Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has been discussing what Jose Mourinho brings to this current Tottenham Hotspur side during his recent appearance on the Monday Night Football show.
The Lilywhites appointed the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss in November 2019, just days after sacking Mauricio Pochettino after five years in charge of the North London club (as per BBC Sport). Since taking over the reins at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, the Portuguese boss has overseen 46 matches, winning 24, drawing 10 and losing on 12 occasions (as per Transfermarkt).
When the subject came up in the studio with regards to whether or not Spurs are genuine title contenders, Neville spoke of the manager’s influence on this side, here is what he had to say:
“I’m fascinated to see how it is going to play out.
“The idea of Jose Mourinho winning the league with Tottenham is unbelievable. I don’t think it will happen – but I still think the fact that he’s there gives them a belief that maybe they wouldn’t have had before. [The] only thing he thinks about is winning, he’ll do anything to win, Jose Mourinho, anything – and that’s the mentality those Tottenham players need.
“They’ve really struggled with a mentality over 30, 40, 50 years to have a ruthless, clinical, horrible mentality – and that’s what he does bring with him.”
Can Spurs challenge for the Premier League title this season?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Gary Neville’s comments regarding Jose Mourinho…
In our view, Jose Mourinho’s managerial record speaks for itself. The 57-year-old has enjoyed success both domestically here in the United Kingdom, in Spain, Italy, Portugal and on the European stage (as per Transfermarkt), therefore, you can understand why Neville believes the “mentality” shift his arrival could mean at Spurs counts for something.
Currently, his side is just two points behind the Premier League leaders Everton, so although the pundit doesn’t believe they will go on and win the division, in our view, at this stage, you certainly can’t rule Spurs out.