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José Mourinho issued a forceful warning to his Tottenham stars after their loss to Royal Antwerp, stating that “the future options will be very easy” after dragging four players at half-time.
The Spurs fell to a surprising 1-0 defeat in Belgium thanks to Lior Refaelov’s goal in the 29th minute, which prompted Mourinho to take drastic measures at the break.
Dele Alli, who made his first start since late September, was one of those who were eliminated, along with Carlos Vinicius, Steven Bergwijn and Giovani Lo Celso.
Mourinho took on the cavalry in his place, including Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura, but failed to spark a resurgence that left the Spurs boss furious with the final whistle.
(Image: BELGA MAG / AFP via Getty Images)
“I would like to make 11 (halftime changes),” Mourinho was enraged. “I didn’t do five because I was afraid of 45 long minutes.”
Gareth Bale soon became the fifth and final casualty when Mourinho turned to Harry Kane ahead of time, but to no avail.
However, speaking after the match, Mourinho refused to point fingers at individuals, taking full responsibility for the defeat.
“There is only one to blame, I chose the players to start with.”
However, his words will serve as a concern for marginalized midfielder Alli, whose Tottenham career is already on the line.
Mourinho added: “Tonight my future elections will be very easy. It is my responsibility.”
When asked if he was referring specifically to Alli, Mourinho declined to comment, but it’s hard not to feel that England’s ace is now on borrowed time at Spurs.
Later his boss criticized: “Before games you always ask me why this player is not playing, why is this player not playing, why is this player not selected. Maybe now for a few weeks you won’t ask me that because you have the reply.”
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It wasn’t just Alli who didn’t show up for the Europa League clash, as Spurs, who had made nine changes since Monday’s win over Burnley, were unable to create many meaningful opportunities after their poor performance in the first half.
They had been left behind after Dieumerci Mbokani took possession of Ben Davies, who ran away, before putting Refaelov on the tee to shoot home clinically.
Indeed, even when the Spurs had Son and Kane leading the charge, it was the hosts who had the best chance, with Mourinho’s men struggling to put together something noteworthy in the end.
Putting his team’s performance in perspective, Mourinho concluded: “We got what we deserved. We let them win, I can say that.”
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