Pochettino’s tactics and style of play perfect for Chelsea
By Arnold Lewis
Mauricio Pochettino tactics
He began his coaching journey back in 2008, when he was tasked with helping Espanyol avoid the drop from Spain’s top flight. The Argentine’s expansive style of football and high pressing earned him praise across the league – which is something Todd Boehly likes and fans enjoyed under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel.
It was Southampton where he made his mark which made waves causing the football world to take notice of him. His sole season at St. Mary’s earned them their second-best finish of eighth in their history of English top flight. From 2014-2019 he oversaw a Tottenham transformation that few would’ve expected.
Fans and rival fans started to appreciate the work he had put in at the White Hart Lane outfit. His tactics were unique and one that was never previously seen in English football (before Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola entered the frame).
As previously mentioned, Pochettino likes his team to play an attacking style of football which includes high pressing. The Argentine likes his team set up in a way that they build up from the back and make their way into the midfield with incisive and intricate passing.
Vertical passing is what the former Paris Saint-Germain manager wants his players to execute whenever possible which opens up gaps in half-spaces. This also helps his team to switch from defence to offence in the blink of an eye.
Out of possession, Chelsea fans can expect Pochettino’s team to get the ball back as soon as possible with a well-drilled and organized press, unlike many other young managers in the game. Lampard’s men do boast some of the best talents in world football and it looks like Pochettino’s tactics are tailor-made for this bunch of players.
He can get the best out of players like Kepa – who is good at the ball at his feet, the defensive quartet of Fofana, Badiashile, Chilwell and James who can switch from defence to attack in split second. Kai Havertz could be the biggest beneficiary of this appointment given the fact that how Dele Alli strived under the Argentine in the no.10 role.
Lastly, the big-money attackers who have underwhelmed for the most part of their Chelsea careers will finally be hoping that Pochettino can bring the best out of them.