Stan Collymore has warned there could be ‘damage done’ when Jose Mourinho leaves Tottenham Hotspur.
Mourinho has led Tottenham to the top of the Premier League in his first full season at the club.
But Spurs’ latest win, albeit against Manchester City, came with just 34 per cent possession, four shots and two on target (to 22 and five respectively).
And writing in his column for The Daily Mirror this week (24 November, page 51), Collymore said he fears for Tottenham should Mourinho’s approach fail to bring silverware.
“Tottenham’s victory over Manchester City on Saturday was a counter-attacking masterclass,” acknowledged the former Liverpool and England striker.
“But Jose Mourinho’s methods must bring trophies because, if they don’t, he will lose players who want to play expressive, expansive football.
“And fans, when they return, won’t want to watch a perfectly capable attacking team sitting deep for long periods. Don’t get me wrong, I hear those Spurs supporters who want trophies and don’t mind how they get them.
“I just fear there will be damage done down the line when Mourinho goes.”
The next few weeks could prove pivotal in Tottenham’s pursuit of a first English title in 60 years.
Mourinho’s side travel to third-placed Chelsea, his former employers, on Sunday, before tough-looking games against Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Portuguese coach has won four times as many top-division winners’ medals (eight) as Spurs have ever, though the last of those was achieved in 2015.
Tottenham fans – will Mourinho bring success back to north London?
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