Five things we can expect Mourinho to do with Spurs – but there will be casualties of war in squad

JOSE MOURINHO was charm personified at his Spurs unveiling on Thursday.

Smiling widely, shaking hands, looking for all the world like a man in his element.

Jose Mourinho was all smiles as he greeted the media during his first press conference as Spurs managerCredit: PA:Press Association

Leopards, though, rarely change their spots and as Mourinho pointed out in a clear message: “I cannot change my DNA.”

So what can Spurs fans expect to see from Mauricio Pochettino’s successor?

SunSport picks out five things that are likely to emerge very quickly.

SORT OUT THE DEFENCE

Mourinho wants to win. But he HATES to lose. And if you don’t concede, you can’t lose.

That does not mean “parking the bus” but it does imply Mourinho will look to lock down core principles early on.

It was instructive that the only player he name-checked at his introductory press conference was defender Jan Vertonghen, stating that “sadly” the Belgian is not available for the weekend trip to West Ham.

Experience at the back is a key for Mourinho, so expect reprieves and returns for Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, despite their ongoing contract stand-offs.

But Mourinho wants his full-backs to primarily be defenders too. That appears to spell the end for Serge Aurier, with Juan Foyth likely to get the initial nod.

IDENTIFY HIS CORE PLAYERS

Mourinho famously had his Chelsea “untouchables” in his first spell at Stamford Bridge and has always liked to create dressing room lieutenants.

The social media footage from the training ground Spurs have already put out this week seems instructive.

Mourinho has been captured being all over Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Heung-min Son and Eric Dier.

That, straightaway, is an English-orientated spine of players and Dier is the sort of rugged midfield enforcer that has always appealed to the Portuguese.

Consistency of selection has always appealed to Mourinho too.

It means he is likely to rotate a maximum of two or three players from game to game rather than making Pochettino-style multiple changes.

TRANSITION IS KEY

Mourinho has never hidden his belief that possession for the sake of possession is worthless.

What matters is what you do with the ball when you get to it.

He is not a high press manager and never has been.

But a low defensive “block”, encouraging opponents to come on to him, allows his side to spring into the spaces on the counter.

Pace out wide is key to that, and a centre-forward who can hold the ball up and get in where it matters.

You suspect Harry Kane might like the sound of that.

PLAY THE FANS

Mourinho knows he has to win over the Tottenham faithful, many of whom will be pining for Maurico Pochettino.

But he also knows, better than anyone, how to get them onside.

That was why his initial club interview was all about “passion”.

He will want to show he is now Spurs to his inner essence.

Expect the full passion play on the sidelines, raging at every decision, demonstrating his affection for the players if they do well, showing it means as much to him as the supporters.

A tear-up in the East End is a pretty good place to start because the travelling fans are always the most committed.

OUTSIDERS OSTRACISED

It is harsh but with Mourinho there will always be casualties of war.

If he takes against a player, it is a long time, if ever, before they are reintegrated.

That is not impossible – see the way he treated Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku when he had them at United compared to first time round at Chelsea – but it can become pretty tough.

Mourinho may feel he has to make an example of some players to prove he is the man in charge and has the full confidence of Daniel Levy.

Christian Eriksen may well be wondering if he will kick a ball for Spurs in a match that matters ever again.

It may be that the Dane is seen as the most expendable, especially given he is running his contract down.

But as Kevin de Bruyne, Paul Pogba and others could tell him, Mourinho does not believe in taking prisoners.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk