Tottenham Hotspur played a very defensive brand of football during their 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea on Thursday evening, with Spurs boss Jose Mourinho deciding to not even bring Gareth Bale off the bench in search of an equaliser.
The Portuguese coach pointed to Tottenham's attacking-minded absentees as a reason behind their approach.
Well, [Sergio] Reguilon means something for our attacking football. Harry Kane means something for our attacking football," Mourinho said in his post-match press conference.
"Gio Lo Celso again means something for our attacking football. A good Dele Alli that we didn't have yet but hope that we can have in the future means something for us.
"The second thing is confidence. The confidence levels are very, very important to play football. When a team doesn't have good results, a period when results are not good, you need that click back to go back to normality. So, for me, it's a little bit like that."
One of the journalists noticed that Mourinho did not mention Bale when discussing his attacking options, which led to an awkward pause from the Spurs coach before he responded.
"I am doing my best," he said.
"Gareth is doing his best. Everyone is doing their best."
Bale has scored two goals in just under 250 minutes of Premier League football this season.
Kescekt
0
Jose always buying injured players an giving them high wages
Bohtainzan
0
The truth is Spurs stink! They have no talent in the midfield, the attack is slow and predictable making it easier for opponents defense. The back 3 are atrocious!
Absolutely right.
kukdknoyz
0
jose didn't want him back
You're possibly right.
siacknotuy
0
Bale is a professional and earns a huge SALARY. If he's not professional enough for spurs, why did spurs want him back? You shouldn't reply to my message if you have difficulty in understanding my opinion.
jose didn't want him back
kukdknoyz
0
If bale is not able to perform against antwerp marines and all small teams ... how would anyone trust him for big games? It’s professional football not classes where he will build his confidence ...Think before commenting
Bale is a professional and earns a huge SALARY. If he's not professional enough for spurs, why did spurs want him back? You shouldn't reply to my message if you have difficulty in understanding my opinion.
jueabcknpt
0
Bale was not playing while at Madrid. He returned to Tottenham Hotspur on loan, so that he could regain his confidence back and not to be used against Antwerp, Marine and Wycombe. That's HUMILIATION and Mourinho likes humiliating players.
If bale is not able to perform against antwerp marines and all small teams ... how would anyone trust him for big games? It’s professional football not classes where he will build his confidence ...Think before commenting
kukdknoyz
5
Bale was not playing while at Madrid. He returned to Tottenham Hotspur on loan, so that he could regain his confidence back and not to be used against Antwerp, Marine and Wycombe. That's HUMILIATION and Mourinho likes humiliating players.
Tazabilnou
1
Mourinho said that confidence is important, so stop humiliating your players publicly. Give Alli, Bale and Moura their confidence back.
Did the coach keep their confidence in his pocket? The players approach to games is humiliating in itself
DiskiDude
0
Jose? 🙄
Lauceikpuz
1
mourinho only wanted bale to teach him how to play golf.
Siebcosu
4
Daniel levy and spurs getting what they bargained for in bringing Jose to spurs. He just kills football, pragmatism don’t always bring trophies, you need some conviction and flair .
yeebceiopu
0
The truth is Spurs stink! They have no talent in the midfield, the attack is slow and predictable making it easier for opponents defense. The back 3 are atrocious!
kukdknoyz
3
Mourinho's tactics DOES NOT suit Spurs way of play. Pochetino's was better. Mourinho's Spurs park the defence with players and kick the ball up front for SON to chase. KICK AND RUSH TACTICS
Tudbdikmpt
1
I’m with you Jose
dikbcklo
2
kukdknoyz
1
Mourinho said that confidence is important, so stop humiliating your players publicly. Give Alli, Bale and Moura their confidence back.
SBK64
6
He is no more "Special One" He is "Special Once"
dokaersyz
1
That’s one red Mourinho
Wenbo
1
I don't know how a previously proven quality player can impress if he is only given a chance to "shine" on the bench or in the stands....we will never understand some coaches
Vadadekpu
3
Jose Mourinho's "Parking The Bus" and "Counter Attackings Methods" were our main Problems...
maxm70
4
Mourinho should start Bale as a striker, he will do well at that position.
Stephensayuo
0
Bale need to move back to his position
PorkPunter
0