Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is a fan of José Mourinho and when discussing the manager’s plans at Tottenham Hotspur last month, the midfielder insisted the Portuguese tactician turns Spurs players into a machine.
Since the end of November, the north London club have endured a difficult run in the league, managing only five wins in 15 matches, which includes five defeats in the last seven matches.
The downturn in form has seen Spurs drop to eighth place in the table and they’re six points behind fourth placed West Ham United, with a game in hand.
BT in Denmark interviewed the former Southampton captain and he believes having Mourinho as coach can be vital in helping Tottenham climb up in the table.
“It’s clear that the results are not what we dream of right now, but we’ll get back on top if we keep our nose on the right track,” Højbjerg said.
“Of course, there will always be bad periods in a football club. But I feel lucky, because if you want to get better at your profession, then it’s great to have a coach like Mourinho.”
“He is first and foremost a personality in the football world who has won it all. And when he tells old stories, it’s just about absorbing. You listen and learn.”
The Denmark international is happy with his life in the capital, after having arrived at Tottenham from Southampton last summer.
“It has been incredibly educational and exciting in the first months. It has been a great confirmation in the feeling I had before I came,” he explained.
“I cannot complain at all about how it has gone. I don’t have to be too nice to say there have been some heavy legs lately. I am happy and proud of what I have achieved.”
Højbjerg played under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, when the pair were at Bayern Munich. The Dane expressed his delight to have been coached by both Guardiola and Mourinho in his career so far.
“It is a pleasure and an honour to be part of a dressing room that they characterise. They have given me responsibility and pressure, and they have made me curious about the small details because I want to understand them,” Højbjerg stressed.
“But after all, I am also just a football fan who is fascinated by what they have achieved in their careers.”
