It's much harder to prize stars away from Tottenham these days
There was a time when Tottenham Hotspur were a selling club.
The likes of Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Robbie Keane - although he soon returned - were all sold when the bigger clubs came sniffing around and it was the same story for Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov.
Both joined Manchester United in 2006 and 2008 respectively, going on to win Premier League titles and the midfielder was lucky enough to be part of the side which won the Champions League.
It seemed the Lilywhites were just a stepping stone for bigger and better things. That's until the summer of 2014 when Mauricio Pochettino was appointed and given the license to mould a squad in his image.
Barring Kyle Walker joining Manchester City, there has been very few high-profile departures in recent years and Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho's comments about trying to sign Spurs players nowadays proves just how far the have come since the arrival of Pochettino.
“The transfer market is very difficult unless the clubs want to go to what I call crazy numbers," Mourinho said, as reported by the Telegraph . "You have no chance in the market unless you go to crazy numbers, or instead you go to what you call the second-level players and still have crazy numbers, but that second level is the level people say – and I agree – is not what Manchester United is.
“I give you an example that I hope is a good example, I hope you can interpret in the right way. Is Manchester United by its history, by its dimension, bigger than Tottenham?
"With all respect to Tottenham, which is an amazing club, I think everybody would say ‘yes’.
“Can you buy Tottenham’s best players? No, because they don’t sell. Of course, they are so powerful that they can say ‘no’.
"A few years ago, who was Tottenham’s best player? Michael Carrick. And a few years later, who was the best player? Berbatov. Can we go there now and bring Harry Kane? Dele Alli, Eriksen, Son? Can we go there and bring those players here? No. So who is more powerful now? Them or us?
“Football has changed. It’s more difficult to buy players of a high, high, high level. The clubs are more powerful. The clubs don’t want to sell, and to sell is to go to absolutely incredible levels.”
bizdelmopu
1
Mourning should change tactics isn't favouring the players at all
hondekmouz
0
Mourinho is a spent force. He'll have to start all over again. No big club will want to hire him. He's a good coach with credential but he'll need to go back to basics. He has to go down to a mid table team, bring them up or win them a cup or something.
Jaydenys
0
if Mou is saying "football has changed "then he should rather change his tactics and stop the old way of playing football.
Ricky999
1
In the matter of fact, I see it in a different way. I can't deny the fact that Spurs have progressed but so is every other clubs too. I think the amount of money given to the clubs in the league is making it difficult for the big boys to bully the so called small ones. Mourinio just gave an example of spurs but try to point to any player from any club and you are a top six, the price will rise like a rocket. Therefore it is becoming difficult for clubs with in the league to do business. Looking to the lower leagues in Europe for cheaper raw talents is becoming an option. Or else scavenge for contract rebles like Sanchez and pay them top roof wages
SmileMore-COYS
0
What the hell is he talking about? Didn't he sign Pogba from Juventus, Sanchez from Arsenal, Matic from Chelsea and Lukaku from Everton?
I bet you didn't read the full article. He said to get good players you have to pay outrageous fees and that's exactly what happened hence why he now has pogba and Lukaku
Giz
0
I hate Mourinho, but City's financial cheating honestly did not get the coverage it deserves.
How come you know they cheated when the same yard stick might not be applied to everyone, every club equally. Same old story FIFA= FUFA, for whom is it? Who can tell? If FIFA wanted to they could create a much more level playing field where smaller clubs could actually compete. Instead they sit twiddling their thumbs while ’Rome’ burns. Do they even have two senses to rub together- in their heads? This isn’t rocket science, there is a simple solution,find it. That is what you jokers get payed huge sums for! Anyone interested in hearing a solution? No, it is not allowing the US to take it over! It, the beautiful game, would become stale and sterile too quickly, lacking flair and finesse, but loaded with force and power. What say you all? Any takers?
F00tballFans
1
They dont sell?? Then you start creating your own Kane, Delle Ali or Eriksson. Tottenham didnt buy them when they are well known as now
Giz
0
The fact that Mourinho keeps referencing our spending as an excuse for his own failings is laughable. The net spend difference between Pep and Jose ain't that big. I'd like to see United give him the difference and watch him close the gap.
Pretty funny too!
Giz
0
The fact that Mourinho keeps referencing our spending as an excuse for his own failings is laughable. The net spend difference between Pep and Jose ain't that big. I'd like to see United give him the difference and watch him close the gap.
This piece is quite good and insightful!
Alakiri
1
Jakbcdlpsy
1
it's perfectly true Pogba was no game changer. matic was out of his prime
Postmanman
2
Just when you think he's about to compliment Tottenham, it's just a setup for more whining.
retirement
0
He has lost his mind. Always someone elses fault and it’s everyone against him. It’s at least nice being on the outside for once and watch him bring the club into meltdown.
Cmon_CTID
2
bye bye the special one
yuccaJuly
0
What the hell is he talking about? Didn't he sign Pogba from Juventus, Sanchez from Arsenal, Matic from Chelsea and Lukaku from Everton?
usability
1
He’s still mad they didn’t sign Toby. Can’t say I blame him too much as Toby’s been massive this season with Vertonghen and Sanchez both getting injured and Dier only playing decently these past few games.
Kennethw
0
The fact that Mourinho keeps referencing our spending as an excuse for his own failings is laughable. The net spend difference between Pep and Jose ain't that big. I'd like to see United give him the difference and watch him close the gap.
Diegojuan
0
Does he think Berbatov played for Spurs before Carrick did?
Christiansmo
0
those eyes... mourinho really doesn't look sane/healthy
neutron
1
He’s so salty when he compares himself the other managers. The Mou of 8 years ago would make fun of the current iteration
regman
0
I hate Mourinho, but City's financial cheating honestly did not get the coverage it deserves.
Kingkley
0
Bale and Modric cried.
Mustfer
0
Full backs in a convient dig. Never talks about centre halves he's bought.
jJustin
0
Three fullbacks, not four. Three. Respect, respect, respect.
Issraahmed
0
Well yeah Jose, that was when United were better than Tottenham.
exampleen
1
Tottenham is a poor example. United were still able to buy Lukaku from Everton, swap Alexis for HM, etc. United’s problems, and everyone knows it, including the second reporter, is that Mourinho doesn’t develop players anymore. I can’t think of one player they’ve signed that is better for United than the club they were signed for. Lukaku, Bailly, Sanchez, etc, are all worse players for United than for the club they left. And players like Blind and Depay would have probably been developed into very serviceable players by someone like Pep, Klopp, or Pochettino.
Vikram95
0
Mou is good at excuses .He has spent at least 250M in his time at Man u . Poch has spent way less than that but he motivates and believes in his players. The result Spurs are performing well and are playing well Mou criticises all the youngsters stating that they lack character and openly blasts them in public regularly. Then why does he have the expectation that they'll put in their 110% for him
pololim
0
What’s he trying to say? That he needs more money?
LiveFootball
0
Imagine buying Fred and Alexis just so City wouldn't and having no clue whatsoever what to do with them
damone
0
Poor United, they can't buy their domestic rival's best players anymore.
TBDIPA
0
You will not get best out of your best players by constantly criticising them when things don’t go your way. Constant negative reinforcement doesn’t bring best out of your people. You won’t directly or indirectly or in public humiliate your best squad. Look at Pep and Klopp, they don’t have too much additions in their existing squad but how well they manage playing team game. Jose is right football has changed. So his tactical and mind game towards his players, opponents and others is not working. He needs to inspire and motivate his players and lead them rather coaxed them.
confused
1
The guy is a joke. He signed Pogba from Juventus, Sanchez from Arsenal and even Matic from Chelsea. Keep making excuses because your football is so boring and monotonous.
UARTin
0
United need to sell player's & give youth a chance. The club's history tells you that United only do well when youth is given a chance, not buying 29year olds on huge salaries.
FCBlahm
0
You spent £210 million on 4 players, Bailly, Lendelof, Pogba and Fred. Almost £300 million if you add in Lukaku then decided to pay Sanchez 350k per week and agreed 140k appearance fee. The crazy prices you talk about are the direct result of your clubs spending. I think City's most expensive player is Mahrez at 60 million. City should be hammered for what they have done wrong in regards to FFP but you my friend, have absolutely no basis for this argument & have spent plenty of money !
LiveFootball
0
Get rid of Sanchez, Lukaka and Pogba...
mighty96red
0
Davichi
1
Very true comment by Mourinho... I only wish he could achieve the same kind of progress at Manchester United that Pochettino has achieved at Tottenham with little resources at his disposal. Otherwise we need a change...
chidesco1
1
I bet Jose is wishing he was spurs coach now