Mourinho takes Roy Keane to task over Tottenham ‘mind games’ claim

Jose Mourinho

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho said that he disagreed with Roy Keane over the pundit’s claim that he was playing mind games after Sunday’s draw with Chelsea.

Mourinho had earlier noted that his side were unhappy to leave Stamford Bridge with a point. Indeed, the Portuguese said that his players had displayed a “complete change of mentality and personality”.

In a game of few chances, Spurs could only muster one shot on target. What’s more, Mourinho’s men certainly appeared tactically entirely set up to stifle and grind out whatever they could.

Speaking on Sky Sports, former midfielder Keane insisted that Mourinho was playing mind games. However, the manager took the pundit to task over that claim in his post-match press conference.

“I respect Roy a lot, I like him a lot, and it was an incredible experience to work with him, learn from him,” the manager said.

“But this time I don’t agree with Roy. It’s not true, my players are my witnesses.

“We came here to win, we were ready to punish them if they take the normal risks and dynamic they have.”

Chelsea forced by far the better openings on goal in an admittedly meagre attacking display from both teams.

 

 

Hakim Ziyech missed the chance of the day, blazing over after being fed by Ben Chilwell. Timo Werner, meanwhile, did put the ball in the net only for the offside flag to thwart the Germany striker.

Nevertheless, the result moved Spurs back to the top of the Premier League table ahead of Liverpool. The Reds had earlier climbed to the summit after their 1-1 draw away at Brighton.

With 10 games gone in the season, though, Mourinho laughed off the prospect of his side chasing for the title.

Tottenham a pony, Chelsea a horse

Mourinho.Tottenham.TEAMtalk.000

Installing Chelsea as far bigger Premier League favourites than his Spurs outfit, Mourinho said: “We are not even in the race. We are not a horse, we’re just a pony.

“You see the difference: Joe Rodon was playing for Swansea, Thiago Silva was for many, many years one of the best centre-backs in the world.

“Maybe one month of Thiago’s salary pays Joe’s annual salary. I’m very happy with Joe, I’m very happy with the squad and to be with my amazing coaching staff, coaching and leading these guys.

“I’m very happy with my team, with my guys and this mentality. We came, got the point, we’re top of the league, and we are not happy. Of course, Chelsea are one of the biggest contenders, there’s no doubt abut that.

“I believe for them it’s not a problem at all to be two points behind (Spurs and Liverpool). I don’t think it’s a problem for Chelsea, they know how powerful they are and what a squad they have.”

READ MORE: Lampard declares Chelsea ‘should’ve won’ despite his prediction coming true