5 mistakes Jose Mourinho has already made at Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur's Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho reacts during the English FA Cup fourth round replay football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 5, 2020. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 02, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus) /

2. Calling out Tanguy Ndombele

Any observer can clearly see that Ndombele lacks the fitness to play 90 minutes of Premier League football. The reasons for that deficiency are unclear, but they do clearly annoy Mourinho to no end.

As such, the gaffer has taken to the press to point out his French midfielder’s struggles. Time will tell whether or not that is the best way to motivate Ndombele. The initial response from the player hasn’t been good.

The simple truth is that Ndombele has the talent to be one of the most dynamic midfielders in Europe. Mourinho needs to find a way to get him to maximize his potential. Tottenham do not have the financial resources required to sell him and buy a world-class player to replace him.

Spurs supporters should keep a close eye on how Mourinho treats Ndombele as the season progresses. At the very least, Mourinho needs to stop carping about him to the press. That’s only going to drive a wedge between the two that may never be overcome. Mourinho can criticize Ndombele all he wants in private, but doing so in the media is a poor look for everyone involved. It’s not a new tactic for Mourinho, but that doesn’t make it an effective strategy.

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