Toby Alderweireld confirms influence of Mourinho was key to his future

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Spurs defender, Toby Alderweireld, has confirmed that the appointment of Jose Mourinho was key in getting his new contract over the line.

The Belgian defender had been cast aside somewhat by the previous manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Talk was rife, then, that Alderweireld could well be on his way out of the club.

However, the appointment of the former Man United and Chelsea manager seemed to speed things up as the Belgian signed a new deal in December.

And the 30-year-old has admitted that Mourinho’s presence sped up proceedings.

“I don’t know what the club’s tactics were. But when Jose came in it moved a bit quicker,” Alderweireld said. (Daily Mail)

“With a second child on the way I just wanted to stay and when the new manager came in he just asked me if I wanted to sign. After that, the process went a little bit quicker because he did some things.” 

Alderweireld has since been a regular for Mourinho. Spurs are currently sitting sixth in the table but remain just four points off of Chelsea in fourth.

Mourinho’s influence, it seems, is being felt at the club. Indeed, the experienced Alderweireld – who has made just shy of 200 Spurs appearances – has praised his new manager.

“For me, Jose Mourinho is an unbelievable people manager, someone who you want to travel eight hours by road to play on a Sunday after your son is born”, he added.

Mourinho magic is still rife – TBR View

While some might say that Mourinho has lost a bit of his sparkle, few can deny the impact he has on players.

Nearly every club he has been at has seen his players praise him. At Chelsea, he was lauded by the likes of Frank Lampard and John Terry, who saw him as a father figure.

It’s little surprise, then, to see Spurs’ players loving their new manager.

While Mourinho might come across a bit grumpy in press conferences at times, it’s clear as day he is a different person with his players and staff.

Spurs are in good hands and with Alderweireld’s future secure, have a solid foundation to build on from the back.