Spurs fans on Twitter have been reacting to some quotes from Jose Mourinho following the 1-0 defeat against Royal Antwerp on Thursday evening.
The Lilywhites slipped to their first defeat since their opening fixture of this season, and their first away defeat since July in Belgium, with Lior Refaelov’s goal proving enough to secure all three points for the home side in the Europa League Group J fixture (per BBC Sport). Following the game, Mourinho spoke to the press, saying:
“Before matches you always ask me why this player is not playing, why this player is not playing, why this player is not selected. Maybe now for a few weeks, you don’t ask me that because you have the answer.” (per Jonathan Veal)
Lots of Spurs fans seem to think that the Portuguese manager is referencing Dele Alli here, with the former MK Dons man having been dropped from the Premier League squad on a number of occasions already this season and although he started the game against Royal Antwerp, he picked up a disappointing 5.87 rating for his display and was subsequently substituted at half-time.
So perhaps, Mourinho was suggesting that the Englishman’s poor performance in Belgium proves why he hasn’t been selected particularly often so far this season?
So, how did these Spurs fans react to Jose Mourinho’s post-match comments?
I’ll be amazed if Dele plays for us again now after those words. He seemed to purposely not put Bale in on goal in the first 10 minutes. It was like, I’m not giving you the ball. He couldn’t of failed to spot the pass. He’s done.
— The Spurs Compendium (@SpursCompendium) October 29, 2020
RUTHLESS.
— Callum (@PortBroadside) October 29, 2020
Every footballer should take the opportunity when it comes & earn their place in the team! Dele not lacking confidence just needs to step up!
— Adrian (@adrianstixs) October 29, 2020
Bye bye Dele
— SJD (@sjdavey) October 29, 2020
Calling Dele out again when others were as bad. Can’t help himself…
— COYSpurs (@makkathfc) October 29, 2020
Jose is music to my ears holy
— Blizzy (@100_Blizzy) October 29, 2020
This is absolutely brutal.
Not what Dele etc. will want to hear. https://t.co/bI2RAO0nfP
— ????? ??????? (@FootballOllie) October 29, 2020
dele gone for good.
— Kailahh | BALE IS HOME (@TheOnlyKailahh) October 29, 2020
dele alli finished at #Spurs gotta sell in Jan
— SteffiCubsUkFans (@uk_steffi) October 30, 2020
Overall, it seems clear that a lot of Spurs fans are convinced that Mourinho is referencing Alli in his comments here, and seem concerned that the 24-year-old may well be ‘finished’ at the North London club.