José Mourinho’s ‘lazy’ mockery has divided his Tottenham squad after the defeat against Everton

Word quickly spread among Tottenham players Sunday night that the coach was calling them ‘lazy’.

Some saw it as a tactic to trigger a backlash after a lackluster display against Everton.

Others weren’t so understanding.

José Mourinho was enraged at his Tottenham players on Sunday when he brandished them ‘lazy’

José Mourinho still has the support of the majority of his team, but his fighting history with his players suggests this may not be unique.

Asked directly about Mourinho’s comments, left-back Ben Davies did not appear to agree with his coach.

He said: ‘I think everyone worked hard. I personally gave it my all. The performance was not up to par. It’s hard to attribute it to a lack of effort. ‘

Importantly, Mourinho used the term ‘lazy pressure’ when complaining about his team’s performance in the 1-0 loss to Everton.

Ben Davies did not seem to agree with his manager after Sunday’s loss to Everton

You can argue that you are not directly accusing your players of being lazy, but rather identifying a tactical flaw. But he knows the consequences of the language used in post-match interviews.

The club’s significantly disturbed preseason is a valid excuse for its lethargic start. At least two Tottenham players tested positive for Covid-19 during the preseason.

Mourinho confirmed on Sunday that several members of his team missed parts of the preseason because they were in quarantine: star forward Harry Kane among those who had to isolate themselves.

Kane’s lack of physical fitness was evident during England’s games against Iceland and Denmark, as it was against Everton.

Mourinho has the support of most of his team, but has a history of fights with players

Without a true backup option, Mourinho has no choice but to continue deploying his talisman forward.

The problem is persuading forwards to sign when they know they will be mostly on the bench.

The will to strengthen, within reason, from the Spurs dashboard is there, albeit at a restricted level due to the financial consequences of Covid-19.

Mourinho’s apparent reluctance to use young players remains a concern.

But concern remains over Mourinho’s apparent reluctance to use young players

Record signings Tanguy Ndombele, 23, and Ryan Sessegnon, 20, have struggled to gain playing time. Lending Oliver Skipp and Troy Parrott has reinforced the unrest.

As always with Mourinho, there are negative sectors of the fans regarding the team’s style of play.

But Mourinho will take substance over style, and a win against Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Europa League on Thursday and another against Southampton on Sunday should resolve any initial concerns.