Opinion: Jose Mourinho misplayed the Ndombele situation

The world of football is all about man management these days, which each player responding to different styles of guidance.

The days of Sir Alex Ferguson throwing football boots around the changing room appears to be long gone. Now, we see more father figure type managers like Mauricio Pochettino.

Jose Mourinho decided to give Tottenham’s record signing, Tanguy Ndombele, a kick up the backside after his first-half performance against Burnley this month (Sky Sports).

The Frenchman has all the talent in the world on the ball, but seems reluctant to put any effort into defending and work off the ball.

I think that Mourinho’s comments were all very fair and much needed, however, it was not the time or the place for them.

I get the impression that Ndombele is the type of player to sink away amidst this public humiliation, rather than rising to the challenge.

I can’t help but feel as if Mourinho should have laid into the star in private, rather than announcing it to the press.

As an expensive asset, Spurs must now ensure that they nurture Ndombele and his talent into a successful Premier League star, or risk taking a huge financial hit on him.

If he had the attitude of Mousa Dembele, I think he could perform that role for Spurs, likely surpassing the talent of the Belgian.

However, it all comes down to Ndombele’s mental side of the game and whether Mourinho is the man to get the best out of him.

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