Jose Mourinho has used his first interview as Tottenham manager to dismiss criticism about his reluctance to use young players, instead suggesting that poor academy structures at some of his previous clubs have been to blame.
Mourinho was named the new Spurs boss on Wednesday morning, replacing Mauricio Pochettino, who was sacked after more than five years in charge on Tuesday evening.
Some considered the Portuguese to be a surprising choice, given his perceived preference for experience over youth and the club’s general lack of spending in the transfer market.
However, speaking to the club website, Mourinho insisted he is looking forward to buying into the Spurs philosophy.
“I really like this squad and looking to the young players,” Mourinho said.
“There is not one manager in the world that doesn’t like to play with young players and to help young players develop. There is not one.
In Pictures | Tottenham arrive for Mourinho's first training session
In Pictures | Tottenham arrive for Mourinho's first training session
-
1/20
-
2/20
-
3/20
-
4/20
-
5/20
-
6/20 Jan Vertonghen
Action Images via Reuters
-
7/20 Harry Winks
PA
-
8/20 Christian Eriksen
PA
-
9/20 Juan Foyth
AFP via Getty Images
-
10/20 Erik Lamela and Giovani lo Celso
Action Images via Reuters
-
11/20 Toby Alderweireld
PA
-
12/20 Kyle Walker-Peters
PA
-
13/20 Dele Alli
Action Images via Reuters
-
14/20 Ben Davies
Action Images via Reuters
-
15/20 Lucas Moura
PA
-
16/20 Jan Vertonghen
PA
-
17/20 Danny Rose
PA
-
18/20 Harry Winks
Action Images via Reuters
-
19/20 Eric Dier
Action Images via Reuters
-
20/20 Christian Eriksen
Action Images via Reuters
“The problem is that sometimes you get into clubs where the work below you is not good enough to produce these players.
“So I look to our history and you see that the academy is always giving the talents that the first team need. Of course, I look forward to work with that profile.”
