Mauricio Pochettino earning Tottenham fans' trust

Posted Friday, February 12, 2016 by givemesport.com

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino explained last week why he did not sign a striker in January, and it looks as though fans have finally accepted his decision.

The club were widely predicted to invest in their squad this transfer window just gone, and their failure to sign another forward to provide back-up for Harry Kane initially provoked panic.

However, Pochettino has reassured fans that although they are facing a “very tough period” financially because of their new stadium, they would not have been able to sign anyone who would noticeably improve their current side.

That is certainly believable while his team sit second in the Premier League, five points behind pacesetters Leicester City.

With Spurs far higher than they would have expected this season, fans appear - unusually - to be trusting the manager's judgement.

SPURS' SEASON FINELY POISED

Understandably, many of them fear that the ultimate success of their season now hinges on Harry Kane remaining fit. However, the prolific form of Dele Alli and Nacer Chadli - and even a surprise goal for Kieran Trippier against Watford - has proven Pochettino's point that the Lilywhites have goals in them all over the pitch.

Pochettino is evidently under some constraint from the board, and has cited Arsene Wenger's challenges at Arsenal when trying to build a squad alongside heavy expenditure on the Emirates.

CAREFUL SPENDING

Now that Tottenham are planning for a similar development, it is perfectly justifiable that they are not willing to pay in excess of £20 million on West Brom's Saido Berahino, and were not willing to give in to Fulham's demands of a loan-back deal for Moussa Dembele.

Spurs' biggest activity this January was the sale of Andros Townsend, for which they made a profit of £12 million. It is likely that for the next few years, they may have to operate a sell-to-buy policy, but having developed a well-rounded squad, Pochettino appears content to make only minor adjustments.

FAITH IN THE MANAGER

Tottenham may not have strengthened in January, but neither did their main rivals.

What is important, though, is that Pochettino's philosophy is being adopted so readily by his supporters, that they are finally trusting his judgement, even in areas such as the striker situation, which admittedly was in dire need of clarification.

Put simply, his side doesn't need improving, and the fans are starting to believe it.