‘It’s the only club I don’t have a close connection with!’: Jose Mourinho claims his relationship with Spurs has broken down since he was sacked in 2021… and says Daniel Levy ‘hasn’t done too much given” during his time at Tottenham
- Jose Mourinho said he no longer has any affection for Spurs
- The Portuguese coach was sacked in the build-up to the 2021 Carabao Cup final
- He suggested the stadium’s closure due to Covid was a factor in his sentiment
Jose Mourinho has claimed Tottenham were the only team in his career he didn’t have a “close connection” with.
The north London side suffered a major blow in their search for a new first-team manager on Thursday after Feyenoord boss Arne Slot ruled himself out of the running.
The news came just five days after their embarrassing 3-1 home defeat to Brentford ended their Europa League qualification hopes.
And now, as if their future managerial concerns weren’t enough, one of their former managers has expressed his displeasure with his experience at the club.
In a press conference for their Europa League final against Sevilla, Roma boss Mourinho admitted that Spurs were the only club he failed to maintain a good relationship with after his departure.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho has spoken about his experiences managing Tottenham
Mourinho often put on a frustrated figure during his 17 months at Spurs and explained why the relationship broke down
Mourinho said Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was a factor in his severing bond
“The only club in my career that I don’t have a deep feeling with yet is Tottenham”
Jose Mourinho explains his feelings for his former club Tottenham pic.twitter.com/WWIt0I4vaV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 25, 2023
The Portuguese coach was asked about his future at Roma and replied: “I’ve made a great bond with all the clubs I’ve coached. They laugh at me when I say I’m a fan of Real, Madrid. Inter and Roma.
“When I leave the Giallorossi it will be difficult. The only team I don’t have that relationship with is Tottenham.
“I hope my words won’t be misinterpreted by Tottenham fans but this is the only club I don’t have a close connection with.”
“Probably because the stadium was empty in Covid times and because Chairman Levy didn’t give too much.”
Mourinho’s spell at Spurs came to a dramatic end in April 2021, just days before they played in the Carabao Cup final against Man City.
It was a decision that raised eyebrows among supporters, given Mourinho’s impressive record in the cup final and Spurs’ continued search for silverware.
Spurs, under caretaker boss Ryan Mason, lost 1-0 to Pep Guardiola’s City 1-0 in the final.
Mourinho has since enjoyed success with Roma, including winning the inaugural Europa Conference League last season.
The former Man United and Chelsea boss has secured a place in this year’s Europa League final for the Italian side, who face Sevilla on Saturday.
Perhaps if he had been able to produce such results during his time in North London, he would never have been dismissed.
The infamous Mourinho was the man responsible as Spurs took a 2-0 first-leg lead against Dinamo Zagreb – whose manager was in prison at the time.
The Portuguese coach won the Europa Conference League in his first season with Roma
Mourinho lifted the Europa League with Manchester United after beating Ajax in the 2017 final
A hat-trick from Mislav Oršić – who now plays for Southampton – stunned the north London side and expelled him from the competition, just weeks before he was sacked.
Tottenham are the only club with which Mourinho failed to win a trophy with his recent teams.
Before joining Spurs, the Portuguese lifted the Carabao Cup and the Europa League with Manchester United.
He won his third Premier League title with Chelsea after returning to Stamford Bridge after successful stints with Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
