Harry Winks and Tottenham Hotspur squad had little clue that Mauricio Pochettino was set to be sacked as manager ahead of the board's decision to dismiss the Argentinian.
The midfielder insisted that it was business as usual inside the Spurs dressing room despite a poor start to the season under their former boss.
Jose Mourinho was appointed as the new head coach at Hotspur Way and is set to take charge of his first game against West Ham, away at the London Stadium days after his appointment.
Pochettino was removed from his position with Tottenham in 14th position 12 games into the Premier League season.
This indifferent start left Spurs 11 points behind the teams currently in the Champions League qualification places.
However, Winks explained that the camp were still in good spirits and focused on getting back to winning ways hours before Pochettino and his coaching staff were let go by Daniel Levy and the club hierarchy.
"The manager is always happy to have everybody back because we can train together as a team again," Winks told talkSPORT as the squad returned from the November international break.
"When everybody goes away separately to their countries, it’s difficult to get the same amount of training done and work on the tactical issues we need to work on, so it will be good for the manager to get everybody back in now and build up towards the West Ham game.
"Now I’m back at Tottenham I want to get back on the field with the lads, and prepare for the Premier League.
"We’ve got a lot of games coming up in as short space of time, as well as the Champions League where we’ve got a great opportunity to get through.
"So it’s going to be tough period over the next couple of months with so many games, but it’s an exciting time. It’s time for us to really kick on now and start to get some wins and climb the table."
Winks was also asked about Pochettino and his future and only had positive words for his former manager.
"I’ve said many times and I will always say it, I’ve got everything to thank the gaffer for,” Winks added. "He gave me the opportunity and I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for him.
"Of course I’ve had to work hard to get here, but getting that opportunity in the first place is always difficult and I’m forever thankful to the manager for giving me that opportunity."
