Tottenham players left angered by Mourinho comments after Newcastle draw
According to Alasdair Gold of Football.london, a few Tottenham Hotspur players have been left seething by the comments made by manager Jose Mourinho after their draw against Newcastle United.
Tottenham once again yielded a lead to be held to a 2-2 draw by the Magpies away at St. James’ Park on Sunday. With Chelsea having dropped points on Saturday, it was the perfect chance for Spurs to move into fourth place in the Premier League table.
However, some sloppy defending allowed Joelinton to put Newcastle in front in the first half. Harry Kane struck back immediately to equalise before putting us in front four minutes later. However, a late goal from Joe Willock ensured Tottenham returned with just a point from Tyneside.
During his post-match interview, Mourinho was asked why his team kept conceding late goals when his previous sides have been known to protect leads. To which, the Portuguese bluntly replied:
“Same coach, different players.”
In another interview, explaining the absence of Toby Alderweireld and Serge Aurier from the matchday squad against Newcastle, the manager claimed that the duo had returned late from international duty. This despite Alderweireld being pictured in training on Thursday. (h/t Evening Standard)
“I don’t want to say discipline. I don’t want to say that. This is what it is.”
The pair had been dropped from the club’s last game against Aston Villa as well, citing illness as the reason, only for them to fly out to international duties the next day. When asked if Mourinho was questioning their commitment and desire, the Spurs’ press officer stepped in before he could reply.
“I think Jose has explained all he needs to explain there.”
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And some of these comments made by Jose Mourinho are now being said to have angered the Tottenham players.
Mourinho, throughout his managerial tenure, has been known to develop a siege mentality within the squad by spinning a sort of a ‘us vs them’ tale. Nonetheless, he can also isolate his players easily with his comments and he may be at the risk of doing so again at Tottenham.
