What we learned from Jose Mourinho presser as Spurs face Burnley
Tottenham travels to Turf Moor to take on the side with the second-most clean sheets as they look to put an end to their losing streak. Jose Mourinho’s side have managed to lose all four of their matches after the winter break as Tottenham struggle to take advantage of their rivals’ slip-ups.
Sean Dyche’s Burnley will put up a fight but with the right mentality, we should be able to turn a corner here. A victory here will not just raise team morale but also take us to within two points of Chelsea who play Everton later on.
Jose Mourinho faced the press. We take a look at what we learned.
1. On Eric Dier
Mourinho reiterated his support for Dier’s actions on a personal level while also gently reminding him of his professional conduct. The Spurs boss was happy with the understanding of the situation by the footballing community and stated the need for everyone involved to move on.
He spoke of the difficulties faced by the players who in spite of being professionals are at the end of the day human. He was thankful he never faced an incident such as that in his career and said he’d do the same had he been in Dier’s shoes.
Mourinho dismissed suggestions that Dier will be given time off and that he did nothing to be ashamed of. He praised the player for his performances in the last two games and also hinted that he will persist with the player as a reward for his good form.
He also said that the team are more focussed on the results rather than the off-field happenings. He praised them for tackling difficult times with courage and reiterated their commitment to getting the best possible results for the club until they exhaust every last bot of their energy.
2. On Steve Bruce’s comments on the Coronavirus threat
Steve Bruce had earlier commented that he expects matches to be played behind closed doors due to the prevailing Coronavirus outbreak.
Mourinho claimed to have no knowledge of any such ruling and suggested that Bruce may have more information than him. The Spurs boss claimed ignorance with respect to the Premier League and the Champions League, and claimed that they wouldn’t have played midweek had the UCL tie been against either of the Milan teams.
He claimed to be a football man and commented that he will follow the rules that are relayed to him.
3. On goalkeepers
Michel Vorm had a mixed day against Norwich City. It was his mistake that led to Josip Drmic’s equalizer and the keeper must shoulder the blame for that.
Mourinho insisted that he feels Hugo Lloris is fit to play against Burnley. He has also decided on the backup in case the Frenchman can’t make it and has named Paulo Gazzaniga as the preferred starter.
4. On using Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn judiciously
Mourinho stated that both players were in risk of an injury against Norwich City. Neither are used to playing football this regularly and are having to do so now due to the circumstances.
He spoke of the need to go with them as he needs his best players to win matches. Mourinho also spoke of coming up with a game plan that suits the duo while also providing them with the capability to rest and recover.
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley: Preview, Team News, Predicted lineups and more
- Tony Cascarino accuses Jose Mourinho of taking Tottenham backward
- Jose Mourinho gives his take on Eric Dier confronting an abusive fan
5. On injuries
The Spurs boss believes that Hugo Lloris is ready to return to action. He also believes that the outings against Norwich for both Erik Lamela and Tanguy Ndombele will have done them good. Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son, and Moussa Sissoko remain sidelined.
