On November 19, 2019, the unthinkable happened. Less than six months after guiding Tottenham to the Champions League final, Mauricio Pochettino was sacked.

He left big shoes to fill. Who could possibly do a better job than the Argentine?

The following day, the club announced Pochettino’s successor. It was Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho needed to convince doubters

Given his Chelsea links, there were some initial doubts in north London. Pochettino’s Spurs had been dazzling to watch at times. Could Mourinho take the club to the next level whilst still providing entertaining football?

One year on, we still do not have a definitive answer to that question. Yet it appears that the veteran coach is slowly winning the supporters over.

After securing Europa League football last season, the team have started this season well and are currently second in the table.

FBL-ENG-PR-WEST BROM-TOTTENHAM
Tottenham Hotspur’s Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho watches from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at The Hawthorns stadium in West Bromwich, central England, on November 8, 2020. (Photo by PETER POWELL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Spurs dreaming of title triumph

This has left supporters optimistic that Spurs can mount a title challenge with Mourinho at the helm.

Some have taken to Twitter today to praise Mourinho on his one-year anniversary at the club.

 

Here are the best of the reactions…


Bright future ahead

Tottenham were languishing in 14th place when Mourinho took over.

However, the future appears much brighter 12 months on. The club were able to tempt Gareth Bale back from Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, and have been in formidable form this season.

With Harry Kane and Son Heung-min firing in the goals, they possess one of the best attacks in the country.

The duo have launched Spurs into title contention, with the team currently just a point behind leaders Leicester.

Manchester City test next

This weekend sees Mourinho enter his second year as manager when his side take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

A win would see Tottenham keep pace at the top of the table, and open up an eight-point gap between themselves and City.

Have something to tell us about this article?