Kane stays home
Harry Kane has not travelled to Budapest for Tottenham’s Europa League round of 32 clash with Wolfsberger.
In his pre-match interview with BT Sport, Mourinho suggested that Kane was not fit to make the trip:
Jose Mourinho tells BT: “[The team] could be even stronger with Harry Kane, Gio Lo Celso or Sergio Reguilon, the players that couldn’t travel.” Doesn’t seem to suggest Kane was rested.
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) February 18, 2021
The English international has had troubles with his ankles recently, and perhaps they are continuing to trouble him.
Despite Kane’s absence, Mourinho assured that he is taking the competition seriously:
🗣️ Jose: “You have to look at this competition with very strong eyes, very strong minds and a great desire. We come with a strong team, with a strong mentality and we want to win.” #THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/kiYmZjEg2k
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 18, 2021
The Portuguese added:
“If on top of winning, we can have some good individual performances – especially from the players not playing regularly – that would be great. We have a tough game on Sunday against West Ham. Can we throw away this match and this competition? I refuse to do that.
“If you win it you get a Champions League spot. And you win a trophy. You play European Super Cup next summer. There are plenty of motivations. Play it seriously, forget Sunday.”
Bale starts
Tottenham Hotspur’s Welsh striker Gareth Bale during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Clive Rose / POOL / AFP)
The Spurs team tonight contains six changes from the side which lost 3-0 to Man City at the weekend, with Gareth Bale, Dele Alli, Moussa Sissoko, Harry Winls, Matt Doherty and Toby Alderweireld all restored.
Hugo Lloris started in goal, rather than Joe Hart.
Regarding Bale, Mourinho explained:
“I want to win. I’m not expecting to see anything from Gareth [Bale]. I want to win. We want to win as a group. I’m not looking at specific performances for player A, B or C.”
Gareth Bale’s loan stint at Spurs has of course been subject to criticism, as has Dele Alli’s under Mourinho. Both have a chance this evening to make sure the manager notices them.
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Kane stays homeHarry Kane has not travelled to Budapest for Tottenham’s Europa League round of 32 clash with Wolfsberger.In his pre-match interview with BT Sport, Mourinho suggested that Kane was not fit to make the trip: Jose Mourinho tells BT: “[The team] could be even stronger with Harry Kane, Gio Lo Celso or Sergio Reguilon,Football (soccer) greatest goals and highlights | 101 Great Goals – Feed