E3 - Mauricio Pochettino: How to build a team with compassion

Mauricio Pochettino is the current manager of PSG. He’s a man who creates a real family atmosphere wherever he coaches. He has won trophies at Espanyol and PSG as a player, but he’s now best known as a top-class manager with spells at Espanyol and Southampton before he took Tottenham to finals and their best league finish in 25 years, playing football as effective as it was impressive. Hear his stories of inspiring people, selecting players and his football philosophy. Listen to Mauricio Pochettino tell you his secrets to living a more high-performance life.

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### Introduction:

- This podcast episode delves into the world of high performance with Mauricio Pochettino, a renowned football manager known for creating a family atmosphere wherever he coaches.
- Pochettino, a former player and manager at Espanyol and Southampton, led Tottenham to finals and their best league finish in 25 years, playing effective and impressive football.
- The discussion explores his secrets to inspiring people, selecting players, remaining relentless, creating culture, dealing with disappointment, and maintaining the importance of family and friends in a high-performance environment.

### Key Insights:

1. **High-Performance Mindset:**
- High performance involves striving to be the best, giving your best, staying ahead of the curve, and surrounding yourself with the best people.
- Curiosity and a willingness to question oneself and evolve are essential for continuous improvement and learning.

2. **Influence of Marcelo Bielsa:**
- Bielsa had a profound impact on Pochettino's career, instilling in him a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep understanding of football philosophy.
- Bielsa's unique approach opened doors for Pochettino and showed him a path to success.

3. **Inspiring Modern Young Players:**
- To inspire modern young players, it's crucial to understand their individual backgrounds and circumstances.
- Tailoring inspiration and motivation to each player's unique needs is essential.
- Creating a sense of belonging and involving players in building the team's philosophy can lead to massive success.

4. **Non-Negotiable Behaviors and Culture:**
- Pochettino's approach to culture has evolved over time, moving from a more rigid and inflexible stance to a more flexible and adaptable one.
- He believes in finding better solutions and dealing with circumstances effectively through negotiation and compromise.
- The key to creating a strong culture is to involve everyone in the process and make them feel like their ideas are valued.

5. **Dealing with Players Who Don't Buy In:**
- Pochettino emphasizes that it's not his philosophy but a collective philosophy built with the team and staff.
- The focus is on finding the best way for players to perform and achieve their goals.
- Trust and understanding are crucial, and players need to feel that the coaching staff is working in their best interests.
- Striking the right balance between providing rest and pushing players to their limits is essential.

6. **Building Trust and Creating a Family Atmosphere:**
- Building trust is paramount, and it's achieved through daily interactions, natural behavior, and showing genuine care for the players.
- Creating a family atmosphere involves being close, supportive, and interested in the well-being of the players.
- Touch and physical contact can convey positive energy and help gauge the emotional state of players.

7. **Attitude and Its Importance:**
- Pochettino believes attitude is everything in life and in football.
- Talent alone is not enough; a positive attitude is crucial for success.
- Advising young players requires understanding their backgrounds and circumstances.
- Building trust and finding ways to make them listen and follow instructions is essential.



**Leadership and Team Building:**

* Mauricio Pochettino emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive team environment where players feel like a family.
* He believes that fostering a sense of togetherness and camaraderie among the players is crucial for success.
* Pochettino stresses the need for clear communication and open dialogue within the team to ensure everyone is on the same page.
* He encourages players to express themselves and share their ideas, creating a collaborative atmosphere.

**Player Development:**

* Pochettino believes in investing in player development and helping them reach their full potential.
* He focuses on improving players' technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental strength.
* Pochettino emphasizes the importance of providing players with the necessary tools and resources to succeed.
* He creates a platform where players can learn, grow, and improve their overall performance.

**Tactical Approach:**

* Pochettino's tactical approach is characterized by high pressing, quick passing, and attacking football.
* He encourages his teams to play with intensity and energy, creating chances and scoring goals.
* Pochettino emphasizes the importance of defensive organization and discipline to prevent conceding goals.
* He adapts his tactics based on the strengths and weaknesses of his team and the opposition.

**Motivational Techniques:**

* Pochettino is known for his motivational skills and ability to inspire his players.
* He uses positive reinforcement and encouragement to boost player confidence and morale.
* Pochettino creates a sense of purpose and belonging within the team, making players feel valued and motivated.
* He sets clear goals and objectives for the team and encourages them to strive for success.

**Resilience and Adaptability:**

* Pochettino emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in football.
* He believes that teams need to be able to overcome setbacks and challenges to achieve success.
* Pochettino encourages his players to learn from their mistakes and grow from adversity.
* He instills a never-give-up attitude and a belief that anything is possible if they work hard and stay united.

**Emotional Intelligence:**

* Pochettino possesses high emotional intelligence and is skilled at understanding and managing his own emotions as well as those of his players.
* He is empathetic and compassionate, creating a supportive environment where players feel comfortable sharing their concerns and challenges.
* Pochettino is able to connect with players on a personal level, building strong relationships and fostering a sense of trust.
* He uses his emotional intelligence to motivate and inspire his players, creating a positive and productive team culture.


**Building a Family Atmosphere:**

Pochettino emphasizes the importance of creating a tight-knit, family-like environment within his teams. He believes that strong bonds and mutual respect among players and staff are essential for fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere conducive to success.

**Inspiring People:**

Pochettino possesses a unique ability to inspire and motivate individuals. He recognizes the potential in players and staff, helping them unlock their full potential through encouragement, belief, and clear communication.

**Player Selection:**

Pochettino's player selection process is guided by a holistic approach. He evaluates not only technical skills but also a player's character, attitude, and willingness to contribute to the team's collective success. He seeks players who are committed, hard-working, and willing to embrace his football philosophy.

**Football Philosophy:**

Pochettino's football philosophy centers around playing attractive, attacking football while maintaining a solid defensive structure. He demands high levels of intensity, pressing, and quick transitions, creating a dynamic and entertaining style of play.

**Living a High-Performance Life:**

Pochettino believes in living a balanced and high-performance life. He emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, mental well-being, and a healthy lifestyle. He encourages players to take ownership of their development, constantly improve, and strive for excellence.

**Conclusion:**

Mauricio Pochettino's approach to management and his football philosophy have earned him widespread recognition and respect. His ability to inspire people, select the right players, and implement his attacking style of play has led to success at various clubs. Pochettino's insights into living a high-performance life offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking to achieve their full potential.