Jose Mourinho explains Tanguy Ndombele substitution in Spurs win

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Jose Mourinho has admitted, in comments reported by Football London, that some fans may have felt that he was an idiot for taking Tanguy Ndombele off during Tottenham Hotspur’s win over Southampton, but insisted that he was not ready to play more than an hour.

Ndombele made his first start since New Year’s Day in the FA Cup fourth round replay. He had made his return after a month out with a substitute appearance against Manchester City at the weekend.

It was a mixed evening for the summer signing. He looked excellent on the ball. But he seemed to struggle when he was not in possession. And it was arguably apparent that he was making his way back to full fitness.

Nevertheless, Mourinho conceded that some supporters may have questioned his decision to replace him with Dele Alli after 60 minutes. But he explained that he is not ready to stay on the pitch longer.

“I have to start with Tanguy even though I know he couldn’t play,” he said, as reported by Football London. “So after one hour maybe some fans they don’t follow, they don’t follow you, they don’t follow the day by day of us. Maybe they think this coach is an idiot for taking off Tanguy and he’s playing okay. I’m not an idiot.

“I knew that was the plan. He couldn’t do more than that. It was also the plan for Dele Alli to come and Dele couldn’t play 90 minutes. I would like him to do but he couldn’t.”

Of course, the decision to bring Alli on would prove to be inspired. The Englishman played a key role in Tottenham’s turnaround after they had gone 2-1 down fairly late on.

And – provided that he came through unscathed – Ndombele will be pleased to have 60 more minutes under his belt.

Spurs fans have already seen how good the 23-year-old can be when he is at his best.

So they will be hoping that his outing against the Saints has seen another hurdle cleared as he looks to recapture that best form.