I didn’t get notified… I wasn’t happy – Spurs favourite admits feeling set up by club

Jose Mourinho remains one of the most polarizing managers in Tottenham Hotspur’s modern history. His appointment in November 2019 was met with a mix of excitement and apprehension, fueled by his illustrious track record with clubs like Chelsea, Porto, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid.

Spurs fans hoped Mourinho could bring the silverware the club had long been chasing. However, his tenure lasted just 17 months and 86 games, ending with Tottenham seventh in the Premier League and only days away from an EFL Cup final clash against Manchester City.

Mourinho’s time at Spurs was marked by polarizing opinions from players and fans alike. While some admired his tactical acumen and winning mentality, others found his methods divisive.

He famously called out Dele Alli for being “lazy” but earned praise from Harry Kane for his leadership. These mixed reactions highlight how Mourinho’s impact varied greatly depending on who you ask.

One player with a unique perspective on Mourinho is Danny Rose, who has opened up about his experience under the Portuguese manager. Before Mourinho’s arrival, Rose had been a consistent starter for Tottenham whenever fit.

But under Mourinho, his opportunities dwindled, playing just five matches. This led to speculation about a strained relationship, fueled by the infamous argument between the two showcased in Amazon’s All or Nothing documentary about the club.

Rose has since clarified his feelings about Mourinho and their professional relationship. Contrary to the narrative of a significant fallout, Rose explained that their interaction was minimal and far from dramatic.

Speaking on Kyle Walker’s podcast, Rose described their relationship as routine and professional, akin to any player-manager dynamic. He explained that Mourinho’s tactical approach did not align with his style of play, which ultimately limited his role in the team.

Mourinho’s preference for a system that utilized three center-backs and relied on the right-back as an offensive outlet didn’t suit Rose’s strengths. As a left-back known for his attacking contributions, Rose found himself sidelined in favor of a more defensive role that didn’t allow him to push forward.

This tactical shift effectively marked the end of Rose’s time at Tottenham, as he no longer fit into Mourinho’s plans.

Rose also addressed the well-publicized confrontation with Mourinho featured in the All or Nothing documentary. He described the exchange as a normal conversation that any player not starting regularly would have with their manager.

Rose emphasized that his frustration wasn’t with Mourinho but with the unexpected presence of cameras in the manager’s office. Unlike Mauricio Pochettino, who had declined to allow cameras in such private spaces, Mourinho permitted the documentary crew to record the interaction.

Rose explained that he was unaware of the cameras during their discussion and only learned later that the footage would be used in the series. This lack of prior notification left him feeling upset, as he believed the private nature of the conversation had been compromised.

While Rose’s time under Mourinho may not have been fruitful, his comments shed light on the complexities of player-manager relationships in elite football. It’s evident that tactical preferences, communication styles, and even external factors like media coverage can significantly impact these dynamics.

Rose’s account paints a picture of a player caught in a system that didn’t suit his strengths, rather than a feud with the manager.

Mourinho’s legacy at Tottenham remains a topic of debate. For some, his failure to deliver sustained success overshadows the progress made under his leadership.

For others, his ability to instill a winning mentality and guide the team to a cup final demonstrated his value. Players like Kane continue to speak highly of Mourinho, crediting him with elevating their game and instilling confidence. Meanwhile, others, like Rose, highlight the challenges and sacrifices that come with adapting to his tactical vision.

Rose’s reflections also underscore the evolving nature of football management, where the human aspect of coaching can sometimes clash with the high-stakes demands of the game.

His story serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining healthy relationships within a team.

For Tottenham fans, Mourinho’s tenure will always be remembered as a period of highs and lows. While he failed to bring home a trophy, his time at the club provided plenty of talking points and moments of intrigue.

As for Rose, his candid remarks offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by players navigating changes in management and tactics. His honesty highlights the complexities of professional football, where success often hinges on aligning individual strengths with the collective vision of the team.

Ultimately, Mourinho’s time at Spurs, much like his career as a whole, remains a study in contrasts. His ability to inspire and divide in equal measure ensures that his legacy will continue to spark debate among players, fans, and pundits alike.

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