Sky Sports presenter backs Jose Mourinho to surprise Leipzig
Tottenham Hotspur under Jose Mourinho has shown the drive and ability to eke out wins even when not at their best. This is in contrast to earlier in the season when Spurs were unable to see games out or put up any effort in the face of adversity.
Jose Mourinho’s charges are unbeaten in the last seven matches following the home loss to Liverpool. They have, however, failed to keep a clean sheet in five of them.
This is a worrying stat considering we play Leipzig next in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Julian Nagelsmann’s side are tactically astute and excellent on the counter. Spurs will need to maintain their defensive shape to avoid conceding any away goals.
Sky Sports’ Charlie Nicholas, however, believes that Tottenham has what it takes to dispatch the Bundesliga hotshots. (h/t Sky Sports)
The former Celtic player turned Sky Sports panelist was critical of Tottenham’s performances against Southampton and Aston Villa. However, he conceded that Mourinho’s side did well to take advantage of their opponents’ mistakes to ensure they came away with all three points.
Nicholas praised Leipzig for their battling performance at Bayern last week and expects them to give Spurs a real fight. He went on to state that Leipzig are a fast team whose pace can hurt Spurs. Timo Werner and Christopher Nkunku came in for particular praise, as he said they are the Leipzig players to watch. (h/t Sky Sports)
The presenter expects it to be an open game with the Germans hitting Spurs on the break. However, that being said, Nicholas has put faith in Mourinho’s ability to overcome adversity and backed the Portuguese to come good once again.
The Spurs manager took time off during the winter break to watch Leipzig against Bayern. The 57-year-old would have gained valuable insights from watching the Germans first hand.
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Jose Mourinho jokes about 2018 title as Manchester City sanctions loom
- Ole Gunnar Solksjarer to target Harry Winks in the summer
- Tottenham keen on 1.FC Koln defender Ismail Jakobs
This is the first meeting between both sides at any level. Julian Naglsmann is one of the best upcoming coaches in the world and the clash of philosophies between him and Mourinho should be an interesting duel to watch.
