Rose and Jose in bust-up
DANNY ROSE was involved in a heated exchange with Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho after being left out of Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Watford. The left-back, 29, sought an explanation from his manager after the team had been announced on Friday and Mourinho argued that a back injury meant Rose was not in the best shape to be involved. But, believing he was fit to play, an upset Rose took issue with Mourinho again during Sunday’s warmdown training session. The pair clashed with voices becoming raised and witnesses describing a ‘big tension in the air’. Some players were understood to be unhappy
at how Rose’s reaction and behaviour appeared to escalate the situation. Rose, whose contract expires next year, was linked with a move to Watford last summer. He reported for training as normal yesterday morning when he initially warmed up with team-mates in front of TV cameras. Mourinho, though, decided to take him aside for a one-to-one session. Mindful of Rose’s mood, the Portuguese coach thought it best to use the opportunity to get the player’s grievances and frustrations out in the open and improve the harmony within his squad. Rose’s absence at Watford, and his omission from the preceding FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough, had prompted questions as to whether the full back was in Mourinho’s plans. ‘Yeah, he is part of my plans,’ said Mourinho after the Watford game. ‘Last match, FA Cup match at home, very offensive team. We wanted to give another chance to Ryan Sessegnon to play 90 minutes. Today Rose had a little injury in his back and we made a decision to bring only fit players to a match we knew would be physical.’ Spurs are awaiting a new bid from Inter Milan for playmaker Christian Eriksen as they hold out for £17million. The club could also sell Kyle Walker-Peters, 22, with Southampton interested in the £12m-rated defender.