Paul Merson urges Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho to push academy prospects

In his latest column for Sky Sports, Paul Merson has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho will have to prove how good a coach he is by bringing through and developing academy youngsters, during the times of financial uncertainty.

It is no secret that finances of all football clubs, including Tottenham, have been hit had by the suspension of football due to coronavirus. Matchday revenues dried up during the period and with no fans being allowed into stadiums upon resumption of football, that situation is unlikely to see an improvement immediately.

During these times, big-money transfer are likely to be a rare sight according to Merson, who believes that the time is perfect for clubs to blood in talent from their academies.

“I just don’t think clubs are going to be in a position to pay £70m, £80m on players anymore. Don’t see that happening. I quite like it because now coaches have got to be coaches, they’ve got to make these players better. For me, this is where coaches become coaches.”

Merson claimed that the Tottenham are blessed with some gifted players in the youth ranks. Furthermore, he stated that it was now upon manager Mourinho to make sure that he brings through the youngsters amidst the financial uncertainties.

“Managers like Jose Mourinho will have to start making youth team players better. He’ll have to start concentrating on bringing players through, and showing how good a coach he is. Tottenham have some brilliant kids, don’t worry about that.”

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Mourinho has already brought in Japhet Tanganga into the first-team in his short time at the club. With the club’s hands likely to be tied by limited budgets, the Portuguese may have to push through more youngsters. The likes of Troy Parrott and Jack Clarke, who is currently out on loan, could be set for first-team roles.