in

Mourinho demands defensive ‘stability’ following Spurs free scoring start to the season

Jose Mourinho has demanded defensive ‘stability’ from his side following Tottenham’s free-scoring start to the new season.

The north London side have enjoyed a prolific start to the campaign and are the joint-leading scorers in the Premier League this season with 15 goals scored in just five league fixtures, with the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min excelling in a vibrant and dangerous attack.

Spurs have also plundered 15 goals in a further four Europa League contests and have scored 3+ goals on six occasions already during the current campaign, their attacking displays drawing comparisons with Mourinho’s free-scoring Real Madrid side.

Mourinho guided the Spanish giants to the 2011/12 La Liga title with a staggering 121 goals scored during his time at the Bernabeu, though the Portuguese says he is keen for his current side to find a balance between defensive solidity and uber-attacking performances.

“In Real Madrid, I had amazing, amazing attacking players and we managed to build the team in a certain way,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“I have to be honest and say we have lots of good attacking players here but we need to give stability to the team because the team needs stability in the back to feel solid, confident – to (be able to) have a go. So we need to find that balance.

“Let’s say that it is a team thing, it’s not just about individuals. We need to be able to play with all these attacking players and have the team with everybody ready to be organised defensively and not to give space to the opponent.

“And behind, we need to improve in some details – that’s obvious.

“You look to our squad and incredible quality and numbers and options from midfield to attack and we are trying to find solutions and we are trying to be organised.”

Mourinho has long held a reputation for preferring a pragmatic approach to the game, though when questioned his style of play believes his current Spurs side and past achievements at Real Madrid prove he can adapt depending on the players at his disposal.

“Depends on the team,” he said. “They cannot say that about my Real Madrid team that scored 121 goals in the league.

“If they say that about the way to finish second with Manchester United or last season to try to get a way to finish top six and to be in the Europa League, I think they are right.”

Even Sky and BT apparently want controversial £14.95 PPV service scrapped

See also – Cult Classics: Five unforgettable 90s football teams

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments