Jose Mourinho set to block Tanguy Ndombele’s transfer to Barcelona
According to Spanish publication Sport via Sportwitness (h/t Football.london), Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho is set to throw a spanner in the works regarding Barcelona’s interest in Tanguy Ndombele.
The Frenchman is the club’s record signing, having joined us for £53.8million last summer. In spite of a good start, injuries and a loss of form have plagued the midfielder, who continues to struggle.
Ndombele has played 27 times for Spurs this season and has scored two goals and four assists. He has finished the full 90 minutes just four times, having played 1383 minutes overall.
Mourinho publicly called the player out following a dismal performance in the 1-1 draw away to Burnley earlier this year.
The midfielder was a part of the group that took part in a public training session in spite of the imposed lockdown. It was reported by French publication L’Equipe (h/t Sun) that the midfielder has had it with the Spurs boss and is keen to move away, with Barcelona interested.
It now appears that the Portuguese will not permit Ndombele to leave because of his personal vendetta against the Catalans. (h/t Football.london)
Mourinho has had a number of run-ins with Barca despite working there earlier in his career. His stint as Real Madrid manager will not have helped, while his post-full-time antics after Inter beat Barcelona in 2010 will live long in the memory.
Mourinho will not sanction a transfer for Ndombele to join Barcelona without a fight.
Petty and unnecessary
It is extremely petty of Mourinho to take a stand based on his personal feelings. As the face of the club, he can be opinionated but should be behaving with dignity and compassion.
The manager’s carrot and stick approach will not be effective on every player and he will need to find what works for them rather than burn bridges. It was extremely irresponsible of him to organize a training camp at a time like this and once can understand Ndomele’s reactions.
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Ndombele is a powerhouse of a player who impressed in the Ligue 1. Still only 23, he has a long road ahead. It is Mourinho’s job to get the best out of him.
If he is unable to do so, it is best to let the player move on and focus on bringing in someone who can do the job you require. Sabotaging a player’s move for no reason is unbecoming of a Tottenham manager.