Tottenham no longer a 'soft touch'; Pochettino 'best young coach around'

One of the most encouraging aspects of Tottenham’s season to date has been the way Mauricio Pochettino’s side has fought back from positions of adversity.

Spurs have claimed 15 points from losing positions this season, more than any team in the division, with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal the latest positive result after the side has fallen behind.

The White Hart Lane faithful has become accustomed to Spurs falling at the last hurdle with questions over the side’s mentality over the years, but this term the Argentine seems to have instilled some mental toughness into the playing squad.

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has highlighted the new-found resilience in the Tottenham ranks this term and feels Spurs are no longer a soft touch.

“They had that tag of being a soft touch and when it comes to it, playing okay but not getting results, I think they’ve come a long way,”the German said.

“They did it the hard way against Sheffield United – to go 1-0 down against an Arsenal team which when you go behind against them, it’s probably one of the least teams you want to face.”

Scholes

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s manager Pochettino has been praised by former England and Manchester United playmaker Paul Scholes.

The retired midfielder has confessed that despite Spurs losing at Anfield in midweek, he has been impressed with the manner of Tottenham’s performances under the Argentine.

“His team might have lost to Liverpool on Tuesday but the more I see of Mauricio Pochettino, the more I think he is the best young coach around,”said Scholes.

“What I like about Pochettino is the way that he looks in control. He is in control of his players, in control of the way that they play. He is confident without being arrogant and his team is playing with a great energy.

“He has a clear way of playing, the 4-2-3-1 formation, and from what I hear his squad’s fitness is a major part of the way he works. In that respect he takes them right up to the limit in training and they play the same way.

“Not only that but he has been brave in picking younger players ahead of the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Soldado and Paulinho. In Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason he has a very hard-working, solid midfield base.

“I recognise that Tim Sherwood gave a lot of these young players their first chance and Pochettino has shown the same faith in them.”

The general consensus surrounding the club has been a feeling of positivity in recent times, with a good feeling enveloping the side’s performances since the turn of the year.

Despite the defeat to Liverpool in midweek, the positive way the team played should be admired, with Spurs looking like a braver and more expansive side under Pochettino.

 

Good article. Who am i to argue with the great Paul Scholes, i also agree with him and Didi that Poch is one of the best young coaches around. We have Fioretina up next and i hope we dont underestimate them, i think they'll be tough to get past, so a first eleven is essential in my opinion. There's a great vibe about the club at the moment and i want to see it grow and continue. Coys.

 

First eleven is a must if we want to move on in EL and absolutely the same for the 'Milk Cup' - the one that nobody wants to win! tbh I'll be quite content with the minor cup and 6th if it comes to that.

 

If your wondering where the soft centre has gone just watch the 3 goals that led us to a loss at Anfield.