Tactics, possible line-up, potential signings & more: What Mauricio Pochettino at Barca could look like

Believe it or not but we're getting linked with Mauricio Pochettino's arrival once again. According to the Daily Mail, the Argentine is the best-positioned candidate to replace Quique Setien if the latter shows nothing special in the Champions League this season.

Let's take a look at what Barca could look like under the former Tottenham Hotspur boss.

Background

An unpredictable mid-table club for many years, Spurs broke through the mediocrity and became capable of competing with the best of the best under the Argentine's guidance. Be it the Champions League or the Prem, Pochettino instilled fighting spirit into his men and the results were evident for all to see.

He might not have won any major trophies but his contribution to the team, as a whole, is far more valuable and precious. And that includes developing and honing players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Harry Winks, and numerous others.

Tactical analysis

Pochettino's tactics are based on two simple rules. When in possession of the ball, his players focus on passing the ball diligently to orchestrate attacks. Once they succeed, they go all in and attack with purpose. When his team lose possession, the players dump ample pressure on the opponents.

Unless you're a striker perhaps, simply attacking would not earn you brownie points in a Pochettino set-up; you would need to know how to defend as well. Laziness is simply unacceptable and without the hunger and raw desire to win the ball back, one would struggle.

For example, Emmanuel Adebayor was a victim of this philosophy during his time at Tottenham. His lack of defensive contribution eventually led to greater issues.

At Barca, there are only two players who rarely contribute in defence: Leo Messi and Luis Suarez. However, given that the Uruguayan is likely to be replaced with Lautaro Martinez at some point, there'd be no problems with instilling that approach.

As for the passing thing, Barca could indeed benefit from Pochettino's style as we register too many passes that are close to being unnecessary.

Possible line-up

Ter Stegen; Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Semedo; De Jong, Ndombele; Puig; Griezmann, Lautaro, Messi.

New signings

• Lautaro Martinez - it's hard to see Barca going for Harry Kane but signing a very promising compatriot of Pochettino who's, by the way, very decent in counter-attacking play, is a great option.
• Tanguy Ndombele - the one to make our midfield a bit more defence-minded and the one who's very familiar with how Pochettino works. Can play as a defensive midfielder, as an attacking midfielder or simply in central midfield.

Could someone else be signed? Perhaps Christian Eriksen, but with Puig in stock, there'll be no need for it.

Final verdict

Mauricio Pochettino is a true professional who could be suitable for Barcelona, but there are two stumbling blocks.

• Financial need: it's hard to imagine Poch doing wonders out of nothing. The Argentine would definitely need to be sure that the club could afford anyone and, what's even more important, that he could have some control over the club's incoming transfers.
• Unpleasant background: whatever Mauricio says, his quote about preferring to work on the farm rather than to manage Barcelona left an imprint on the Cules' minds; besides, the fact that he played for Espanyol and even managed them can't be ignored.