argentinian’s attacking philosophy.
But I’m afraid there’ll be no change to the style we’ve seen the ‘Special One’ deploy over the years. It’s a crying shame for Spurs as football has moved in a different direction.
You only have to look at the top four right now to see that.
With Chelsea and Leicester the most recent converts to the high-energy, high-press, progressive football that has lit up the Premier League again
On the flip side, I guess Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had little choice but to remove Poch as it appeared he’d lost the backing of his players.
STIFLED: Ace Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen. Picture: EPA.
Spurs have looked shocking this season and Levy’s move to appoint the world’s most successful managerial name will have been made not to just ‘steady the ship” but to appease the fans.
But how that has backfired!
I’ve been chatting to mates in London who’ve been home-and-away Spurs fans for 40 years, saying they’re absolutely gutted.
Anyway, it was a great start for Jose, beating West Ham away from home, despite nearly throwing away a 3-0 lead.
But here it is, the manager of Spur in Brakpan could have probably got that result considering the removal of a coach the players didn’t get on with and the Hammers’ disastrous form so far this season.
I won’t be surprised if Levy sanctions a couple of very high-profile signings, which will probably have been part and parcel of the contract Jose signed.
Arsenal made the brave move of building a beautiful new stadium and have paid the price.
It coincided with the gradual decline of the team and I’m afraid Spurs might be going down the same route?
On a more positive note, what a top game at Eastlands.
The great thing about supporting Chelsea these days, since we’re “back”, is that there are no expectations from this young side, handicapped by a transfer ban and with a rookie coach in charge.
When you see your side winning the possession percentage away to City, with every player individually and the team collectively giving it their best, it takes the pain out of losing.
On the balance of play the Blues at least deserved a draw
Ok, disappointed, but I predict this team is going be challenging next season.
And finally, what a game at Bramall Lane. Halfway through, it was looking like it was going be a massacre with the Blades playing all the football and running at 110 percent.
I said: “If they get done four or five nil tonight, Solskjaer will be sacked in the morning”.
Credit to him, his changes and the way the side fought back.
Of course we all want him to stay, so on we go. Chat next week