I was at the match and I have to agree. The individual talent in the squad is impressive, I know that all the players are much better than what was on show tonight. It's impossible not to blame 11 individuals underperforming on the management.
Benfica didnt look anything spectacular but they were solid and, most importantly, had a game plan. You could sense some purpose in their actions, be it defending or attacking, whereas we looked confused and the players didnt have a clue on how to build an action.
Sherwood theatrical gesticulation just make it seems like he's trying to give the crowd an impression that the problem is the players not following his instructions, but just ends up looking like someone who has no control over what's going on.
Another thing that jumps out is that there doesn't seem to be an appointed leader, someone in the pitch that is the mirror of what's on Sherwood's mind and can help him put his vision into play. Which unfortunately makes me doubt if there's any vision whatsoever.
Spurs fan on Sherwood seems to get it right: