Amazon documentary reveals Jose Mourinho’s shock early impression of Dele Alli

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho thought Dele Alli was a poor trainer when he first arrived at the club.

The Portuguese made the confession in Tottenham’s new Amazon documentary ‘All or Nothing’, the first three episodes of which release on Prime on August 31.

Media outlets have been allowed early access, and Sky Sports have reported some surprising quotes from The Special One.

Of midfielder Alli, Mourinho admitted: “I told already Dele very directly that he doesn’t train well, he is not a good trainer.

“I am not saying a disaster but I am not saying Harry Kane, Harry Kane is a very good trainer.

“Sir Alex Ferguson gave me only one bit of advice in two and a half years: Buy Dele Alli. ‘That guy, with that mentality, the way he plays, the aggression he has in mind. This guy is the Manchester United player. Buy Dele Alli’.

“And he [Ferguson] has an eye for a player. But he [Alli] is not a good trainer, we need to find motivation for the guy.”

Alli endured a tricky start to the 2019/20 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, but had a positive reaction to Mourinho’s arrival, contributing five goals and three assists in the 57-year-old’s first eight matches.

His struggles then continued after the initial bounce, with injury during Project Restart not helping his cause.

TBR’s View – Mourinho has to inspire Alli

Mourinho’s admission might not come as too much of a surprise to Spurs fans, many of whom will have been wondering why Alli’s form has been so patchy.

It will be vital for The Special One to light a fire beneath Allia ahead of 2020/21 and keep it burning, as he is evidently someone who can be a match-winner.

£100,000-a-week star Alli (Spotrac) responded when Mourinho first came in, now the manager must work hard to prompt another improvement in the 24-year-old.