The better side of Tottenham Hotspur’s Jose Mourinho

Toby Alderweireld recently praised Jose Mourinho for being an “unbelievable man manager,” reminding us of the manager Tottenham saw when he was first appointed. 

The self-appointed Special One has received his fair share of criticism lately, most of which due to his negative, park-the-bus philosophy. But, along with his incredibly robust CV of trophies, he also has an upside that is easily forgotten when the mood turns sour.

While Alderweireld didn’t credit wholly Mourinho for signing his contract extension, the Portuguese gaffer certainly had an integral part to play in keeping the Belgian international in north London. 

And Alderweireld was by no means the only player positively effected by Mourinho’s charismatic magical charm. Dele Alli also came to life under Mourinho’s spell, the Englishman returning immediately to his best self.

While he isn’t without his faults, I truly believe Mourinho cares deeply about his players and wants to see them succeed. Sometimes, however, he has an odd way of showing it. Things have since turned contentious between Mourinho and Dele, a common side effect wherever the Portuguese manages.

His affable side came to the fore with immediacy upon being appointed, having an incredibly powerful galvanizing effect on the crew. All too often though, as history has proven, Mourinho can’t continually suppress his demons, with his dour, sullen side eventually winning out.

I hope for Tottenham’s sake he can find a way to return to the lighthearted inspiration he was when he took the job back in November.

For Spurs to succeed, they need that Mourinho to step to the fore. They need him to see the lighter side of life, trust in his players’ abilities and embrace any and all challenges that come the club’s way.

Otherwise Mourinho’s, along with Tottenham’s, fortunes won’t change.