After 8 games, what are your thoughts...

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

After seeing Pochettino's first 8 games in charge with a pretty comparable record to NA, who would you prefer to have as Manager?

 

Personally I like Pochettino and I am actually very impressed by him, and the football we play under him. I also like the way the football club seems more open now and less secretive as it was under Adkins. In addition to this I am impressed that he has managed to come in and maintain the form we had under Adkins.

 

Saying this though, I was extremely annoyed at the Adkins sacking, I felt it reflected badly on the football club and also was done at the wrong time, when we were playing well and getting results. It was a strange decision by NC. If done after the end of the West Brom/West Ham game I could have understood it, but nothing can be done about that now.

 

In summary, I am happy that Pochettino is here, and I think certainly in the medium term will be a great appointment, and as such I would prefer to have him as Manager.

[pingwing]

Pochettino.

 

Liked Adkins a lot but I have generally enjoyed these 8 games more (regardless of results) than Adkins games over this season. Generally Pochettino seems to have gotten the team playing better football (though not always scoring) and slowly is getting everyone on the right page of what he wants from the team when Adkins had us playing specifically against different teams (has a lot of merit to that tactic but was getting frustrating when we had a few games where nothing really happened).

 

The way we sacked Adkins was a bit odd but in a reflective mood we needed something to get the club up and enthusiastic again regardless of results.

[Saint Charlie]

I liked Adkins and I like Pochettino. The players clearly like him too.

 

Results have been mixed but performances on the whole good and as with NA's Prem reign we should have taken more points, ie deserved a draw at OT and win vs Wigan.

 

Hard to have a preference, but reality is we have Pochettino and Im glad we have him and not a buffoon like O'Neil, Allardyce, McDermott, Redknapp etc.

[Saint Garrett]

Loved Adkins but very excited about the future under Pochettino. Early signs are very promising and I just hope we can keep going in the right direction. Be interesting to see how we approach the summer transfer window, and what we start next season like. I'm sure Poche will have his ideas in place for pre-season.

[rpb]

Pochettino for me too.

 

Nigel looked like he could get us to mid table (which would have been good!) but I think the style of football introduced by his replacement has the potential to get us even further.

[Joensuu]

Agree with both of the first two posts.

 

I feel Pochettino's attacking game is a significant improvement, but only against teams who play the ball and look to attack. My only concern with Pochettino is that he keeps playing the same pressing game against teams who are stilling back - I feel we should switch to a slightly less pressing game against any team who is set on defending, otherwise we stand to get burnt on the counter attacks.

 

I guess what I'm saying is I'd prefer to have Pochettino in charge when we face Man City, Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Swansea etc; but I'd rather we were still under Adkins when we are playing Reading, QPR, West Ham, Villa, Sunderland, West Brom, Stoke, Newcastle etc.

 

Overall, the new pressing style makes for far more interesting game, and it feels like we are playing the game the right way. Certainly many neutrals seem impressed.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Agree with both of the first two posts.

 

I feel Pochettino's attacking game is a significant improvement, but only against teams who play the ball and look to attack. My only concern with Pochettino is that he keeps playing the same pressing game against teams who are stilling back - I feel we should switch to a slightly less pressing game against any team who is set on defending, otherwise we stand to get burnt on the counter attacks.

 

I guess what I'm saying is I'd prefer to have Pochettino in charge when we face Man City, Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Swansea etc; but I'd rather we were still under Adkins when we are playing Reading, QPR, West Ham, Villa, Sunderland, West Brom, Stoke, Newcastle etc.

 

Overall, the new pressing style makes for far more interesting game, and it feels like we are playing the game the right way. Certainly many neutrals seem impressed.

 

Although saying that we did still struggle to break down teams who sat back under Adkins, this season Wigan, Sunderland etc, and previous seasons Rochdale, Bristol City...

[Saint Garrett]

Fact is these teams who sit 11 men behind the ball are difficult to break down. Especially with us who very rarely shoot from outside the box.

[Window Cleaner]

Pochettino obviously, for me NA was only as good as the players he had at his disposal. When he has a squad that needs managing because most of them aren't playing way below their level we shall see just how good his managerial abilities really are.

 

2 successive promotions...well with half a PL team at his disposal it really isn't a surprise. I shall never forget the danger he put us into with his crass mishandling of the keeper situation, for me that shows his level.

[Alanh]

If effectively executed the strategy of 'parking the bus' is one of the most difficult for any team to counteract. Chelsea used it to win the Chapions League last year and I'm pretty sure all clubs have struggled against it at some point. I think MP will have to develop a different tactic to his preferred high pressure game when we encounter it in future, but in reality it's only 3 - 4 games a season and it's only going to be executed perfectly in half of those cases at the most.

