Joey Barton believes that Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was outcoached by his opposite number Max Allegri as his side were eliminated from the Champions League.
Spurs suffered a 2-1 loss at home to the Serie A giants at Wembley as the the Italians advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition.
The North London club were in the ascendancy at half-time courtesy of Heung-Min Son’s goal, which made it 3-2 on aggregate.
However, Juventus hit back in the second period with two quick goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala to secure the win.
Barton believes that Spurs will take a lot from their European campaign, but has highlighted that Pochettino was outthought by Allegri when the Juventus manager made a tactical tweak in the second period.
“Max Allegri just straight up outcoached Poch in the 2nd half. Shift to a back 4 threw Spurs and allowed Juve to steal the momentum.Then the big game experience shone through after that. Spurs should improve for the experience,” Barton wrote on his personal Twitter account.
Max Allegri just straight up out coached Poch in the 2nd half. Shift to a back 4 throw Spurs and allowed Juve to steal the momentum.Then the big game experience shone through after that. Spurs should improve for the experience.
— ? Joey Barton ? (@Joey7Barton) March 7, 2018
OPINION
Spurs’ lack of European know-how perhaps came into effect as they were edged out by the highly experienced Juventus on Wednesday night. Pochettino’s side dominated for large parts during the two legged tie, but ultimately switched off in key moments and the Italians were ruthless in the final third. Spurs should definitely hold their head up high for their performance, but they are at the stage now when good displays can’t be enough. They are desperate to win silverware and have shown they can compete against the best. However, Pochettino needs to work out how to get them over the final hurdle and perhaps some more experience in the squad could be key.