Privileged Son embraces Mourinho era

SON HEUNG-MIN says it is a privilege to have Jose Mourinho as his manager at Tottenham. But the South Korean insists Mourinho still has plenty of work to do to turn Spurs into winners. Mourinho’s fast start as Spurs boss came to a shuddering halt at Old Trafford on Wednesday when his return to Manchester United ended in a 2-1 defeat.

The result ended Mourinho’s three-game winning streak and was a reality check for the Portuguese after replacing the sacked Mauricio Pochettino last month.

Mourinho says he is “in love” with Son because of what the forward brings to the team.

The man himself claims the feeling is mutual but knows his new manager has to continue working his magic if he wants to make Spurs successful and win trophies.

Son said: “I have a good relationship with the gaffer.

“I’m looking forward to working with him and it’s an honour to work with this manager. I’m still learning so many things about him.

“Of course some of the things we have to do better – we have to improve.

“We know we have to do better. United are historically one of the biggest teams so we have to compete against those teams. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

“Of course you don’t want to lose but this is football and we have to do more. I hate to lose any game. It doesn’t feel nice. I don’t want to talk with anyone. I feel hurt and pain.”

Despite taking the defeat badly, Son insists there is no time for sulking as Mourinho has to pick his squad up ahead of the visit of Burnley tomorrow.

Son added: “Now we have to compete again against Burnley. This is the most important thing now. It’s not time to be disappointed or sad because we have another game in three days.

“We have to carry on and work hard. It’s important not to think about these kinds of things and to look forward to another game.

“I want to be positive for the staff and the team. We have another game and it is up to us, we have to be focused on this game.”