Tottenham will still be stinging having lost their local derby to Arsenal at the weekend. Following the game, much was made of Jose Mourinho’s complaints towards the referee, and of Erik Lamela’s eventful match.
The Argentina scored a beautiful goal thanks to a rabona, and was later sent off. That didn’t seem to be a great impediment for Tottenham as they found a new gear following the red card and pressed Arsenal with more urgency.
Mourinho’s style of play has been the subject of criticism for some years, with it felt he’s too cautious and doesn’t always make enough of the talents he has available.
For many, the Spurs defeat to Arsenal was a good example of this, with Tottenham sitting back against the Gunners for much of the match. Mourinho insists this isn’t how he wants his team to play, yet there are similarities to his time in charge of other clubs.
Antonio Cassano, well known in Italian football for his career exploits on and off the pitch, is now a pundit, and has given his view on the Tottenham boss.
Quoted by Calciomercato, Cassano said: “No one can say that Mourinho’s teams have played and play well. Yet Mourinho has won two Champions Leagues, a genius like Cruyff has only won one. But We can’t compare Cruyff to Mourinho in the least.
“Mourinho’s football will never go down in history, I speak personally by saying that he doesn’t excite me. I saw Arsenal-Tottenham, Lamela scored a sensational goal but Arsenal have less strong players than Tottenham. Tottenham have an impressive squad but have been defending the whole game except for the last 10 minutes. I can’t think that a coach who has won so much can go on like this.”