[Window Cleaner]

If effectively executed the strategy of 'parking the bus' is one of the most difficult for any team to counteract. Chelsea used it to win the Chapions League last year and I'm pretty sure all clubs have struggled against it at some point. I think MP will have to develop a different tactic to his preferred high pressure game when we encounter it in future, but in reality it's only 3 - 4 games a season and it's only going to be executed perfectly in half of those cases at the most.

 

And yet even the Chelsea park the bus schema shows real managerial ability, try to get Drogba to track back and tackle in his own box...now that would defeat most managers.

[pap]

I never called for Nigel's head, but didn't lose mine for long when he was sacked. All credit to Nige for getting us up the divisions in such a swift manner. Clearly the man for the job at that time. I was never sure of him in the Premier League, and with hindsight being what it is, there were some odd decisions in retrospect.

 

As I've often said before, imagine if "interview Nige" is actually "24/7 Nige". It'd get on your teats after a time. A combination of diminishing returns and far too much respect for the big boys did for him. Pochettino = definite upgrade.

[manji]

Pochettino by a mile . Liked Adkins he did what he was paid to do two succesive promotions but appeared out of his depth in the Premier League. We should have also walked the Championship but our end to last season was appalling.

Pochettinos only fault is that bloody car coat he wears for a well dressed man he needs to sort it out. I would suggest a nice Crombie or if its raining Aquascutum.

[del boy]

Loved Adkins but very excited about the future under Pochettino. Early signs are very promising and I just hope we can keep going in the right direction. Be interesting to see how we approach the summer transfer window, and what we start next season like. I'm sure Poche will have his ideas in place for pre-season.

 

This , generally.

 

We will never know what NA would have done but we are where we are, onwards and upwards. Nigel's record and contribution should always earn him the highest respect and gratitude from Saints fans. He's a good man and didn't deserve to be treated how he was. Sad in some ways that the club he left behind is now a project.

[Bucks Saint]

why yet another thread on this?

[Pat from Poole]

Think the responses on this thread may have been rather different after the QPR game. Almost proves that you are only as good as your last game.

 

I am still not convinced that Pochettino's pressing game will be a long-term success; if even the likes of the tactically brainless Redknapp can outfox him, it makes you wonder how many others will suss it out.

[Saint Charlie]

Think the responses on this thread may have been rather different after the QPR game. Almost proves that you are only as good as your last game.

 

I am still not convinced that Pochettino's pressing game will be a long-term success; if even the likes of the tactically brainless Redknapp can outfox him, it makes you wonder how many others will suss it out.

 

Thing is, sometimes you just play well or badly in games regardless of tactics.

 

Clearly we had an offday against QPR.

[Window Cleaner]

Thing is, sometimes you just play well or badly in games regardless of tactics.

 

Clearly we had an offday against QPR.

 

we failed to convert our chances against QPR, they didn't. It's a big failing with the Saints on occasions.

[Saint Charlie]

we failed to convert our chances against QPR, they didn't.

 

Exactly.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

why yet another thread on this?

 

I didn't realise there was any other threads asking this question. Strange that you would waste your time reading and indeed replying to a thread that is duplicated elsewhere.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

we failed to convert our chances against QPR, they didn't. It's a big failing with the Saints on occasions.

 

It's a big failing with a lot of teams in all honesty. See QPR v Villa at the weekend.

[Turkish]

So at what point in the last couple of months did Adkins stop being the new Alex Ferguson and the best manager we've ever had? It's seems every single person has said they'd rather have Pochettino and Adkins appears to be some backward bumpkin out of his depth who made huge errors every week.

[Saint Garrett]

So at what point in the last couple of months did Adkins stop being the new Alex Ferguson and the best manager we've ever had? It's seems every single person has said they'd rather have Pochettino and Adkins appears to be some backward bumpkin out of his depth who made huge errors every week.

 

Adkins is a Southampton legend.

[Window Cleaner]

So at what point in the last couple of months did Adkins stop being the new Alex Ferguson and the best manager we've ever had? It's seems every single person has said they'd rather have Pochettino and Adkins appears to be some backward bumpkin out of his depth who made huge errors every week.

 

tbh for my part I was never a great fan of NA. Always thought he'd hit the buffers sooner or later. Wouldn't have got past the first 10 games this season, if it was up to me (which it obviously wasn't) Must be said that amongst all the posters of this forum we were in a minority of about 4 though.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

So at what point in the last couple of months did Adkins stop being the new Alex Ferguson and the best manager we've ever had? It's seems every single person has said they'd rather have Pochettino and Adkins appears to be some backward bumpkin out of his depth who made huge errors every week.

