Erik Lamela says Tottenham are on an upwards curve under Jose Mourinho and echoes the manager’s belief that a strong end to this campaign can kickstart a top-four challenge next season.
Tottenham beat Leicester 3-0 on Sunday but while the managers of top five clubs have been much-praised this season, Mourinho has come under fire from critics who say he has taken Tottenham backwards from Mauricio Pochettino’s entertaining style to a more functional and defensive way of playing.
Yet Mourinho’s record since replacing Pochettino last November suggests Spurs are on course for a return to the top four. Under him, Tottenham’s win percentage in the Premier League is 50 per cent, with 12 victories in 24 games, double the ratio of Pochettino’s three wins in the opening 12 games, and is only bettered by Liverpool, City and Chelsea this season.
Lamela talking about the team going forward and the impact the form during project restart can have on next season said; “The team is going in the right direction but we need to finish well and then prepare better for next season.”
“This team has so much potential and the manager knows how to do it. It’s true we are much better in the table but still we can improve. There are still two games left and we are expected to win them.”
And although Lamela is a natural attacking midfielder, he understands that every successful team is based on a strong defence. Mourinho has stopped Spurs from leaking goals, taking their average down from 1.5 conceded per game under Pochettino to 1.1 per match, and has amassed nearly twice as many points per game as Pochettino’s side.
“The last few games we were solid in defence and that has helped a lot because if you concede no goals or only one, then you have more chances of winning games.”
“Also the team’s mentality has changed a bit in the last few games and you can see we are all together on the pitch, trying our best for the team. We are improving in a lot of aspects.”
“The manager is the person who can see everything, so if he has something to say to the team we have to accept it. We love to train, love to play and love each other on the pitch.”
(Daily Mail)