It looks like Gareth Bale’s Frequently Asked Questions are starting to piss off Jose Mourinho.
Either that or it was his side’s abject performance against Chelsea on Thursday that was enough to lower his guard.
The Tottenham boss watched from the sidelines as his side produced a weak display en route to a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea of Thomas Tuchel.
A penalty from Jorginho in the first half was enough to settle scores, which was hardly surprising, given that Spurs struggled to organize a decent attempt on goal until the 87th minute.
But even with Harry Kane injured, Mourinho chose not to turn to superstar Bale for an injection of creativity, and elicited an angry response when asked about the post-game.
Jose Mourinho assaulted a journalist after being questioned about why Gareth Bale did not perform (Image: POOL /. Via.) Read more Related articles Read more Related articles
When asked why he didn’t bring Bale, Mourinho hit back at TV reporter Alison Bender: “Good question… but you don’t deserve an answer. ”
Spurs could well have done with the loaned Real Madrid on the pitch, which would have done no worse than the tedious football served by Mourinho’s men.
Without Kane, Tottenham looked lost, like a ship without a sail, and even Son Heung-min was in bad shape on a night they never seemed to equalize. At least not until it’s too late.
Eric Dier’s awkward foul on Timo Werner in the box gave Chelsea the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot, which Jorginho duly grabbed with both hands.
Bale was left on the bench as Tottenham collapsed to win (Image :.)
It was just 24 minutes, but from then there would be only one winner.
Tuchel has only been in his post for less than a fortnight, but it is his team who have looked further in their development.
Chelsea are fortunate enough to have the immense strength in depth at their disposal, and Mourinho has made sure his apologies are heard.
« [Sergio] Reguilon means something to our attacking football. Harry Kane means something to our attacking football. Giovani Lo Celso means something and a good Dele Alli that we haven’t had yet means something to that as well, ”he said as he landed Tottenham’s injury list.
“It’s also about not having the players to change things. It is also a matter of trust. “<!– –>
Jorginho’s penalty was enough to earn Chelsea three valuable points (Image: Neil Hall / POOL / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock)
This line in itself suggests that Mourinho has little or no confidence that Bale can step in and have the impact he wants – a night where Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela were preferred options on the bench.
Pressed later on Bale’s contribution, Mourinho demoted slightly: “I’m doing my best. He’s doing his best. Everyone is doing their best. “
But his answers did not fool anyone. Rio Ferdinand had decided at half-time.
“This team of Tottenham and Jose, they’re lucky there aren’t any fans at this stadium. They would have been booed, ”Ferdinand told BT Sport.
“They were poor. There was no form, no pressure on the ball.
Tuchel is the new kid on the block but Mourinho has the biggest problems (Image :.)
“The Spurs team is just sitting there and just relying on Son, an individual, to create a moment in the game.
“There is no method, I don’t see any pattern of play in this game. It looks like a team that has no idea what they’re doing when they have the ball. ”
Jermaine Jenas added: “There’s no plan, I think that’s the problem.
“I’m looking at a bunch of players who look scared, who don’t want to take the ball, and that’s one of the biggest crimes you can have as a footballer. “
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