Thread by @EBL2017

The image is blurry, but the evidence is clear. Pochettino has implemented a man-to-man high press when Real Madrid are building out from the back. This is an approach used from his former coach Marcelo Bielsa. PSG are largely controlling the game thanks to this.

Poch 👏

This is something that Pochettino didn't achieve at all in his time at PSG so far in the Champions League (control via settled pressing). Tuchel, however, did, even with Neymar in the XI, so it was a massive flaw of Poch which cost his side in last seasons campaign.

Poch has mainly nullified this point for now, but he must keep it up. PSG have got to reliably press high within a compact structure to have a chance in the CL. Last year they only counterpressed after sustaining an attack - that wasn't sustainable for success. This, however, is.

PSG won't control every phase of play like City and Liverpool, for example, but they are still exerting control in a crucial phase thus taking control *AWAY* from the opposition. The alternative is easy build-up every time for the opposition & thus easy control in that phase.

PSG last season had a top build-up but primarily built under mass pressure because they let the oppo generally build play with ease. They also had top transitional + settled attacks but few of them. This season, they've added settled pressing + will excel elsewhere due to that.

PSG's settled pressing enables them to have easier & more regular build-up play, more settled attacks, more transitional attacks because the opposition won't be on top of them every time they build play, AND can create via settled pressing. That's so much better from Pochettino!

Where PSG will not control the game is via pressing in settled play i.e. when the opposition have the ball just short of midfield in general play, but that's only 1 flaw. They can still try & remain compact within those moments by defending deep. Either way, they're much better!

Teams will still be able to sustain attacks against them, as we're seeing Madrid do here, but not as often as last season because PSG press the opposition from goal kicks/deep within their half & not just off the back of a counterpress (hence PSG's early dominance of the ball).

Now, PSG pressing high obviously opens them up to more transitional attacks if teams play through their press but the benefits absolutely outweigh the risks. The alternative is to sit back and play under intense pressure and hope the build-up + attackers do special things.

Either way, I am mightily impressed with the improvements in control Pochettino has implemented within this team. Long may it continue, because this team deserves the best possible chance of winning games considering how many special players they have.

It can also absolutely continue even with Neymar back in the team over Di Maria. Tuchel had Neymar defending with a midfield line of 4 in a 4-4-2 block to a good standard. Elite players will buy into defending intensely if they think it'll increase their chances of winning a CL.