Mauricio Pochettino must survive first ‘Spursy’ month of Tottenham tenure

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is facing the “Spursy” problem that has haunted bosses that came, and fell, before him.

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Real Madrid 3-1 at Wembley Stadium on November 1. It really happened. Fans and reporters witnessed the result in person. Not only did Tottenham beat the two-time reigning and defending European champions in impressive fashion. Spurs outplayed the Spanish giants for the second time in over a month. Tottenham arguably never looked better under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Some suggested Spurs could even win the Champions League.

That match feels like it occurred roughly a decade ago on the afternoon of November 29. Since Tottenham appeared to put club football on notice, Spurs lost 2-0 to Arsenal in a North London Derby, they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 away, they drew West Brom 1-1 and, most recently, the lost 2-1 away to Leicester City. Tottenham’s lack of consistency, while baffling to some, can be defined in one term recognized by passionate supporters: “Spursy.”

This club’s ability to find new ways to break the hearts of those who love it is so staggering, it’s very nature is rooted in its own nickname. TalkSPORT posted a piece about Spursy occurrences last April. Urban Dictionary roasts Tottenham about the term with a definition. Pochettino knows the word exists. Per Oliver Brown of the Telegraph, Pochettino admitted he was familiar with Spursy and claimed Tottenham were “no longer that way” after the win over Real.

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It seems Pochettino’s squad didn’t get the memo, as he’s in the midst of the most Spursy run of his Tottenham tenure. A Spurs side advertised to compete for the Premier League title is out of the race before December. Tottenham wouldn’t qualify for the Champions League if the league campaign ended on the final day of November. His star players are pulling disappearing acts at alarming rates.

There’s no one answer for what’s plaguing Tottenham in the early days of the holiday season. There never is. Spurs fans have seen this movie before, and they know the ending. Whether or not Pochettino has the knowledge to prevent Tottenham from falling off the cliff is unknown, but it’s becoming clear, with every lackluster league result, he’s facing the biggest challenge of his Spurs career.

Spursy is Tottenham defeating the European champions away, only to then drop points in the league against subpar sides en route to failing to remain in the Champions League. Spursy is Harry Redknapp leading Tottenham to fourth in the league only to then miss out on the Champions League because Chelsea win that year’s Final. Spursy is Tottenham earning more league points than ever before under Andre Villas-Boas but still finishing outside of the top four before ultimately losing Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.

Spursy isn’t just about disappointing draws and defeats. Every club experiences those downs. Pochettino must realize the situation facing his club at a time when form has betrayed those under his watch. Tottenham missing out on the Champions League before opening their new world-class stadium could be nothing more than catastrophic if the likes of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane are tempted by higher wages and opportunities to hoist trophies.

Class is permanent, so the old adage teaches, and Tottenham’s harshest critics would have to admit a fully fit Spurs XI has the goods to qualify for the Champions League even while playing home matches at Wembley Stadium. Table positions and tournament slots aren’t earned on paper or through simulations. Pochettino’s players need to live up to expectations on the pitch where it matters.

Tottenham’s slow starts in league contests come down to the manager. What is Pochettino doing or not doing to flip the figurative switch and have his club ready to face a side such as Leicester, one filled with players who couldn’t get into the Tottenham team when Spurs are at their best, at the opening kick? That’s only one question staring Pochettino in the face as the start of December looms.

Some would say there’s no reason for Pochettino or Tottenham to panic. After all, a lot can and will happen between now and May. That’s fair, but to deny there’s a dark cloud hovering over Tottenham, one known all too well by those who’ve followed this club for any length of time, would be a disservice to everybody involved with Spurs. We’ve all seen this movie before, Mr. Pochettino.

Change the ending.