Harry Diamond
Dimitar Berbatov has urged Tottenham fans to not judge Jose Mourinho until next season, following a mixed start to the Portuguese’s reign at the club.
Mourinho arrived in north London as the sacked Mauricio Pochettino’s successor but has so far struggled to turn the club’s fortunes around, Spurs currently sitting eighth in the Premier League and facing the likely possibility of a season without Champions League football next term.
The club’s wait for major silverware will also extend for a further season after crashing out of both the FA Cup and Champions League this month, though former Spurs forward Berbatov insists Mourinho remains the right man for the job and has urged for patience from the club’s supporters.
“Things had gone sour under Mauricio Pochettino, anybody could see that, and I thought Jose Mourinho was a good choice to replace him,” Berbatov said, as per the Mirror.
“Tottenham haven’t gone backwards. Any head coach deserves a full season to bring in his players and implement his philosophy.
🥅 Mourinho's Chelsea side still hold the record for the least goals conceded in a Premier League season (15).
💧 Since taking over Spurs in November they've shipped 23 in the league and 38 in all comps. pic.twitter.com/BVQPMj6Ph5
— Oddschanger (@Oddschanger) March 17, 2020
“Spurs are going through a difficult period, but Mourinho should be judged on next season at the club.
“Players take time to adjust to a new manager, especially when it’s one with a different style to his predecessor.”
Meanwhile, Berbatov added that he believes the players need to take some responsibility for a disappointing campaign, and admits he expects Mourinho to spend during the summer as he bids to strengthen the squad.
“Occasionally, I get the feeling that some players are not playing for the team, and that they are trying to take the glory for themselves. That can ruin scoring chances.
“When he’s back, Spurs should try to release Son quicker on the counter-attack.
“They have quality throughout the squad, and the players they have should do better. Mourinho has criticised Tanguy Ndombele, but he’s young and can still succeed.
“I certainly expect Mourinho to spend.
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