Defensive Solidity Focus: Practical Approach Emerging as Key for Spurs
Overpowering the opposition was the strategy at Tottenham last year but now the priority is on stopping goals at the other end of the pitch.
The recent 1-0 win against Villarreal in the team's European debut was the fourth clean sheet they had kept in their opening five games so far.
Conversely, they had recorded just one at the same stage of last season, when the more offensive the former boss was in charge.
“We discussed a lot about 'shutout mentality' this year because we let in a lot last year,” Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall stated.
Star defender Van de Ven added: “I think we are a challenging team to play against, definitely. Structure-wise we are standing really good and we all know what to do, so we're a difficult team to beat.”
The strategy of Spurs against Villarreal was in stark contrast to the free-flowing football played under the previous regime.
They were much more defensive, even after being gifted a quick-fire opener thanks to a disastrous mistake by the opposition goalkeeper Luiz Junior.
Stronger Defensive Line but at an Attacking Cost?
The North Londoners have conceded a single goal this season - in the narrow loss to their Premier League rivals.
That is a big improvement on how they started the last campaign, when they allowed five in their first five games.
In the Premier League they have kept three clean sheets already - meaning they are just two from matching their total for the complete of last season.
The more solid platform is possibly coming at a cost, however, with their sole attempt on target against their European foes the second occasion in their last three games they had recorded so few efforts on goal.
The boss recognizes this is an area that has to improve.
“We have a very good platform to stand on in terms of our defensive structure and I think it's effective and we gave little away,” he said.
“We're playing in the Champions League against a good team. Also, I knew we took a step forward against West Ham, in attack is the area we need to get better.”
