Jose Mourinho blasts international break as Japhet Tanganga set for Tottenham return vs Man City
All the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, views and transfer rumours ahead of Spurs' return to Premier League action against Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday
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Mourinho breaks silence after Doherty tests positive for Covid-19
Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has responded to the news that Matt Doherty has tested positive for Covid-19 by taking to his Instagram account.
The Football Association of Ireland confirmed the Spurs right-back was one of two players who tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, meaning Doherty will be missing from action even after he returns to his club.
“Amazing week of football. Great emotions in the national team matches, superb friendlies, and total safety,” Mourinho posted with a picture of himself in the Spurs gym on his own.
“Covid test results after matches been played, randomers running on the pitch while team sessions are taking place, and much more.
"After another training session with only six players, it is now time to take care of myself.”
Tanganga could deputise against City
Mourinho will be forced to make at least one change to his Tottenham team for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City after Doherty tested positive for Covid-19.
As Rob Guest notes, this will open up a spot on the right side of the Spurs defence. And it is one that could be filled by Japhet Tanganga after a stop-start period due to injuries.
Tanganga has already proved he can handle Manchester City’s attack, playing a key role in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s side back in February.
Mourinho opened up on Tanganga’s recent injury troubles. “Tanganga is the only player we really say has an injury or is in treatment from quite an important injury,” he said.
“Very unlucky kid, he had a problem from before lockdown, then hard work to get back, played Chelsea in the cup and then this injury. But he's coming. Great professional, great sense of responsibility and he's working well to come back.”
Former Spurs stars involved in social media debate over Mourinho
Two former Spurs players, Graham Roberts and Mido, got involved in a light-hearted social media argument over the future of Mourinho at the north London club.
Mido started the debate by suggesting Mourinho should be England’s next manager.
“England need a proper manager. They are wasting their time with Southgate,” the former Spurs striker posted on Twitter.
“It’s true he always says the right things in the media and probably that’s why he kept his job for so long but believe me, he is stuttering every time things go wrong at half-time. Players feel his fear!”
This prompted Roberts to reply: “Come on, mate, don't take our man away. He can do it when we have won the Premier League.”
