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Thread- How Pochettino would suit Chelsea:
First of all, before I start to look at Poch's tactical setup, there are a few things I should specify: 1. Most of the examples shown will be from the 16/17 season, arguably his best season 2. All the examples will be used when he deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation
Thirdly, I will try to explain how this current Chelsea side can line up in a similar way to the Tottenham side of that season with a few adjustments and transfers
Defence and Defensive shape: Poch's arguably biggest factor to his side being so strong in the league in the 2016/17 season was because of how solid the team was defensively. To put it into perspective, Tottenham that season conceded 6 less goals than the Champions Chelsea
Against the more difficult opponents, Pochettino would often revert to a 3 at the back with wing backs. However this eventually became ineffective. As shown in the game against Watford in the 19/20 season, spurs were sliced open multiple times as the wing backs struggled to cope
Furthermore, Reece James has often looked vulnerable as a wing back when up quick full backs like against Bayern Munich, for example. Plus Chilwell thus far has looked far better when coming into inverted positions and becoming key in our transition from defence to attack
If we compare the two current Chelsea full backs to the Spurs full backs, there are clear similarities. Walker and Rose are both attacking minded full backs who like to get high up the pitch and put dangerous crosses in the box. The same can be said for James and Chilwell
Between these two fullbacks are two strong centre halves in Vertonghen and Alderweireld who are comfortable on the ball and commanding. Its very clear at the moment Chelsea has no one who can play that role properly apart from Silva so the club will need to look at another CB.
In front of the back 4 there were two central midfielders with the stand out player being Dembele, who was key in resisting the press from opposition sides and carrying the ball forward. Kovacic suits this role perfectly as he has shown his press resistant ability consistently
However, pairing him in the pivot was Wanyama/Dier who was the one who held the side together defensively. There are players out there such as Soumare and Guimaraes who are superior to him but can play a similar role in protecting the back 4 and providing much needed cover.
Pressing: Another big issue within our side is our pressing. Under Lampard, we often press with little to no cohesion and often allow teams to play through us, defeating the whole purpose of the press
As you can see in this photo here, Tammy Abraham is the one triggering the press and instead of being backed up by CHO or Mount, they retain their positions meaning it is much easier for Soyuncu to progress the ball into midfield and no real pressure is applied to Leicester
Poch's philosophy to pressing is different. He will not always press the opposition with a high intensity. Instead it is a lot more reserved press and will often instruct his team to press high in certain periods of the game which often catches the opposition off guard.
An example of this was vs Man City early in the season.This reserved press was used so that they retained their defensive structure by not pushing their players up the pitch all at once and keeping a consistent shape, making it difficult for Man City to attack
As shown, the team is in sync with each other presses as a unit. The 2 midfielders along side the left back and left midfielder work together to trap city and force them to concede possession. Kane and Alli stay high to provide outlet in a potential quick counter attack
A different scenario, but this goal shows how werner is one of the best strikers in Europe when it comes to counter attacking. His lightning speed means he is always an outlet in a quick counter attacking side and is extremely effective at exploiting defences caught out of shape
In conclusion, I understand there might be better options to take over from lampard if he goes. But lets not write Poch off completely: he has a clear philosophy and he massively achieved at Southampton and Spurs considering his backing. The tools are here for him to succeed
