Mourinho reveals if he is likely to employ a back three more often

Jose Mourinho has admitted that his decision to start with a back three against Sheffield United was a solution specific that particular game but the Spurs boss did not rule out using the formation again in the future.

A few eyebrows were raised when the teamsheet came out during Tottenham’s trip to Bramall Lane two weeks ago.

The Tottenham boss decided to start with Joe Rodon, Eric Dier and Ben Davies at the back which gave Serge Aurier and Sergio Reguilon more freedom to bomb forward.

Spurs pressed higher up the pitch than they have on most occasions this season and the tactical change certainly worked, with the away side dominating proceedings, creating a whole host of chances and running out 3-1 winners.

Mourinho admitted that playing three at the back could be a more offensive set up and stated that it is a formation he can use again this season.

The Tottenham boss told Football.London: “We wanted to be very aggressive in that match, to press really high. We knew the problems we had at Sheffield last season.

“Many times playing with three [at the back] can be a very offensive way, we pressed the ball very, very high. We created chances. It was a special match…but I’m not saying we cannot play again with the back three.

“We did it against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and the team is progressing, they are going to get more experience, learn more. So I’m not saying in the future they cannot play it again.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I cannot see us employing three at the back against the bigger sides or pressing as high as we did at Bramall Lane. I expect us to defend with a low block against Liverpool tonight and look to hit them on the break just as we did at Anfield last month.

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