That's as simple as that.
1st season in charge --> 1st big final of the season.
However, behind that stat there are so many other aspects of the team that MP has improved and is constantly improving, that he has almost in a very short time, transformed last year's team.
You look at the fitness level of the side, last year's side would fade and wilt during the last 15 minutes of any game. Even worse, against the top sides, when Spurs conceded so many late goals.
This year, there has been quite literally a complete turnaround as Spurs, now, have won more games with late goals than ANY other side.
Also, in that stat, you don't get the appreciation of how the team's mental strength has improved. Last year, when the tam went behind, it generally was followed by a collapse of some sort and the team would end the game looking hapless and without any points.
Not this season. Spurs has won more points from a losing position than ANY other team
All these while until recently, having played more games than ANY other side.
If you recall too, this side is one that MP inherited. He didn't just go out in the transfer window and tried to spend his way to buy temporary reprieve and glory.
No, MP worked with what he was given and is working towards a long term plan.
MP does not go out and make bewildering and laughable statements to the media either. He gives a straight answer and that's it.
With some understated and dignified air, this team is getting better all the time.
COYS
First season in charge, first final!
posted on 1/3/15
Poch still has a lot to learn, but he is getting there, and I like the way he faces the media, no histrionics like Mourinho when Spurs lose. He conducts himself very well, and looks like he can have a very long and hopefully trophy winning future at Spurs.
posted on 1/3/15
Have to say, it has been an impressive first season for Poch.
When we hired him, the general consensus was that we would have to give him time. I honestly expected this season to be a write-off. And yet...
We are still fighting for a top-4 spot, we are in a cup final, and the development of our young players this season has been exciting.
Whatever happens today, I am for the first time in a long while, confident in our future and I trust our manager.
Now, let's make he gets his first trophy in his first season
posted on 1/3/15
Cup final day
MoPo
posted on 1/3/15
Dont get me wrong, i'll be absolutely gutted and near suicidal if we lose today but looking at the overall picture this season has gone well under Poch.
Before the season started many of us predicted that this would be a season of consolidation with Poch having to settle in and rebuild. We predicted we would finish top seven in the league and have a good cup run. We hoped that we would play exciting football and to get "our Spurs back"
We have done this and hopefully we can go that step further and bring home a trophy , that would be an absolute success.
We can clearly see what Poch's bluprint is now - A high pressure game, high fitness levels, a settled starting eleven and to promote and integrate academy players into the first team.
We have an "Identity" now, there seems to be very good morale, we dont get injuries and apart from a few prima donnas in the squad like Adebayor, Kaboul, Capoue etc we have a squad with a fantastic never say die attitude.
Of course we still have problems, namely our woeful defence, we just cant keep a clean sheet and have the worst defence in the top half of the table, we are over reliant on Kane and Eriksen and at times we overplay with one pass too many.
Even if we win today or get top four we have a lot to do in the summer, we need to offload 5 or 6 and bring in 3 high quality players if we are to progress and really challenge top four next season.
The foundations have been laid on and off the field, the signs are promising and we slowly getting a team to be proud of. Winning today at Wembley could just be the Catalyst......
posted on 1/3/15
I know we went out of the EL ignominiously but in a way it's a blessing because if Pocket wins this cup then we've had a successful season and winning one in his first season doesn't place as much pressure on him for next season should he have won two trophies.
Two trophies in his first season would have meant that the board and the supporters would have wanted a repeat so winning one is the perfect start should we of course win it.
posted on 1/3/15
OP
Some good things no doubt but how do you account for the fact you have 6 less points than the same time last season if all is so rosy?
posted on 1/3/15
It's been said before but he has surpassed the majority of fans expectations coming into the season! A cup final, clear improvements against the big teams, and challenging for top 4!
posted on 1/3/15
Say My Name, what's more important is if we finish the season with more points than last season, this stage of the season is irrelevant. Southampton and some journalists were mocking Pocket because we were lower than them but all it takes now is a win and we are above them. So it's the end which matters, not now.
posted on 1/3/15
Every season is different anyway, the number of points required to get top four etc changes. If we finish the season with a trophy I couldn't give a monkeys if we've got less points.. the game is about glory!
posted on 1/3/15
Good luck Spurs.