OPINION
It is well documented that Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino demands the best from his players not only out on the pitch but in training as well – and while it has bred a great amount of success for the Lilywhites it has also thrown up some serious questions to be asked.
There have been been doubts over whether the club’s recent spate of injuries have come down to the overworking of the players behind the scenes, with the likes of Jan Vertonghen sidelined with injury issues which some might argue could have been prevented.
Now Erik Lamela has spoken out about how he has shock doubts over his ability to play in the first team, revealing that Pochettino’s methods leave him having to lessen his dedication to less than 80 per cent at times simply to stay fit and healthy.
He make the surprise revelation to ESPN, stating: “Will I be able to play in all of our upcoming matches? I don’t know. This is for the manager and staff [to decide] — they know how to manage me after a lot of time together.
“Sometimes I cannot go 80 per cent, even in training. I’m crazy sometimes but it’s like this. I play football like this and now I’m taking care about this.
“I’m trying to manage myself, especially when we have a long week — to train hard of course but to arrive good to the game and take care about everything. Normally we train really hard here.”
Now keeping his players working to the maximum of their abilities is going to ensure that Pochettino sees his side succeed in most games, but when it is putting his star’s own fitness at risk, it is surely time to realise his approach is ridiculous.
The first team are having to manage themselves because their manager is not, and that is simply taking it over the line for Spurs.
Injuries are going to strike as a result and the team are going to be weakened, not strengthened, due to the manner in which Pochettino is drilling his team.
It needs to come to an end this season, or the club will face the heartbreak of more and more absentees and even some unhappy stars left frustrated by their boss.