Jose’s rants will make us special ones says Rodon
TOTTENHAM defender Joe Rodon reckons Jose Mourinho puts the boot into his players to teach them about being serial “winners”.
Numerous times this season the Portuguese coach (below) has criticised his side – as well as individuals – for below-par displays.
The latest of those public rants came seven days ago when Spurs threw away two points in the race for the top four by conceding a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle.
“Same coach, different players” was Mourinho’s post-match response to another error-prone setback for his one-time Premier League leaders.
But Wales international Rodon insists those seemingly harsh words are more to do with him instilling a steely, never-say-die streak into the squad – and that nobody takes them as a personal insult.
The former Swansea centre-half (below), who cost £18million last summer, said: “I don’t read too much into it.
“It’s important we know when we’ve made mistakes and haven’t done the job.
“That’s only for us. It’s in our hands to put that right.
“It’s a professional relationship with everyone.
“I guess that is what the gaffer is trying to improve us at and put into us mentally – to be relentless and be winners in the mind.
“Whatever it takes, we’ve got to do it.
“We can only look forward now
– and that is
Sunday.” Tottenham host Manchester United this afternoon as they attempt to get their Champions League qualification bid back on track. Despite their recent inconsistent form, Harry Kane and Co were still only three points adrift of fourth-placed West Ham heading into the weekend. Which is why Rodon, 23, insists the mood in the camp is upbeat – and that former United manager Mourinho continues to command huge respect inside the dressing room. Comparing life under the Special One to Wales duty with Ryan Giggs, he said: “You don’t need me to tell you the manager here is the best tactical manager alive I’ve worked with.
“He’s a born winner. The gaffer at Wales tries to bring together this young energetic team so it’s going to be different. “They’re both great managers but the gaffer here has been in the game way longer than my gaffer with Wales. It’s a good balance for me.” Rodon, who has 12 caps, could face countryman and former Swansea pal Dan James if he is picked on the wing for United. He added: “DJ and I go way back from playing together in the Swansea Academy days but even when we go away with the national team, we spend a lot of time together. He’s a great kid and a close friend but he’s not my friend until after Sunday.”