Who knows what Mourinho might tangibly achieve in his time at Spurs? It might be nothing, like the last guy, but unlike his predecessor, the Portuguese is at least getting stuck into the business of rooting out the time-wasters, opposed to telling the press every week how happy he is with them.
Last night we saw an incredibly tired Tottenham side, many of whom had not some 48 hours before played 120 minutes in Croatia. That game left its mark on Spurs, not just with fatigue and cramping but with the release of rage that ensued afterward via both the captain and the gaffer – live on TV.
The absence of shame in the squad – that’s been with us on and off for several years now – has resulted in so few Spurs players being linked with exciting transfer speculation. Harry Winks isn’t a player one can imagine any club is clamouring to snap up. Dele Alli’s only been linked with PSG on the basis that their new coach used to start the 24-year-old pretty much unquestioningly when at Tottenham. How many of Spurs’ long-term servants are exciting other managers? Who else was even vaguely interested in plucking Gareth Bale from Real Madrid?
My understanding from a source close to the club is that Mourinho is seeking to effect less of a coup, and more the installation of a meritocracy governed by a work ethic. Levy simply wants the discord gone and results to pick up. Basic self-respect is more valued under José than the ability to slope in and pick up your wages. What a maniac the man is, eh?