Brave or naive? That seems to be the question on many people’s lips.
I say neither.
I believe it was a didactic method Ange has honed over the years. An exercise in trust, like the classic of someone standing behind to catch you as you fall.
Ange needs his players to *believe* and to *trust* and to see that the consequences of failure in his system are nothing to fear.
(cont…)
🧵 1/2
@hallenbeck @coys I’d say it was naive.
Spurs fans seem to be luxuriating in some romantic notion of going down in a blaze of glory, but ultimately you were well beaten because of the stubbornness to keep playing a high line (against a really poor attack).
At one point you were so close to sneaking an equaliser and with a more pragmatic defensive mindset could have then held out for a draw 🤷.
Completely disagree. Ange is anything but naive. It’s naive to think he is naive. He’s building something here and this isn’t the finished product. He’s driving home belief, commitment, and grit at all costs, not looking for draws at all costs. He’s focused on building foundations this season. We didn’t need the draw, we needed the right mindset. We need to reset what “spursy” means. That’s not romantic, it’s pragmatic and necessary.
Be as bitter about that fact as you like.
@hallenbeck @coys Not really sure what I have to be bitter about.
It’s great that he prioritises attacking, exciting football. But there’s definitely a time to be pragmatic and cut your losses.
Come the end of the season, we’ll see how much that point could have mattered.
Just my two cents. I’m obviously no more than an armchair pundit 🤷.
@ravipatel @coys I’m not sure what you’d have to be bitter about either which is why it’s surprising to read your comment, which comes across that way.
I’m not sure you’ve understood the point. It’s not to play “attacking, exciting football” at all costs. It’s to build a foundation of belief and trust in the system. A system radically different from the last few seasons. If he were to compromise his system at the first hurdle, what does that say? It would all just be hot air.
@ravipatel @coys It is absolutely essential for him to coach out of this side the tendency towards sitting back, cowering, protecting fine margins, and, most importantly, bottling big moments. He’s coaching (and scouting) for character and determination and grit with the ultimate belief that it will bring success. It’s much too early to say if that belief is naive, and hugely patronising and disrespectful to level that accusation at him.
@ravipatel @coys And I don’t think the point will matter at all. He’s already said this is a rebuild project that will take several windows to reach a competitive level. These early games have shown great promise, but nobody is under any illusion that the depth and experience is there to mount a serious title challenge this season. It’s possible, but highly unlikely.
@ravipatel @coys Also, sorry to be nippy with you. Feeling, among many other emotions, a bit nippy after that game. Primarily proud of the integrity on show, but also annoyed and disappointed by the injuries and suspensions. But it’s early days - mustn’t expect too much. 😄
@ravipatel @coys Let’s talk in a season or two if/when we do it in crunch matches. Perhaps then can the naive accusations be levelled at him.
