Publications
Partners
Dimitar Berbatov insists the Tottenham hierarchy should not make any rash decisions regarding Jose Mourinho's future and give him until the end of the season at least.
Initially promising results after the Portuguese replaced Mauricio Pochettino in November have fallen away. A penalty shootout defeat to Norwich in the FA Cup and a Champions League humbling at the hands of Leipzig ended Spurs’ prospects of ending a 12-year trophy drought even before the season was suspended due to coronavirus, while a three-match winless run in the league has seen them fall further off the top-four pace.
With much of Tottenham’s football being uninspiring even when it has delivered results, Mourinho’s future at the club is already in doubt despite being only four months into a three-and-half-year deal.
Yet Berbatov, who scored 46 goals in 102 appearances for Spurs and was part of the last Tottenham team to lift a trophy in 2008, says it is far too early to judge Mourinho – especially in light of the injuries suffered by the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min – and reckons the players must also take their share of the blame.
Berbatov told Betfair: "Against Leipzig, Spurs were completely outplayed. As a Spurs fan it was difficult to watch, but are people seriously saying Jose Mourinho should be sacked after just four months as manager?
"There’s no need to panic. The suspension to the Premier League means Mourinho has time to think over strategies and get players back from injury.
"I thought Mourinho was a good choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino. I still have faith in the Portuguese and believe any head coach deserves a full season to bring in his players and implement his philosophy. Judge Mourinho on next season.
"The injuries to Harry Kane and others have been very unfortunate but Spurs still have quality throughout their squad.
"Sometimes I get the feeling that some players are not playing for the team and are trying to take the glory for themselves. That can ruin goal-scoring opportunities. Spurs should try to release the forwards quicker on the counter-attack.
"Small details make all the difference in football and the players have to take responsibility for results. All Mourinho can do is prepare them because once they’re on the pitch it’s up to them.
"It’s going to be a long journey for Spurs under Mourinho and they shouldn’t give up on him yet."
- TEAMtalk media
