Who picks them? I do not buy into the idea that Pochettino has to use these players, at all. Nor the idea that because they want out, they are automatically the problem.
Eriksen is clearly underperforming. Vertonghen, I think, is doing a decent job.
Pochettino is under no obligation to play Eriksen, that he is is a problem of his own making.
Less than ideal Eriksen is here - but IMO for the manager to deal with.
I agree. I think Poch has been sour for a while and I think its having an impact. It really is on him to behave and perform though, isnt it? This is another of those things where its within his power to fix.
Honestly find this line, which seems to be taking hold, to be nonsense. I cant justify a collective drop in form simply "because theyve played together a while". I can understand a boredom/complacency creeping in, if the messages and methods are the same as they have always been.
I dont know if there is any truth to that applying to us, but if there is - who do you suppose it is down to to reinvigorate the methods/messages etc?
Id say Poch...
Pochs persisting with the diamond IS an issue, IMO. Though it comes to mind in two ways
1) If he really really thinks the diamond is the best thing, then we should be showing signs of training ground work in adapting to it. Im not seeing any progression though, which is worrying.
2) He does keep persisting with it despite it clearly not working, and us clearly not progressing, which is worrying.
Broadly agree. One of those, when things are bad this sort of stuff happens and really brings home the situation.
Question becomes, would these errors (some/all) have happened anyway, even if we were in form? Or are they indicative of how bad things are with the players right now?
I can believe it. Though it basically ties into the ideas of Poch having a mood and it effecting the squad. Or the squad needing more/different stimulus.
I completely understand and accept some of the frustrations attributed to Poch. And I can well see some of them are down to the board or circumstances beyond his control. However, regardless of that, I also think its his job to manage these situations - and that he could have done a better job so far than he has.
Further to your points - I get the impression he just isnt the same Poch. If I had to pin my colours to the mast, Id say he is burnt out, frustrated, and simply not at the races. He isnt displaying the level of passion, control, understanding etc that he used to. He looks like a man who needs a rest to me.
If thats in any way true, I question what chance he has of turning things around. Where might he find inspiration and enthusiasm?
Second to that, I do wonder if he has lost the players. Their heads dropped against Bayern, and they didnt pick up at all against Brighton - it was a very worrying performance on that front. Again, if thats in any way true, what chance does he have of turning it around?
