There are no two ways about it — Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino are expected to deliver a major trophy this season.
Having moulded their sides to their tastes over the years, Liverpool and Tottenham’s managers have fuelled lofty ambitions against which they will be judged.
In the summer, Klopp spent big to address Liverpool’s weaknesses exposed in the Champions League final. The variety and quality of options now available to him are the strongest Anfield has witnessed for some time.
Winning ugly
On the field, the German tactician has become more flexible, not only adapting his formations but also encouraging his players to vary their rhythm and manage their energies over the course of each game.
Against Crystal Palace and Brighton, he ordered his team to play ugly and get the results.
“You have to play it as it is and be a real challenger, play ugly, do all that type of stuff. Our target is to be a difficult opponent. We did that,” Klopp said after the Palace match.
On the other hand, Pochettino — on the back of some smart recruitment — has involved himself deeply in every aspect of Tottenham’s workings, a restless eye for detail that has fast-tracked the blooming of the first team.
The giant strides made by wing-backs Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies, considered back-ups two seasons ago, are a testament to the Argentine’s commitment to player development.
The team is incredibly balanced, despite the lack of signings. Pochettino has been able to turn multiple offence-oriented players into disciplined defensive assets. The players are able to interpret various strategies and tactics in different phases of the match.
Seeking consistency
But for some strange reason, the team has not been able to perform well every week. The superb showing at Old Trafford was followed by a meek surrender at Vicarage Road. It’s something Pochettino will have to work hard to manage.
Record investments bring no guarantee of success, but Klopp is certainly better placed than Pochettino in this regard. Considering the areas strengthened, combined with Liverpool’s clever moves in the market, Klopp appears to have everything he needs to achieve greatness; Pochettino’s path isn’t quite as straightforward.
But in both cases, the fans will hope the wait for a major trophy ends this season. Liverpool’s last big win was the FA Cup run in 2005-06, Tottenham’s even earlier, the FA Cup triumph in 1990-91. That’s a long time to dream wistfully of silverware.
