‘I still have faith’ – Former Spurs striker backs Mourinho to turn things around

Former Tottenham striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has urged Spurs fans to keep faith in Jose Mourinho and believes the Portuguese coach will turn around the club’s fortunes if he’s given time.

Tottenham failed to win any of their last six games in all competitions before the footballing calendar was suspended temporarily to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

That is longest run without a win in Mourinho managerial career so far (talkSPORT) and the Spurs head coach has come in for some scathing criticism for the team’s poor form (ESPN FC).

This hasn’t been helped by the fact that the team has been without the likes Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Moussa Sissoko for the long-term, but Berbatov dismissed suggestions that Mourinho was the wrong appointment for Spurs.

Speaking to Betfair, he said: “Against Leipzig [a 3-0 defeat in the Champions League], Spurs were completely outplayed.

“As a Spurs fan, it was difficult to watch, but are people seriously saying Jose Mourinho should be sacked after just four months as manager?

“There’s no need to panic. The suspension to the Premier League means Mourinho has time to think over strategies and get players back from injury.

“I thought Mourinho was a good choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino. I still have faith in the Portuguese and believe any head coach deserves a full season to bring in his players and implement his philosophy. Judge Mourinho on next season.”

The Bulgarian also felt that the blame had to fall on the players’ shoulders as it was up to them to carry out their instructions on the pitch.

Berbatov added: “The injuries to Harry Kane and others have been very unfortunate but Spurs still have quality throughout their squad.

“Sometimes I get the feeling that some players are not playing for the team and are trying to take the glory for themselves. That can ruin goal-scoring opportunities. Spurs should try to release the forwards quicker on the counter-attack.

“Small details make all the difference in football and the players have to take responsibility for results. All Mourinho can do is prepare them because once they’re on the pitch it’s up to them.

“It’s going to be a long journey for Spurs under Mourinho and they shouldn’t give up on him yet.”

Spurs Web Opinion

In fairness, even the harshest of Jose’s critics aren’t demanding that he be sacked right now. Most fans are prepared to write this season off and judge him next season after he’s had a preseason to get his ideas across to the squad. It is crucial however that Levy backs him this summer as our squad is in desperate need of reinforcements.

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