Unacceptable behaviour from Tottenham’s Jose Mourinho amidst crisis
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham’s Jose Mourinho yesterday conducted an off-the-books public training session with Tanguy Ndombele, ignoring explicit government instructions amidst the coronavirus lockdown.
Tottenham have not covered themselves in glory in the last week, the club again in the news for all the wrong reasons. This time Mourinho not only skirted his duties as a citizen, but as a public figure, too.
Along with two unknown others, Mourinho and Tanguy proceeded with a training session that contravened the government’s univocal advice to exercise with only one other person, who should live in the same household.
It is reported that Mourinho and Tanguy, who maintained at least two metres distance from one another, abided by social distancing guidelines. But that, quite frankly, is beside the point.
What might ordinarily be thought of as trivial is, especially during these highly sensitive times, anything but. Mourinho is a prominent public figure who must, more now than ever, lead by example and do the right thing.
It’s all about perception and Jose, particularly considering his age and almost incomparable experience, should know better. Mourinho has never been someone who cares what others think. And that’s part of the maestro’s allure. He’s unapologetic, bullish, and walks with an air of impunity.
But that type of behaviour cannot be permitted during a time when personal actions can impact severely the decisions, and health, of others. It’s imperative people abide by government regulations whenever possible so the lion’s share of the population can get through this unprecedented crisis healthy, ready to take on the next chapter of life when restrictions are eventually eased.
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It’s selfish to do anything to the contrary.
Mourinho needs to get in line and respect the government’s clear advice. That way he can lead Tottenham down the right path and help the club, rather than hinder, somehow dig themselves out of the deep, lonely hole which they’re currently entrenched.