Former Spur claims ‘outside the box’ Mourinho has set a bad example
Former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov has become the latest person to criticise Jose Mourinho after the head coach decided to undertake a public training session with Tanguy Ndombele on Tuesday.
The Spurs boss was pictured training outdoors with Ndombele at Hadley Common defying the Government’s stipulations that exercise outdoors should only be undertaken with people you share a household with due to the coronavirus pandemic
The Portuguese coach has been criticised by Piers Morgan for his actions (Good Morning Britain via the Express) and has since apologised for his behaviour.
The Sun revealed that the 57-year-old could receive a warning from the police who are using new laws to crack down on those breaking the lockdown.
Berbatov claimed he was not particularly surprised that the Portuguese coach decided to ignore the rules due to his habit of operating ‘outside the box’ but insisted that he set a bad example to others by deciding to ignore the government’s social distancing and exercising protocols.
Speaking to Betfair, the Bulgarian said: “Jose Mourinho has admitted he was wrong to hold an informal training session with three Tottenham players on Hadley Common in north London.
“He did it because he is impatient for football to return, and I understand that, but he’s broken the social distancing rules and that’s not good.
“Footballers and managers are in an influential position in society and they need to set an example to their fans in this very difficult situation.
“I can’t say I was particularly surprised by Mourinho’s behaviour. He has always operated outside the box and that’s one of the reasons he’s been successful and fans love him. But this is different.
“Hopefully, although it was a mistake to hold this session on the common, Mourinho and his players were still keeping a safe distance from each other.
“I can see why Mourinho would be desperate to get back to work. Everyone in football wants the game to return as soon as possible. ‘And when you hear that other leagues are already setting a date for when they will resume, then you become even more impatient to get back. But public health comes first.
“For players, sitting at home, trying to stay fit, is difficult because they want to be as sharp as possible when the season restarts. Footballers are in a fortunate position, though, compared to most people.
“Many players live in large houses with gardens so they can improvise training routines at home, with weights for example, but it’s not the same and it isn’t easy to stay focused.”
Spurs Web Opinion
This has come out in the worst time possible for the club, and as with any controversy involving Jose Mourinho, the press has had a field day with it. Given the nature of the 24-hour news cycle and the average life span of social media outrage, I expect this whole incident to be forgotten by next week.
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