Mauricio Pochettino’s defensive philosophy and principles - in more depth

A contribution article by Ryan Gunness

Article by Ryan Gunness (@CarefreePlaceYT)

When you think about a Mauricio Pochettino team, your mind automatically falls upon the beautiful nature of his attacking philosophy, and how lethal it is at its best.

However, what about his principles in defense?

In my opinion, I believe that it is Pochettino’s defensive philosophy and principles that act as the rock and foundation that allows such “beautiful” attacking football to exist in the first place.

The way the team works off the ball is the glue that keeps Poch’s teams together, and anything less than 110% can see the pieces begin to fall. With that, let’s take a deep look into the two major aspects of Pochettino’s defensive game, and why it is so crucial for the whole picture.

1. In Press 

Due to the consistently relentless nature of Pochettino’s direct and vertical attacks, the risk of dangerous turnovers throughout the game is very real. One way Poch reduces this risk is by the implementation of a high press, both throughout opposition build up and upon the loss of possession. 

Below, Mauricio Pochettino’s teams use a man-marking philosophy in press whereby pressure is applied on the “distributor” via being closed down, all while possible “passing outlets” are man-marked heavily.

At this point, the distributor is forced to place confidence in his outlets that they can win their 1v1 battles upon receiving the ball. This false confidence is seen as the “trigger point” for Poch’s players as, once the ball is passed forward, 3-4 players zonally bombard such zone in order to win possession as quickly as possible in order to 1) reduce opposition turnovers/attacks, and 2) create as much attacking chances as possible. 

To consistently do such throughout the game, immense work rate is needed from all players at all times. 110% effort is the glue in this aspect, the only way that Poch’s direct and vertical attacking philosophy can see its fruits without falling victim to its risky nature.

This can be a reason why the beauty of Poch’s philosophy was really on display at Spurs as opposed to PSG, as the success of this way of football is directly proportional to the work rate and intensity and energy of its players at every moment. This cannot be understated, there is simply no room for luxury players in a Poch team. A non-negotiable. 

1. Mid/low blocks 

When Pochettino’s teams are called to defend in a mid/low block, they set up in a 4-3-2-1 shape as follows. The purpose of such is to concentrate central zones, with the aim of winning possession and sparking counterattacks. 

Below, no matter what, Poch’s teams keep a central overload, often allowing and inviting teams to play from wide areas. However, once the ball is delivered from wide to central areas, the high concentration of Poch players in such zones create high likelihood that his team would win possession.

Being within close proximity to each other in such overload, it is the perfect recipe for quick, slick passes that can launch counterattacks into dangerous areas. Something that is very common in a Pochettino team. 

Once again, you see that even in mid-low blocks, Poch’s attackers are involved in defensive duties within such defensive set up, with only one player kept advanced. This highlights once again the immense work rate that is required both on and off the ball for such players to consistently cover ground back and forth the pitch, both in defense and attack. 

Conclusion -

Ultimately, it is such intense defensive principles that allows Pochettino’s philosophy to still be a possession-based one. In attack, Pochettino’s teams are willing to take risks to progress and spark attacks vertically, continuously throughout the game. All in all, risking losing possession often during the game.

Due to on the ball possession retention being lower than other philosophies, it is vital that Poch’s teams win the ball as quickly as possible at every opportunity, in order to take and keep control of the game. 

Article by Ryan Gunness (@CarefreePlaceYT)