Tottenham boss Mourinho has spent his first month convincing us we can be winners, reveals Moura

LUCAS MOURA revealed Jose Mourinho has spent his first month in charge at Tottenham convincing the players they CAN be winners.

Mourinho inherited a side from Mauricio Pochettino that had earned rave reviews for the way they competed at the highest level — yet failed to collect any silverware.

Lucas Moura has enjoyed greater playing time under Jose MourinhoCredit: Reuters

And Brazilian forward Moura says most of the work the new boss has been putting in has been on giving them belief that they can actually win trophies after all.

Moura, 27, said: “He always talks to us, he tries to put in our mentality that we are strong, that we are a big club, that we are winners.

“He tries to put this mentality in us and then afterwards, tactically, step by step, also his philosophy.

“But especially he wants to put this mentality — a strong mentality, winners — in us.”

Since Mourinho took charge in North London, Spurs have won three of their four Premier League matches to move back in contention for a top-four finish.

Those hopes will be tested today when they visit a Wolves side unbeaten in the league for three months and harbouring hopes of breaking into the elite ranks themselves.

The Molineux men are one point ahead of Spurs on 24 and juggling Europa League football themselves.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are safely through to the last 32 after a thumping 4-0 win over Braga on Thursday.

But Moura has pointed to the way they matched up to Sean Dyche’s Burnley in their 5-0 win last week as another clue about what has changed since the Special One arrived at the club.

Moura added: “That’s the game we need to have as a reference. It was the best match with Jose, from the first minute to the last we were very aggressive.

“We didn’t let Burnley play and that’s the spirit we need to keep. We need to do it in every game and if we do it — aggressive, concentration — then with our quality we can go very far.

“That’s what we want to see from us. We have a lot of things to improve but, step by step, this aggression and this intensity we need to show in every game.

“We now have the opportunity to get back in the top four, that’s our objective, the two next games are very, very important.

“We are capable of being back up there and finishing the year in a very good way.

“Then we can also start 2020 in a very positive position.

“After that, we will think about the Champions League.

“But now our mentality is on the Premier League.”

The change in mood from the dying days of the Pochettino era is obvious, with the players clearly responding to their new manager’s demands.

Tottenham approach the second half of the season determined to make up ground and retain their status as a top-four club.

Moura said: “We need to keep our spirit and keep going and I’m sure at the end of the season we will be in a very good position.

“We need to keep the club in the top four, qualify for the Champions League and — why not — even win a trophy.

“We have the FA Cup, plus the Champions League — the Premier League is very difficult — but we can arrive there, you never know.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk