---
title: "Tottenham Hotspur: Jose Mourinho addresses Spurs ‘problems’ under Pochettino last season"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-jose-mourinho-addresses-spurs-problems-under-pochettino-last-season/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2020-11-22T13:30:50Z"
modified: "2020-11-22T13:30:50Z"
---

# Tottenham Hotspur: Jose Mourinho addresses Spurs ‘problems’ under Pochettino last season

**Speaking in his [post-match press conference](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/fixtures-results/mourinho-alderweireld-kane-manchester-city-19323764.amp?__twitter_impression=true), Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho, when asked about his side’s once 14th placed position in the table last season, addressed the ‘problems’ but dropped subtle praise for ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino.**

Pochettino, who was a fan favourite before his untimely dismissal at the end of 2019, lead Spurs to their first ever Champions League final that year – but chairman Daniel Levy saw fit to replace the Argentine following a poor run of form.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”334693″\]

### Mourinho drops subtle Pochettino praise

At one stage, the Lilywhites languished a lowly 14th place in the Premier League table last campaign – with new boss Mourinho addressing their ‘problems’ after taking Spurs to the top of the table.

Tottenham secured a noteworthy 2-0 victory at home to Man City on Saturday evening, with goals from Heung-min Son and Giovani Lo Celso in either half.

“The 14th last season is a fake 14th. It’s a temporary 14th,” explained Mourinho.

“It happens in a crazy season where they had so many problems. Everything was going wrong.

“The situation was not good but come on, the work they did before here, the club, Mauricio \[Pochettino\], the players, the 14th was just a temporary situation.”

### Transfer Tavern take

Despite Mourinho guiding Spurs to a stellar start, his subtle praise for Pochettino’s past work will undoubtedly delight Spurs fans who adore their ex-gaffer.

Time will tell whether the Portuguese enigma manages to become a fan favourite akin to the former Espanyol boss, but if he manages to win Spurs their first piece of silverware since 2008, it feels almost inevitable.

***In other news: Alasdair Gold heaped praise on this ‘leader’ after Man City’s win, find out more [here.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/tottenham-hotspur-alasdair-gold-heaps-praise-on-10-10-toby-alderweireld-against-man-city/)***