Clean Sheet Mindset: Practical Approach Proving as Crucial for Spurs
Dominating the rivals was the mentality at Tottenham last campaign but now the priority is on keeping out goals at the other end of the stadium.
Midweek's narrow win over their European opponents in Spurs' European opener was the fourth clean sheet they had kept in their opening five games to date.
By comparison, they had managed just a single at the same stage of last campaign, when the more offensive the former boss was in control.
“We discussed a lot about 'shutout mentality' this year because we allowed a lot last year,” the club midfielder a key player stated.
Defender the Dutch international added: “I think we are a challenging team to play against, without a doubt. Organisationally we are set up really good and we all know what to do, so we're a difficult team to beat.”
The strategy of Spurs against Villarreal was in sharp contrast to the swashbuckling football played under their ex-coach.
They were much more reserved, even after being gifted a fourth-minute opener thanks to a costly mistake by Villarreal goalkeeper their number one.
Stronger Backline but at an Offensive Cost?
Spurs have conceded a single goal to date - in the narrow loss to Bournemouth.
That is a significant improvement on how they kicked off the prior campaign, when they conceded five in their first five games.
In the Premier League they have kept three already - meaning they are just a couple short from replicating their total for the entire of last season.
The more stable platform is potentially coming at a cost, however, with their sole attempt on target against their European foes the second occasion in their last three games they had managed very limited efforts on goal.
The head coach acknowledges this is an area that has to improve.
“We have a very good platform to stand on in terms of our backline setup and I think it's solid and we gave very little away,” he said.
“We are in the Champions League against a strong team. Moreover, I knew we took a positive step against the Hammers, in attack is the area we need to enhance.”