 

He never was though was he? People vastly exaggerate to help their arguments. It'll be interesting to see what the opinions are of those who vehemently defended him earlier in the year.

[Olallana]

Think the responses on this thread may have been rather different after the QPR game. Almost proves that you are only as good as your last game.

 

I am still not convinced that Pochettino's pressing game will be a long-term success; if even the likes of the tactically brainless Redknapp can outfox him, it makes you wonder how many others will suss it out.

 

You hit your head on the nail there....silly mistake to give them the lead and encourage them to keep their style.

Against team that parks the bus the first goal is crucial.

[Saints foreva]

2 wins in 8 is disappointing imo.

[Olallana]

I didn't realise there was any other threads asking this question. Strange that you would waste your time reading and indeed replying to a thread that is duplicated elsewhere.

 

He´s probably talking about the "MYTH"-thread, you know the troll-infected one.

And since they think they were "winning" that one it´s no fun with another thread that is more positive....

[hasper57saint]

I haven't quite made my mind up yet. They both made major errors, Adkins with his subs v Manure to let them back into the game and Pochettinos tactics v QPR with 'hoofball' to SRL when we should have played it on the deck and exposed Samba et al for the crap that they are. I'll make my full comments at the end of the season.

[Window Cleaner]

2 wins in 8 is disappointing imo.

 

and yet it's a better percentage than 5 in 22.

[Glasgow_Saint]

way too early to judge but 2 wins in 8 is poor for our "Adkins upgrade"

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

He´s probably talking about the "MYTH"-thread, you know the troll-infected one.

And since they think they were "winning" that one it´s no fun with another thread that is more positive....

 

Oh, lol, that one. That was a joke thread wasn't it though? This one is serious.

[Colinjb]

Adkins last 8 games: 10 points

Pochettino's First 8 games: 9 points

 

Average Points per game in the premier league under each manager.

Adkins: 1 (22/22)

Pochettino: 1.125 (9/8.)

 

Under Pochettino our form has been underpinned by the two big victories against Liverpool and Man City. Under Nigel we had made a better habit of getting wins against poorer sides (Home to Reading, away to Villa) but hadn't been able to hang on against the bigger guns. Under both we have had disappointing results against mid-table teams.

 

I find Pochettino's style to be better to watch, but Adkins' wasn't exactly terrible either. The run in is how we should judge Pochettino, if we cannot start building some consistency against those in mid-table we will be in trouble and Pochettino will have failed. As for now, I will remain undecided but optimistic.

[Glasgow_Saint]

I do love a joke thread :)

 

Some of my favs -

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?40898-How-many-tactical-mistakes-is-Adkins-allowed-(Part-2)

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?28453-The-difference-between-Southampton-and-Brighton

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?43585-Why-do-some-posters-take-such-delight-in-Saints-losing

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?40677-Rickie-on-the-bench-****-it-I-ve-had-enough-Adkins-out

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?40790-Hypothetical-If-you-had-a-choice-between-Redknapp-becoming-manager

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?39740-Stewart-Downing

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?39384-Uninspiring-unprofessional-and-indecisive

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?31697-James-McFadden

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?28599-Saints-are-****ing-****-this-forum-is-****ing-****

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?24959-I-ve-decided

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?17939-Ok-I-will-probably-get-lambested-for-this-one

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?16529-Sam-Vokes

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?15507-Lee-Trundle

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?14654-Jermaine-Beckford

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

I do love a joke thread :)

 

Some of my favs -

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?40898-How-many-tactical-mistakes-is-Adkins-allowed-(Part-2)

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?28453-The-difference-between-Southampton-and-Brighton

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?43585-Why-do-some-posters-take-such-delight-in-Saints-losing

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?40677-Rickie-on-the-bench-****-it-I-ve-had-enough-Adkins-out

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?40790-Hypothetical-If-you-had-a-choice-between-Redknapp-becoming-manager

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?39740-Stewart-Downing

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?39384-Uninspiring-unprofessional-and-indecisive

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?31697-James-McFadden

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?28599-Saints-are-****ing-****-this-forum-is-****ing-****

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?24959-I-ve-decided

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?17939-Ok-I-will-probably-get-lambested-for-this-one

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?16529-Sam-Vokes

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?15507-Lee-Trundle

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?14654-Jermaine-Beckford

 

Wow, and you say I have an obsession?! How much of your life do you spend going back through my post history? I would do it to you but frankly, I don't have the time or inclination to spend anymore of my time looking through your threads (especially after collecting all the evidence needed for my previous accusations of you).

