Pochettino 1.0 is dead.
Pochettino 2.0 must begin right now at Tottenham Hotspur.
This is assuming that:
a) He is given the time – 18 defeats from 37 is sackable form under any backdrop.
b) He wants the opportunity – equally uncertain considering his moody demeanour.
The Argentine’s task for the remainder of the season is to transform the team from his favoured XI, which has four or five players who will not be at the club next season, to one comprised of those who will be, and still make the top four.
The group of 15 players that give Poch the best chance of meeting both of those criteria are:
Gazzaniga; Sissoko, Foyth, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Sessegnon, Davies, Winks, Dier, Ndombele, Lo Celso, Alli, Lucas, Son, Kane
No more rotating to keep players happy. Pick from this 15 to start matches – I understand the rest of the squad may be needed from the bench. Reward good form with a run in the team. Punish bad performances by dropping players – a managerial fundamental that Poch has ignored for too long.
Those out of contract, have been told they can leave or have expressed a desire to leave need to be pushed out to the fringes – Aurier, Rose, Wanyama and Eriksen. Lamela has had enough opportunities. Walker-Peters hasn’t, but that’s enough to know he isn’t part of Pochettino’s plans considering the form of those the boss has overlooked him for.
Then, make a decision on Alderweireld or Vertonghen. Pick the one you want to TRY to keep and partner him at centre-back with Sanchez. Going all in on Sanchez and Foyth at this stage would jeopardise our league position, especially when we need to bed in new full-backs, which is where Foyth and Sessegnon can gain their first-team experience, for now.
Toby is younger, better and more up for the fight. If the damage is done and there is no chance of him signing, keep Vertonghen in the fold. But persisting with this once-formidable partnership until the end of the season opens us up to big problems in 2020-21.
For what it’s worth; I’d like to see this team settled in by Christmas:
