Pochettino isn't ruling out change of approach against Liverpool
Mauricio Pochettino's vision is taking Tottenham Hotspur to European football's highest levels, but within the big picture are game-to-game adjustments that are the basis of the Argentinian manager's plan.
On Friday, three days after Tottenham earned a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid in the Champions League and two days before Spurs' Premier League game versus Liverpool, Pochettino was asked if he was considering a change of approach. The tactician answered, according to the Guardian's Sachin Nakrani: "Maybe. It was amazing because some people close to us said: 'When we saw the starting XI (against Real Madrid) we though what the eff? What is going on in his mind? And then at the end of the game they say: 'Oh, you are a genius.'
"It's difficult to explain what we want to find in every game. It's not easy to explain. It's about trust. It's about a feeling the manager and the coaching staff have when deciding the starting XI. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't work. But after the game, if I win or lose, I cannot regret my decision."
At Real Madrid, Tottenham took the pitch in a 5-3-2 formation that involved Eric Dier playing in defence and Fernando Llorente in the front line alongside Harry Kane. Jan Vertonghen embraced the role of left wing-back, while Harry Winks was used in the middle of the three-man midfield. Spurs produced a wonderful defensive performance and Hugo Lloris enjoyed one of his best displays since joining the club.
Tottenham is yet to beat Liverpool with Pochettino as its manager.