EUROPA LEAGUE
DON’T GET ‘CLEVER’ ABOUT KANE, JOSE WARNS CRITICS
JOSE MOURINHO yesterday launched an impassioned defence of Tottenham striker Harry Kane over criticism for the way he won a penalty in the 2-1 victory against Brighton.
Kane has been accused of drawing a foul from Adam Lallana, who toppled over his back, with the original free-kick being upgraded to a penalty after VAR ruled it occurred inside the box.
The England captain converted but has been the subject of intense analysis over his role in winning the spot-kick in Sunday’s game.
Mourinho came out fighting during his press conference to preview tonight’s Europa League tie against Ludogorets, insisting players at Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United deserve bigger scrutiny.
‘I think, I’m not speaking to you, I’m speaking to you (media) in general, you are confused,’ the Spurs boss said.
‘Because you could be speaking about some Manchester United players, you could be speaking about some Man City players, you could be speaking about some Liverpool players, you could be speaking about some Chelsea players and you’re speaking about Harry Kane? He was in a position to control the ball in a dangerous position and Lallana came in a very reckless action and commit a foul. What are you speaking about being clever or being not clever?
‘Being clever is to hold the ball and shoot and score. It was a foul. The VAR decided it was inside because it was on the line. Harry Kane is there to score goals. He just wants to control the ball. He sees the ball in the air, he uses his body to protect and Lallana was reckless. He made a mistake. Period.’
Mourinho confirmed Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and Serge Aurier will not make the trip to Bulgaria to face Ludogorets through injury and illness.