Jose Mourinho’s tenure at Tottenham is reportedly starting to breed feelings of discontent among the playing staff already.
The Portuguese coach has only been in charge of the north London outfit since the end of November, after taking over the reins from the popular Mauricio Pochettino .
An initial bounce caused by Mourinho’s appointment brought improved results and performances, but Spurs have since struggled to maintain their form.
Just one win in their past six league games has signalled the end of Mourinho’s honeymoon period, while it took a replay for his side to beat Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round.
Now the Sun report Tottenham’s players are growing restless under the 56-year-old’s management, and are shocked at his dated long-ball approach to training sessions.
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Mourinho’s old-school style has led Spurs stars to believe they are regressing as a team under his tutelage.
His sessions are said to place huge focus on long balls, flick-ons and throw-ins, and have been compared with that of teams in the lower leagues.
The vast contrast between former boss Pochettino and their new manager is stark, and is causing frustration among players at the club.
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Another element which has irked the players is Mourinho’s treatment of Tanguy Ndombele.
The French midfielder only joined Spurs in the summer, becoming their record transfer signing for £62million.
Mourinho has twice slammed Ndombele publicly over his fitness.
After the 23-year-old was absent for the match with Brighton on Boxing Day, Mourinho said: “I cannot say he is injured, I can say that yesterday he told me he was not feeling in condition to play the game.
“Not based on injuries, based on fears of previous injuries of the season. I cannot say he is injured.”
Reports suggested Mourinho dropped Ndombele for the clash with Brighton, before the former Lyon star hobbled off in the clash with Southampton less than a week later.
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Mourinho remarked at the time that Ndombele was “always injured.”
Rumours of a rift between Mourinho and Spurs left-back Danny Rose have also been reported this week.
The pair are said to have been in a heated exchange after Rose was dropped for the weekend clash with Watford – where Dele Alli also showed his disapproval at being substituted.
