10 Mistakes Spurs Boss Mauricio Pochettino Has Made So Far

4. He Isn't Ruthless Enough

Spurs have done quite a lot for Mauricio Pochettino to be angry about this season, but he's only really displayed anger once - after the 1-0 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion - and that anger hardly manifested itself in a way that portrayed him as someone to fear or even respect. When Spurs have clearly underperformed, Pochettino has simply appeared too calm and nonchalant and, while it's customary and admirable for managers to back their players, there has to be a point at which you give the impression that first team places could be lost in the event of poor performances. Vlad Chiriches had an absolutely shocking game against Besiktas - he cost Spurs the full three points in their Europa League group stage match - and was guilty of dawdling on the ball and giving away possession more times than we care to count, but Pochettino backed him fully. Managers get respect by being firm but fair. Pochettino seems to be fair, but completely lacks the whole firm aspect required to make players work - or at least that's the impression his media appearances give.