And so, rather than him light up the Champs and the hype grow, this is what happened:

The press writing stories like this.

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I think Pochettino realised that there were three likely outcomes: 1) He bucks up his ideas, is very successful in the championship, the press hype is reignited and he comes back with the ethic they know he needs to succeed, 2) He doesn't, and comes back with press stories such as above, or 3) He doesn't buck up his ideas yet gets played, still is a different class in the Championship, and still gets the press hype reignited.

Outcome 1) was the most unlikely but the one Spurs wanted. Outcome 3) would be the worst case scenario. It would be telling a 19 year old that his management were wrong and he could get all the glory anyway without doing the work. That's why I think it was all part of the plan.

What's happened is outcome 2) which, I would imagine, Spurs will now be hoping is the last kick up the arse which is either going to finally wake him up to reality. If it hits home they will see the results over and after the summer and if there's still no change I would expect them to give up on him maybe even before the window closes.

Posted By: Steve in Holland, Apr 11, 11:21:33