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Comparing Mourinho’s first 50, Pochettino’s last 50 matches at Tottenham

By Gary Pearson

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Mauricio Pochettino of Paris Saint-Germain reacts during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on February 16, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Mauricio Pochettino of Paris Saint-Germain reacts during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on February 16, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham Hotspur’s Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at The London Stadium, in east London on February 21, 2021. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur’s Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at The London Stadium, in east London on February 21, 2021. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Jose’s first 50 matches in charge

The Portuguese manager, like so many before him, experienced an almost mandatory honeymoon stage. Winning five of his first seven matches — the only defeats coming to Chelsea and Manchester United — Mourinho assimilated to conditions in North London like he did in Manchester, Madrid and Inter.

Made more palpable by Mauricio’s untenable final few weeks, Mourinho made an impressionable state of intent to both supporters and the ownership group. The absence of adversity allowed the Special One’s undeniable charisma the opportunity to gain the locker room’s trust. He galvanized the squad, having an undeniable positive impact on Dele Alli, who, albeit fleetingly, returned to vintage form.

Six weeks on and Jose’s picture perfect start came to a crashing halt. Harry Kane suffered a tear to his hamstring against Southampton, the first serious blow to Mourinho’s Tottenham career. It wouldn’t be the last, as Son Heung-Min, about six weeks later, fractured his forearm in a last-minute win at Aston Villa. Son’s injury, with chinks already forming in Jose’s armour, complicated matters further for the gaffer.

He also started enduring personnel woes, with players like Dele Alli losing form. That trend continued this season, with Dele playing but a fringe part of Jose’s current setup.

Threatened by the prospect of missing European qualification, Jose’s misery was compounded by his side crashing out of the FA Cup and Champions League. The onset of coronavirus may have saved Spurs season, as the respite allowed for Jose’s side to get the rest they needed. Fresh and eager, Spurs returned after the lengthy layoff to secure sixth place and a berth in the Europa League’s qualification round. Qualifying for Europe buoyed the overall perception of Jose’s first half season in charge, particularly after inheriting a post-Mauricio side ensnared in adversity and decline.

However Jose’s point per match return, 1.62, is the worst ratio since Juande Ramos was in charge, from 2007-2008. The self-proclaimed Special One has won 23, drawn 12 and lost 15 since taking the helm, his version of Spurs conceding 57 while scoring 80. Mourinho’s winning percentage sits at 46.

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