 

But good call, you've managed to take threads from years ago so that they look out of place, yet at the time were on the ball, so thanks for that.

[Bucks Saint]

Oh, lol, that one. That was a joke thread wasn't it though? This one is serious.

 

Or this one, if you need more

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?43691-Who-would-we-be-higher-under-Adkins-or-Pochettino

[Bucks Saint]

He´s probably talking about the "MYTH"-thread, you know the troll-infected one.

And since they think they were "winning" that one it´s no fun with another thread that is more positive....

 

Do you judge "winning" a thread (whatever that means) based on posts that are on topic, or some such other mystery stat, similar to your shots at goal measure of performance in games?

[tajjuk]

On the fence. I think Nigel got unfair criticism for somethings that were out of his control, like the terrible defensive errors. Although Pochettino has picked up a fair few negatives for us essentially missing chances.

 

Performance wise hasn't been hugely different under either IMO, we play slightly higher up and press a bit more under Pochettino, but Adkins was probably quicker to adapt his tactics (see Stoke away) although we played a few direct passes against Liverpool.

 

We've struggled to break down deep teams under both. We've lost leads under both, We've rattled the big boys under both (but maybe converted a few more of those performances into points under MP)

 

8 games isn't enough though really to jusge MP. He's still learning the team's strengeths, I thought he was tactically and personell wise spot on against Liverpool, something you might not be able to say about his previous games.

 

Regardless of manager we are still playing the price for a horrible start of the season where a combination of tough fixtures, and players not adjusting to the legaue has left us playing catch up for most of the season. I've seen enough to think that this team should be higher up and now MP has got himself settled I think he will push us away from relegation.

 

I also agree with Wes, Adkins handling of the GK situation was his worst error in his time with us. It has costs us as many as 6 to 8 points IMO.

 

Adkins will always be a legend though.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Or this one, if you need more

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?43691-Who-would-we-be-higher-under-Adkins-or-Pochettino

 

Well that's not the same thing, so that's probably why. We would probably be higher under Allardyce but I wouldn't want him here ahead of either.

[Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd]

Adkins.

 

He got Saints back to the Premiership. He'd done nothing wrong and he deserved to be given a chance to prove himself. He's a young British manager and given the current state of the game and the influx of foreigners, British players and managers should be given more support.

[Window Cleaner]

Adkins.

 

He got Saints back to the Premiership. He'd done nothing wrong and he deserved to be given a chance to prove himself. He's a young British manager and given the current state of the game and the influx of foreigners, British players and managers should be given more support.

 

 

Nothing wrong, how can you say that with the mess he made of the GK situation?

 

If anything is going to cost us PL status this season it's that. If we had got it right last summer instead of him insisting on continuing with KD at all cost we would now probably be on somewhere around 40 points.

Edited 21 March, 2013 by Window Cleaner

[Olallana]

Do you judge "winning" a thread (whatever that means) based on posts that are on topic, or some such other mystery stat, similar to your shots at goal measure of performance in games?

 

So you dont think teams that creates more chances (having more shots) are usually performing better than teams that are not?

And now we are talking of performance as in how the tem play, since that thread´s OP was about playing, not about gaining results.

 

 

Silly me for not thinking that goals come from out of the blue and thinking that chances has to be created to be able to score goals.....

[dubai_phil]

And yet even the Chelsea park the bus schema shows real managerial ability, try to get Drogba to track back and tackle in his own box...now that would defeat most managers.

 

If you look at the build up to Liverpool's goal on Saturday Luke Shaw was bailed out of trouble on the left side of the penalty area in the prior build up, the player who covered him (coming in from the 6 yard box) only cleared about 1/3rd the way up the pitch, they came back at us and scored.

 

NOT a criticism of Shaw but praise of the player who had tracked back in that first attack - SRL no less.

 

So maybe MP has been watching other teams:)

 

As for my opinion of MP seeing improvement, but with 8 games to go we are only one or two key player injuries away from a potential disaster. I'll wait & See but shows promise, must close out points more

[This Charming Man]

8 games isn't enough though really to jusge MP. He's still learning the team's strengeths, I thought he was tactically and personell wise spot on against Liverpool, something you might not be able to say about his previous games.

 

On the other hand, he got it horribly wrong against QPR. Though I agree, 8 games is nowhere near enough time to judge someone.

[Cabrone]

Pochettino for me - I think the pressing game is working well - but NA was also doing a good job for us before his dismissal.

