Mourinho not impressed by fringe players

antwerp — Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho said the disappointing performances of his fringe players in Thursday’s 1-0 Europa League loss to Royal Antwerp would make it “very easy” to pick his team going forward. Mourinho made nine changes to the lineup from Monday’s 1-0 Premier League win at Burnley but Spurs fell behind inside 30 minutes after an error from defender Ben Davies allowed Antwerp forward Lior Refaelov to score from close range.

Dele Alli, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani lo Celso and Carlos Vinicius were all replaced at halftime but Spurs were unable to get back on level terms. It was their first defeat since losing 1-0 to Everton on the Premier League’s opening weekend in September.

“I would like to have made 11 changes at halftime,” Mourinho told reporters. “I didn’t make five as I was afraid of a long 45 minutes. “I always like to think the players deserve an opportunity. We have a big squad with lots of good players,” he added.

“It’s my responsibility to give them opportunities but it’s also their opportunity to catch the chance with both hands and ask for more. “Tonight shows my future choices are going to be very easy.”

Meanwhile, Celtic’s 2-2 draw with Lille in the Europa League on Thursday extended the Scottish champions’ winless run to four games in all competitions but manager Neil Lennon took plenty of positives despite his side blowing a two-goal lead in France.

Mohamed Elyounoussi netted an outstanding double for Celtic and goalkeeper Scott Bain saved Jonathan David’s weak penalty just before halftime but the Ligue 1 side came roaring back with goals from Zeki Celik and Jonathan Ikone. —