TOTTENHAM’S stars have sensationally claimed they’ve become a long ball team under Jose Mourinho – and the stats prove they are right.
There is growing unrest amongst players regarding the new boss’ old-school tactics and uninspiring training sessions.
The stats show Spurs are more prone to playing long-balls under Mourinho
And the statistics show Mourinho, 56, has his side playing more long balls than under Pochettino.
When comparing Pochettino’s final 11 games in charge and Jose’s first 11, it’s clear the Portuguese chief wants his side to hoof it up the pitch.
Mourinho’s Spurs have played nearly 100 more long balls – defined as an upfield ball aimed at an rea rather than a specific player – in the same 11-game span at 231, compared to 144 under Poch.
This current Tottenham team are playing long passes 12.3 per cent of the time – compared to just 9.3 per cent under old management.
However, it’s not all bad new, with results drastically improving under Mourinho.
The Special One has won five of his first 11 games, while Pochettino managed just two wins in that span up until his sacking.
Under Mourinho, Spurs have also scored more, conceded fewer, taken more shots and created more big chances.
But despite the uptick in form, senior players believe the team has regressed under Mourinho and his long-ball tactics are holding them back.
Training sessions are said to have an over-emphasis on long balls, flick-ons and throw-ins — regarded as being like the “lower-league”.
It’s a stark contrast from the innovative and popular methods used by old boss Poch.
Mourinho is also said to have been involved in a training ground bust-up with Danny Rose.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho dismisses training ground bust up with Danny Rose
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
