Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has admitted that Jose Mourinho, the Tottenham Hotspur head coach, has got to try and install a sense of confidence back into his players following a run of three successive defeats.
After suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion, Spurs suffered a third straight loss on Thursday evening when they were defeated 1-0 by Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A first-half penalty from Italian midfielder Jorginho sealed all three points for Blues, ensuring Thomas Tuchel's unbeaten start to life at Stamford Bridge continued.
However, it was the manner of the performance that angered Spurs' supporters more than the result, with Mourinho's men, who were without Harry Kane, showing very little attacking flair or creativity.
But ahead of today's clash with West Bromwich Albion, Kane returned to the starting line-up following ankle troubles, meaning Spurs supporters' confidence has been handed a timely boost.
Whilst Kane's return will act as a major boost in Mourinho's hopes of easing the pressure, Ferdinand believes the Portuguese chief has got to try and get some confidence back into the veins of his players.
"If there was fans in here [against Chelsea] it would have been even worse, because they would have been calling for blood at the time," Ferdinand told BT Sport.
"Yes, Mourinho has had a few injuries, but he needs to get those players back, but you cannot cry over spilt milk.
"You need to make sure that the players you have got available to you, you get them working, whether you do that through mental stimulation or on the training pitch, you have got to get it done."
With respect to West Brom, today's clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the most favourable fixture they will face this week, with back-to-back away games with Everton and Manchester City to come.
And for Ferdinand, Kane's return could be the difference between Spurs getting back on track or their slump continuing.
"We look at their next couple of games and it is difficult for them; they have got Everton in the FA Cup and then they have got Manchester City away," added Ferdinand.
"They need to get their confidence going, and I am sure that is one of the things Mourinho is happy about with Kane being back. He could be the person that refuels that next wave of confidence for them to push forwards in this league."
