Jose Mourinho singled out Tanguy Ndombele, the club’s £54m record signing for criticism after substituting the midfielder at half-time in the 1-1 draw at Burnley.
Tottenham dominated the midfield in the opening 45 minutes. However, Burnley capitalized when Chris Wood placed the hosts ahead.
Ndombele and Oliver Skipp made way for Giovani lo Celso and Lucas Moura at the break as Spurs fought back for a draw.
“In the first half, we didn’t have a midfield.” Said Mourinho.
“Of course I’m not speaking of Skipp because he is a kid of 19 who’s played two hours in the last few days. I don’t criticize him at all.”
“But I’m not going to run away and I have to say he (Ndombele) has had enough time to come to a different level.”
“I know the Premier League is difficult and some players take a long time to adapt to a different league.”
“But a player with his potential has to give us more than he is giving us especially when you see how Lucas, Lo Celso, and those players are playing. I was expecting more in the first half of him.”
The double change worked for Tottenham as they put in a much-improved second-half display and Dele Alli’s penalty earned the visitors a point.
Mourinho suggested Ndombele may find it difficult to get back into the side.
“Many fantastic players in their season, in a new country, for different reasons they struggle. There have been many examples of that.” Added Mourinho.
“He is a player with great talent. He has to know he has to do much better and know I cannot keep giving him opportunities to play because the team is much more important.”
Tottenham fans back Jose Mourinho
After the comments, Spurs fans took to social media to give their thoughts.:
“He’s got loads of talent but can’t get himself in shape. Jose is within his right to call him out. He knows the talent is there. He is just in poor shape.” One of Tottenham’s fans said.
“Yes, call him out.” Said another. “He hasn’t even progressed from the last time Jose said this. If he is not listening in training or in the backroom, call him out in public so fans have transparency. Some players are a disgrace this season. One of which is now gone of course.”
“100% look. Public shame is never really called for but at some point, you need to go to this tactic. We have reached that point with Ndombele.”