By now, most Spurs fans will be aware of José Mourinho’s damning remarks about Tanguy Ndombele, after yesterday’s game at Turf Moor. In fairness to the gaffer, this is somewhat politer version of what has been doing the rounds on social media and message boards for the past few weeks.
Mr Nakrani says that the public criticism shifts blame. Which is utterly nonsensical. Tanguy Ndombele is to blame for Tanguy Ndombele not living up to expectations. Nobody else.
Whilst those that sit in wait, looking for reasons to pounce on Mourinho and brand him this or that will delight in the perceived discord comments such as these create, let’s not lose sight of the difference between right and wrong.
Tanguy Ndombele can be a remarkably gifted player. We’ve seen flashes of that player in a Tottenham shirt – but only flashes – and this is a man that cost £63million. He’s not merely some fella helping us out when we get busy.
To blast José for saying in public something that supposedly ought to have been kept “in house” is to suggest that the two men had never had a conversation about fitness and application during their many months together at Hotspur Way.
Those digging Mourinho out now, might well be the same people that forecast an inevitable fall out between the Portuguese and Daniel Levy, as José would need hundreds of millions to spend on players. Do people really think that nobody talks to each other, really?!
For me, José’s comments come from a man that is fed up asking a £63million superstar nicely, “could you get fit and put a shift in?”
When it comes to José, the facts are rarely allowed to get in the way of a good story.