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José Mourinho claims to have seen signs of progress in Tanguy Ndombele after Tottenham’s record signing reached 90 minutes for the first time in 2020 during Thursday’s 3-1 Europa League qualifying win over Shkendija in Macedonia’s Macedonia. North.
Mourinho has no doubts about the quality of the midfielder on the ball, but has been desperate to see him work harder without him, which is a prerequisite for anyone playing for him. The coach made headlines the previous Thursday after the 2-1 victory at Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the previous round of the competition when he said he had doubted Ndombele’s “motivation, commitment and professional attitude at times”.
Ndombele, who had not played a full game since December, had more touches and more passes than any other player in the Shkendija tie but what Mourinho liked was how he regained possession and worked through defensive transitions. Statistics showed that Ndombele won five tackles and three aerial duels.
These are small steps, but after the problems that Ndombele has endured since arriving from Lyon last summer in a deal worth close to £ 60 million, many related to injuries and fitness, Mourinho was happy to consider a basis on the to build.
“I am very happy,” Mourinho said. “He brought a very good dynamic to the team. It has gone in the right direction. I don’t want players to complain, I don’t want players to be frustrated, I don’t want players to feel like I have something against them when I don’t pick them up. I want the players to fight for the minutes they want on the field ”.
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The Spurs have been open to offers for Ndombele, who played the first half at Southampton last Sunday, but there is an acceptance that they would fight to recoup his payout and Mourinho is now apparently ready for him.
“Can you play Newcastle on Sunday?” Mourinho said. “I’m not sure. It’s the first time he’s played 90 minutes. Premier League matches are much more difficult than this one against Shkendija. But against Southampton, even for 45 minutes, Tanguy had positive things.”
