Gary Neville has said that he felt during parts of last season that the Tottenham players were not buying into Jose Mourinho’s methods but he has now changed his mind on the back of the North Londoners’ recent displays.
Tottenham sent out a statement by comfortably beating Manchester City 2-0, a result which has taken them to the top of the league standings.
It was an extremely disciplined showing from Mourinho’s men on Saturday, with Spurs’ attacking players tracking back and putting their bodies on the line to help maintain the clean sheet.
Speaking after Tottenham’s win, Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast (as relayed by The Mirror): “For a period under Jose Mourinho, I didn’t feel as though Spurs had an identity.
“They looked like they were in transition. I didn’t think the players were having this under Jose. But I’m changing my mind dramatically.
“The team look really up for it and they fancy the challenge.”
However, the former Manchester United defender admitted that he still has his doubts if Tottenham have what it takes to go all the way.
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He added: “The triangle of goalkeeper and centre-backs is the worry for Tottenham. I still don’t think they will win the league.
“I don’t think they’re anywhere near Liverpool, personally. But it’s a strange season and we’re seeing strange things happen. Liverpool have injuries which mean they’re weaker and will drop more points.”
The pundit did admit that he is excited by the prospect of a potential Mourinho vs Frank Lampard title race going into the all-important London derby next Sunday.
Speaking about Chelsea’s recent displays, Neville said: “It was a really good win for Chelsea [against Newcastle United] and we’re all excited for that Tottenham game.
“We thought Chelsea would be interesting at the start of the season because they invested big on young and exciting players.
“It looks like Lampard is starting to get it right. He was searching in the first few weeks for his best system where he could fit everybody in. He’s starting to work it out and they’re looking pretty strong.
“Is it a season whereby Lampard and Mourinho could be up against each other in a title race? We would never have thought that.”
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