The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Jose Mourinho has claimed Tottenham are the only team in his career that he doesn’t ‘have a close bond’ with.
The north London side suffered a huge blow in their search for a new first-team manager on Thursday after Feyenoord boss Arne Slot ruled himself out the running.
The news came just five days after their embarrassing 3-1 home defeat to Brentford, which ended their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League.
And now, as if their future managerial concerns weren’t enough, one of their former coaches has voiced his displeasure with his experience at the club.
At a press conference for their Europa League final against Sevilla, Roma boss Mourinho admitted that Spurs were the only club he failed to maintain a good relationship with after leaving.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho has spoken out about his experiences of managing Tottenham
The Portuguese boss admitted that he does not have a ‘close bond’ with the north London side, who are pictured in a match during his tenure in 2021
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Portuguese coach was asked about his Roma future and replied: ‘I have established a great bond with all the clubs I have coached. They make fun of me when I say I am a fan of Real, Inter and Roma.
‘When I leave the Giallorossi it will be tough. The only team I don’t have this relationship with is Tottenham.
‘I hope that my words will not be misinterpreted by Tottenham fans but that is the only club with which I do not have a close bond.
‘Probably because the stadium was empty at the time of Covid and because President Levy didn’t give too much.’
Mourinho’s stint at Spurs came to a dramatic end in April 2021, just days before they were scheduled to play the Carabao Cup final against Man City.
It was a decision that raised eyebrows with supporters, given Mourinho’s impressive record in cup finals and Spurs’ on-going search for silverware.
Spurs were beaten by Pep Guardiola’s City 1-0, as the north London side were led by interim boss Ryan Mason. Mourinho, meanwhile, has gone on to enjoy success with Roma.
Mourinho said that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was a factor for his broken down bond
