Tottenham fans have had a mixed time under Jose Mourinho so far. After three months it’s become clear who he can and cannot rely upon in this squad, and whilst the fans won’t like it, it seems that Tanguy Ndombele isn’t one who the Portuguese tactician has taken a shine too just yet.
No, the Frenchman may be a top player and capable of turning games from midfield, but a number of niggly fitness issues and the fact that he’s unwilling to play through the pain barrier has irked Mourinho somewhat, although now it seems that Ndombele could be ready to return.
Mourinho, ahead of Tottenham’s clash with Southampton tonight in an FA Cup 4th round replay, has been talking about Ndombele, and it looks like the ex-Lyon man could be set to feature against the Saints, adding to his cameo display against Manchester City from the weekend.
Ahead of the FA Cup clash, Mourinho spoke to the media, and his comments on Ndombele were certainly interesting. An article from The Evening Standard documented his comments, and here’s what he said:
‘He [Ndombele] didn’t have a proper pre-season, then he had injuries in Mauricio’s time and then I arrived and he has had injuries again.’
‘Not big things but small things which stop him and break his evolution. He played with me the first match against Norwich and it was the only match where he played for 90 [with me]. Then he breaks again.’
‘We are trying to give him the best possible condition to not have another stop.’
‘We are taking care of him at every level. We did a ‘global programme’ with him to try to take care of him. We are talking about his work with the group, his individual work, his sports science, his nutrition, everything. It’s like a full package to try to give him the best condition.’
Is Tanguy Ndombele our best midfielder?
Yes!
No!
‘He played well when he came on [against City]. He is not with [injury] problems now, he is training normally and now it is time, instead of playing 15 or 20 minutes, to play more. So, yes [it is time for him to step up].’
‘He is a player with amazing quality. I don’t think he can play 90 minutes. Can he start, and we take him [off] later?’