Jose Mourinho reserved praise for Tanguy Ndombele as Tottenham Hotspur limped past Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Europa League second qualifying round.
Ndombele has struggled since joining Spurs and rumours have been rife of Mourinho being unhappy with the player. Tonight, the Portuguese manager had to thank Ndombele for ensuring Spurs’ progression to the next round of the Europa League after his late winner.
Tottenham Blushes Saved by Harry Kane and Tanguy Ndombele
Jose Mourinho Gives Praise for Tanguy Ndombele
Much speculation has centred around Ndombele leaving Spurs in this transfer window. In Bulgaria, the Frenchman came on and added some direction and energy to Tottenham, who had been tepid up to that point. Plovdiv took the lead in the 71st minute and an embarrassing defeat and Europa League elimination was looming.
Harry Kane levelled from the spot only minutes later, though, before Ndombele got the winner to gain praise from his manager: “Tanguy is in a process of evolution. Last season he wasn’t. He was stuck in a situation where I couldn’t see evolution.
“Now he is in a moment where he is training very well. Today he gave us what we needed in the last 30 minutes.
“Now I believe in Tanguy. I never doubted his ability but last season I doubted his effort and motivation. Now I think that Tanguy can do well for us.”
Victory a Lift for Spurs Ahead of Gareth Bale Return
It wasn’t pretty but Tottenham Hotspur had to win this game. The defeat to Everton on the opening day of the Premier League season was poor. Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli were among those left at home ahead of the Premier League game at Southampton on Sunday lunchtime.
The victory will give Spurs a lift but it is the impending arrival of Gareth Bale that could be a huge catalyst for Tottenham Hotspur’s busy season.
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