 

One thing both managers haven't got to grips with yet is our overall sharpness infront of goal.

 

Whilst we often batter teams we don't stick the ball into the net enough, Reading (h) last season being one of the biggest examples.

 

If we sharpened up at the front more we'd be a damn fine team.

[This Charming Man]

Pochettino for me - I think the pressing game is working well - but NA was also doing a good job for us before his dismissal.

 

One thing both managers haven't got to grips with yet is our overall sharpness infront of goal.

 

Whilst we often batter teams we don't stick the ball into the net enough, Reading (h) last season being one of the biggest examples.

 

If we sharpened up at the front more we'd be a damn fine team.

 

Imagine a top class striker will be the main objective if we stay up (a slightly sh*tter striker if we go down), along with a decent CB. Plus we should cancel Lallana's summer holidays and subject him to 2 months of non stop shooting practice, 18hrs a day, 7 days a week.

[tajjuk]

On the other hand, he got it horribly wrong against QPR. Though I agree, 8 games is nowhere near enough time to judge someone.

 

Like others I think the team just played badly that day. Even if you reckon their first goal was a symptom of our high pressing style of play (which I don't, Liverpool played plenty of balls like that, we just defended better) their second was pure and simple poor defending, we had more than enough players back to deal with it.

 

The team on the whole played badly and looked out of ideas, but at worse we really should have had a draw. If the two teams played like that again 10 times I would reckon Saints would win that game 4 or 5 times and the others would be draws. In the end QPR scored from their only two chances. They created a hatful at Villa last week and only scored two, these things happen.

 

I certainly don't think MP was encouraging the long punts to Lambert, that was very much our players own despearation probably knowing they had underperformed.

[Window Cleaner]

Like others I think the team just played badly that day. Even if you reckon their first goal was a symptom of our high pressing style of play (which I don't, Liverpool played plenty of balls like that, we just defended better) their second was pure and simple poor defending, we had more than enough players back to deal with it.

 

The team on the whole played badly and looked out of ideas, but at worse we really should have had a draw. If the two teams played like that again 10 times I would reckon Saints would win that game 4 or 5 times and the others would be draws. In the end QPR scored from their only two chances. They created a hatful at Villa last week and only scored two, these things happen.

 

I certainly don't think MP was encouraging the long punts to Lambert, that was very much our players own despearation probably knowing they had underperformed.

 

Thing about that game was a: we started with Fox and b: Lallana went off after 40 odd minutes. Both those things would be extremely perturbing to any system. We'd used 2 forced subs (including sending on a vastly dimished Shaw after 57') before the hour was up. If we had just converted one of our early chances the game would have been different. Green was pretty amazing when he came on and that gave them a boost as well. It was just a combination of circumstances that day. It happens in football.

[Turkish]

He never was though was he? People vastly exaggerate to help their arguments. It'll be interesting to see what the opinions are of those who vehemently defended him earlier in the year.

 

tbh for my part I was never a great fan of NA. Always thought he'd hit the buffers sooner or later. Wouldn't have got past the first 10 games this season, if it was up to me (which it obviously wasn't) Must be said that amongst all the posters of this forum we were in a minority of about 4 though.

 

I'm not exagerating my point. There were plenty of references to Alex Ferguson and Manchester United everytime it was mentioned Adkins could be sacked, in fact it didnt seem like a thread was complete without one, such was the support behind the man. There was also plenty of people claiming he was our greatest every manager. Not me you understand, i thought Nige was a top man and a competent manager, not brilliant but by no means out of his depth like some are making him out to be. People were indignant that Adkins should be kept on even if relegated, now it seems most people are glad he has been replaced.

[tajjuk]

I'm not exagerating my point. There were plenty of references to Alex Ferguson and Manchester United everytime it was mentioned Adkins could be sacked, in fact it didnt seem like a thread was complete without one, such was the support behind the man. There was also plenty of people claiming he was our greatest every manager. Not me you understand, i thought Nige was a top man and a competent manager, not brilliant but by no means out of his depth like some are making him out to be. People were indignant that Adkins should be kept on even if relegated, now it seems most people are glad he has been replaced.

 

 

I said earlier in the season that I thought Adkins had lots of potential as a manager and could be our 'Ferguson' and that we deserved to stick with him. I still think he will become a great manager but not with us. Pochettino seems like the Argentinian version of Adkins to me, young manager with potential, decent success and non-typical methods but no real pedigree.

 

Like someone above said though I much prefer either of them to the likes of O'Neill, Allardyce, Redknapp, McCarthy etc.