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“Divine Intervention” - How Mauricio Pochettino Saved Espanyol From Relegation [A THREAD]
![“Divine Intervention” - How Mauricio Pochettino Saved Espanyol From Relegation [A THREAD]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EckmcLYUEAAg8Ej.jpg "“Divine Intervention” - How Mauricio Pochettino Saved Espanyol From Relegation [A THREAD]")
In late January 2009, Pochettino became Espanyol’s third coach of the 2008-09 season, tasked to save the team from relegation. He had just received his UEFA Pro Licence in December of 2008, and had spent a short spell as the assistant manager to the ladies team.
The board were unsure of assigning someone with such a lack of experience, especially in the midst of a relegation battle. Pochettino’s experience came from studying Marcelo Bielsa’s training sessions, and his work with the woman’s team. But, they decided to take a risk. hi
Pochettino bled the colours of Espanyol, knowing the staff and players very well. In fact, he coached nine players who were his teammates during his last active year. Espanyol were sitting at 18th in La Liga, with 3 wins from 19 games. A miracle was needed to save the club.
His first game was against Barcalona, where an unexpected 0-0 was the result. His first game was quickly forgotten about, as he lost 1-0 to Osasuna, sinking to the bottom of the table in March 2009. Survival now seemed unlikely.
Pochettino never lost faith and confidence with his group, and managed not only tactics, but the players and their personal relationships. He was all about camaraderie, making players eat breakfast with eachother every morning. For him, his players were not simply teammates.
Everyone was expecting to be relegated, but instead, an incredible revival occurred. Pochettino got eight wins, one draw, and one loss in his last 10 games. This guided Espanyol to a comfortable mid table finish that kept them up, and launched Pochettino’s coaching career.
Their best result was a 2-1 win over Pep’s Barcalona, their first in the competition at the Camp Nou in 27 years. His rescuing of the season is mostly credited to his team management, and ability to get the most of his players. He lifted their spirits like no one else could.
He was obsessed with control, receiving the nickname ‘El Sheriff’, and by playing an aggressive 4231. This lifting and control of the squad surely saved Espanyol from a once inevitable fate, and Pochettino still credits this as his favourite moment in his managerial career.
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