Report: Jose Mourinho and Spurs coaches worried over first-team player’s application and attitude

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho and his coaches are reportedly concerned over Gareth Bale for a number of reasons, according to The Sun.

The 31-year-old rejoined Spurs on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid in mid-September, a move which saw the media spotlight shine brightly on North London.

However, his high-profile return has so far not gone to plan amid injury and fitness issues.

Bale has just 15 competitive appearances under his belt this season, 10 of which have been starts, and just 231 minutes of Premier League football.

His fitness has been called into question by some pundits over the past few weeks, with Glenn Hoddle telling talkSPORT he felt Bale didn’t look like he could break into a sprint.

Now, The Sun claims that even Mourinho and his coaching staff have been shocked by how far off the pace and how much of a shadow of his former self Bale has looked.

The outlet, citing insiders, says they are not only concerned about the star’s fitness but also his confidence, application and attitude in trying to make his loan move a success.

TBR View:

The Tottenham fanbase was rejoicing when Bale rejoined Spurs, but several months down the line, he has flattered to deceive, to put it mildly.

The talent is there, but other things don’t seem to be – and Mourinho is a manager of high standards who won’t hesitate not to pick a player if he isn’t 100 percent in every aspect.