Tanguy no bad guy says Jose
JOSE MOURINHO insists he has no problem with Tanguy Ndombele – but told him to get used to sitting on the bench.
The 23-year-old joined Spurs from Lyon in a club record £63m deal a year ago today but has struggled to settle.
His problems have become worse during Mourinho’s six months at the club.
The France star has yet to complete 90 minutes under his new boss and has not played a minute since the season restarted.
Mourinho, who says he could pick Ndombele for tonight’s trip to Sheffield United, said: “No problem with Tanguy – there is no story.
“In Tottenham, every time a top player is on the bench it’s a drama. You have to understand it’s not a drama.
“Football is full of players who have made difficult starts and then ended well. When Luka Modric arrived at Real Madrid after six months he was labelled the worst signing in the club’s history.
“A few months later he was a champion, then a few months later he was European champion and then a few months later he was voted the best player in the world.
“When the talent is there, many things can happen.”
Mourinho’s Spurs side will come up against Chris Basham tonight, the sole survivor from the Blades line-up who nearly upset the north Londoners in the 2015 League Cup semi-finals.
Spurs won the first leg 1-0 but their League One opponents levelled the tie in the second leg before Christian Eriksen scored late on to send Tottenham through.
“It was a great game,” said Basham.
“I could not have imagined going from League One to playing in the Premier League against them.
“I feel truly privileged to be where I am now.”