Mourinho sheds light on Ndombele’s absence against Brighton
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele had asked to be omitted from Spurs’ match against Brighton. (h/t The Sun)
The French international’s omission from the matchday squad came as a surprise to the fans as Spurs fought back from a goal down to win 2-1. Ndombele, who is Tottenham’s record signing, hasn’t enjoyed the best of starts and has only recently recovered from a groin injury. (h/t BBC)
With the player’s absence a topic of discussion, Mourinho sought to clear up the issue in the post-match press conference by revealing that the player felt he was in no condition to play.
“He told me he was not feeling in condition to play.”
Asked if the player was fit to face Brighton, Mourinho said that he cannot say the player was injured.
“I cannot say that he is injured because in five minutes we start the training session that maybe you go to the stands and you can watch it.”
Ndombele, who has been sidelined this season due to injuries has played just once since Mourinho’s appointment. Mourinho’s comments seem to suggest that the injuries have played on the Frenchman’s mind making him want to sit out the match.
Mourinho does not seem pleased with Ndombele’s attitude though, which was in stark contrast with that of Erik Lamela, who also is making a comeback from injury. (h/t Metro)
” I’m very happy with the guys and even one that did not play, Lamela, he was fantastic.”
Mourinho went on to praise Lamela’s attitude and his willingness to contribute to the team in spite of his lengthy injury layoff.
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Ndombele has made 16 appearances for Tottenham and has scored 2 goals. If Mourinho’s comments are anything to go by, he will have to show more commitment to the team in order to be in the Portuguese manager’s good books.
