Jose Mourinho believes he has a bench “full of good players and good options” to use for his side’s clash with West Ham.
Spurs drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Friday night in their first game back, as Steven Bergwijn’s opener was cancelled out by a late Bruno Fernandes penalty.
But Mourinho was heavily criticised by fans on social media and elsewhere for only using two substitutions out of a possible five on Friday night.
In contrast, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer used all five substitutes available to him during the game.
"Without Lucas and Dele, we didn't have these attacking players on the bench. That could be Dele, Lucas but could also be Bergwijn or Lamela or Sonny,” Mourinho said when asked about the reason he opted against doing so.
However, ahead of tonight’s game, Mourinho was quick to emphasise the importance of his side’s bench.
“To be honest, they give us more options,” he told Sky Sports before the game.
“But I am very happy with Lamela and Bergwijn’s performances against Manchester United.
“The changes are just natural because two matches in three days without playing, and to have two strong attacking players on the bench.”
Before Mourinho added on the importance of his bench: “I think it is very important.
“The people that were asking for the five changes cannot see. The ones that were asking for are the ones with the most potential.
“And to be honest, tonight I am in a privileged position too, because I have a bench full of good players and good options.”
