Martin Keown questions impact of Tottenham assistant Joao Sacramento

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Martin Keown has questioned the impact of Tottenham Hotspur assistant manager Joao Sacramento in his Daily Mail column, after the Portuguese no.2 was brought to Spurs from French side Lille following Mourinho’s appointment.

Spurs have gone five games without a win since beating Aston Villa 3-2 at Villa Park. It has seen them suffer defeat in the Champions League to RB Leipzig, knocked out of the FA Cup, and slip to eighth in the Premier League table.

Mourinho has seen more than a few injuries since arriving, with Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Moussa Sissoko, Steven Bergwijn, Juan Foyth and Ben Davies all currently on the injury table. Mourinho’s negative approach is clear to see.

Arsenal legend Keown questioned whether Sacramento was having any kind of effect since he joined the north London club from Lille, with the belief that the Spurs no.2 was supposedly renowned for his tactical influence.

“Mourinho brought Sacramento with him as an assistant. Sacramento, only 31, is reputed to be a big tactician, but Mourinho is continuing to set up for matches in the same way,” Keown said. “Questions are being asked of the Spurs boss.

“But this is a man who has won 20 major trophies in his career. You cannot dismiss somebody with that history of winning, and Mourinho should be looking at this week as a chance to turn things around, with Manchester United to follow on Sunday.”

TBR’s view – Listening to Sacramento might just get Spurs back on track

Indeed, Sacramento’s influence at Lille helped the French side qualify for the Champions League during 2018-19. But the main thing for Spurs is remaining as competitive as possible, until the wounded stars come back.

Bergwijn is the club’s latest blow, with reports claiming he could be out for some time after a fracture was found on his ankle. Kane and Son are not expected to return to action until April at the very earliest, leaving Spurs light on the ground.

A combination of Sacramento’s tactical nous and players returning from injury may see Spurs have a strong finish to the season.