It’s an accusation that’s been levelled at both Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp in recent seasons.
Tottenham and Liverpool have both struggled to maintain consistency towards the end of the campaign since the two managers took charge in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Pochettino and Klopp are universally praised for their high-energy, high-pressing styles of play, but there is a danger that it can lead to burnout.
However, as the two prepare to go head-to-head at Anfield this Saturday, Pochettino defended his Liverpool counterpart.
“I cannot speak for another coach but all the managers, Klopp with his experience, are clever enough to provide good balance,” he told a press conference.
“What we can do? Some people talk and give their opinions and we need to respect that.
“But in football there are a lot of areas you need to control.
“If you are win you are a genius if you don’t wain you are criticised. You just need to be natural, spontaneous and believe in the way you play. Use your methods. It’s an easy answer: to work in the way you believe you can achieve big things.”
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can create enough pace in the absence of Danny Rose, who is facing at least another there weeks out after suffering a knee injury against Sunderland.
That means second-choice Ben Davies will take his place, while the defence will also be missing Jan Vertonghen.
All that could mean Spurs have to operate slightly differently to how they normally would, especially away from home.
Even so, Pochettino has coped with a number of big injuries this season, including Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane, so it doesn’t look like his squad should suffer too much from overworking.
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