JOSE MOURINHO refused to bring up Tottenham’s shock Europa League loss against Antwerp with his players until just before Thursday’s clash at Ludogorets.
The Spurs boss saw his side suffer a 1-0 defeat in Belgium – their only defeat in the last 12 matches – after he made NINE changes to his starting line up.
Mourinho didn’t bring up the Antwerp loss with his Spurs flops until just before the game at LudogoretsCredit: AP:Associated Press
Angry Mourinho said that disappointing displays from his fringe players that night would make his future team selections easier.
He then made six changes from the North Londoners’ 2-1 win over Brighton on Sunday.
Only four of those who started in Antwerp were in the side for the weekend game – Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Harry Winks and Gareth Bale.
Before kick-off in Bulgaria, Mourinho admitted: “It was the first time I spoke with players about what happened last week because since that match I didn’t speak with them about it.
“So only today I did it and as you can imagine I tried to do it in a strong way for their attitude to be completely different.
“[They must] understand for these clubs to play against Tottenham in the Europa League is a great motivation.
“If you don’t match that motivation, that commitment, we are going to be in trouble again.
“At least I won’t blame myself for changing things too much.
Tottenham were stunned by Antwerp in their previous Europa League gameCredit: Reuters
“I didn’t want to give the players an idea of an easy game because it’s not going to be an easy game.
“You have to chase the victory, you cannot wait for the victory to come in your direction.
“Yes we have a very important English club match on Sunday but Sunday is not today.
“Today is the game so let’s focus on today and I try to give a very strong team with experienced people to try to make it happen.”
Jose Mourinho says after tonight’s game his future choices will be very easy
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
