The ‘no-trophies’ jeers against Mauricio Pochettino could soon be over.
The Ligue 1 race doesn’t seem a forgone conclusion this season; Lyon and Lille are still in the hunt. But Paris Saint-Germain are still favourites for a fourth triumph in a row.
If another league trophy will come, it will be under former defender Pochettino; the Argentinian takes up the mantle following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel at Christmas.
Mauricio Pochettino and the Absurd Trophy Tirade
Mauricio Pochettino Trophy Drought Can Finally End at Paris Saint-Germain
Critics of Pochettino will always point to his lack of trophies. Despite his impressive managerial capabilities, the Argentine hasn’t backed that up with silverware.
He reached two finals with former club Tottenham Hotspur – including the Champions League run in 2019 – but he failed to win on both occasions.
Two FA Cup semi-finals appearances on the bounce in 2016/7 and 2017/8 provided another two great chances to add to the trophy haul. Spurs faltered again.
Those claims can sometimes border on the absurd, for various reasons.
First off, trophies in football are incredibly limited. Despite Spurs’ might under Poch, they were still a cut below the bigger sides – domestically and continentally.
Spurs may have become formidable under the Argentine, but it still felt like they were punching above their weight. And while cementing that development with trophies would have been great, it doesn’t tarnish his work that he never won one.
The obsession with trophies also clouds the fact that trophies are far from a measure of excellence and growth. Sometimes, strokes of luck can help win a cup. Spurs may never have won a league title, but there were points under Pochettino when the Lilywhites looked better than most sides in the Premier League.
The Valid Scepticism with Pochettino
While the trophy rants may be a tad over the top and unnecessary, there are valid criticisms of Pochettino.
One of those is what seems like an inability – or at least an unproven ability – to manage egos and attitudes within the squad. In his time at Spurs, players who were critical about the side faced some form of ostracisation. Danny Rose, for instance. Once a player’s ego got too big, there would be brewing animosity between player and coach.
But at PSG, it will not just be a case of managing the team tactically. Pochettino’s tough test at the Parc des Princes will also be a case of managing the egos of a star-studded squad. This includes the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Mauro Icardi.
There’s a significant history of PSG players getting too egotistical for the gaffer. Former manager Tuchel faced that to some extent. But no one faced this issue like Unai Emery. If Pochettino doesn’t get that part right, however how much PSG improve tactically, his future may have a quick expiry date.
The Future of Mauricio Pochettino and PSG
Pochettino and PSG will have their sights on continental glory as well as league success.
But the question is how long will it last?
Even if the new manager deals with the egos and stems a rocky ship. Even if Pochettino appeases Director Leonardo. How long will this last?
It will be interesting to see if Pochettino will be motivated to stay at a club who dominate a league, with or without further success.
At Spurs, there was a culture to transform. At Borussia Dortmund – another team he was linked with – there was a culture to resonate with.
The aim at PSG, meanwhile, will be simply to win. Will winning be enough for a manager of Mauricio Pochettino’s ambition?
Time will tell whether Pochettino can end his trophy drought and get his PSG career off to a good start.
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