Football Comment: Pochettino must revitalize Spurs’ expensive flops
IT’S become difficult to know who is the right man for Tottenham, but Mauricio Pochettino certainly ticks a lot of boxes.
He’s got Premier League experience of course and I think that’s vital. He got a good bunch of young players playing to their full capabilities at Southampton and performed well in the transfer market too.
A factor in his appointment is almost certainly can he make the money Tottenham spent last season work for them. He won’t be allowed to not fancy Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela. They can’t afford to write off £30-35m this summer by getting quick sales on the pair. He’ll be facing tough targets set by Daniel Levy. It’s not just about getting results.
Harry Redknapp took Spurs to a new level. They had been there or thereabouts in the top four for four years without spending ridiculous amounts of money. And the local pressure from Arsenal, the natural desire of the supporters to finish above them, that has lingered on for 17 years, makes the Spurs job one of the toughest around.
Pochettino will need to strive for greater consistency. The difference in finishing mid-table and finishing fourth is more like three leagues than six places. It’s an ocean away.
It will be interesting to see what his priorities are. I think he’ll look to sign Adam Lallana, but I don’t think they’ll get Luke Shaw, Tottenham aren’t big enough for him. Recruiting a centre forward will be high on his list and he might try and bring Rickie Lambert. There’s a touch of the Teddy Sheringham’s about him.
Trevor Steven is a former England footballer who played at two World Cups. He now works as a media commentator