‘Unfair’ Mourinho criticism blasted; two reasons listed why Spurs boss must stay

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has hit out at “unfair” claims that Jose Mourinho should leave if he fails to win a trophy this season.

Tottenham’s season hangs by a thread after Thursday’s Europa League exit to Dinamo Zagreb.

Despite taking a two-goal lead into their last 16 second leg, Mislav Orsic’s hat-trick forged a remarkable turnaround.

While Dinamo’s adventure continues after Friday’s draw, the Carabao Cup remains Spurs’ only chance at silverware this term.

Indeed, that looks a long shot with fellow finalists Manchester City in flying form under Pep Guardiola.

Nevertheless, Friedel has insisted that Mourinho must stay, with more time needed for players to adapt to Mourinho’s style of play after Maurucio Pochetttino’s departure.

“I think Mourinho’s the right man for Tottenham,” the pundit said. “Mauricio Pochettino’s style and Jose Mourinho’s style of play are two different things.

“So, Mourinho would need time to know which players are going to be able to play in his style and there is a long line of players who have been groomed by Mauricio Pochettino in his style, that’s number one.

Jose Mourinho: Tottenham need attitude change

Jose Mourinho: Tottenham need attitude change

Jose Mourinho says the attitude of his Tottenham squad has to be 'completely different' if they want to beat Manchester City and win the Carabao Cup in April.

“Number two is that you’re at a club that doesn’t have even the fifth biggest budget in the Premier League. So, you’re going to consistently have to try and get 100% out of every single player to be able to compete, to possibly be able to win the League.

“Your transfer budget and your salary budget are not amongst the top. It’s not all about money, but when you’re talking about Man City and Liverpool being able to go for certain players, I’m not sure if Tottenham will be in that arena for those kind of transfer fees.

“So, could they go buy [Kylian] Mbappe? If they wanted to, I’m not saying they need to because they have Harry Kane, but I’m not so sure.”

Friedel added that “incredible coach” Mourinho deserves to stay if he does not win the Carabao Cup in April.

Friedel defends Mourinho, Spurs connection

Jose Mourinho, Tottenham manager away at Zagreb

“So, is Jose the right man? Jose is an incredible coach, he’s been one of the very, very best of all time. But he also needs some of the very best players to be able to win the league,” he added, when speaking to CardsChat.

“I think [chairman] Daniel Levy and the board do an unbelievable job at Tottenham. Look at the training ground, look at the stadium, exciting players on the pitch and they do it all not budgeting at the top, and they make money.

“The club is in a very healthy position, I think it’s a little bit unfair to talk about all the time ‘is Jose Mourinho the right guy if they don’t lift a trophy?’


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“You also have to budget in certain ways to win the trophies in the Premier League I’m afraid.”

Spurs return to action on Sunday to face Aston Villa in their last match before the international break.

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