Tanguy Ndombele has admitted he is feeling “more settled” and “working harder in training” this season – as he looks to build on a strong start to his second season as a Tottenham Hotspur player.
Tanguy Ndombele Reveals Frictions with Jose Mourinho are Behind Them
Midfielder Struggled to Settle During First Season with Spurs
Ndombele’s first season with Spurs was plagued by a lack of fitness, as well as questions arising over his attitude in training.
In an interview posted on Tottenham’s Twitter account, the club-record signing revealed that he struggled to adapt to the Premier League during the last campaign.
However, Ndombele went on to confirm that he is feeling more at home in England – which is benefiting his football:
“I think that, yes, I am working a bit differently now. I find myself working harder in training and in the matches.
“But above all, I think I’ve just settled in better. It’s true that the last season was difficult for me – to change championships like that, it isn’t easy.
“But now I feel like I’m really settling in better and I really hope I’m on the right track for the future.”
The midfielder also confirmed that while there were difficult moments last season with manager Jose Mourinho, those are now firmly in the past:
“I’ve got a good relationship with the coach – we speak together, we laugh together. And the more difficult moments last season we’ve left behind us.
“We’re now both trying our hardest to help the team.”
𝘼 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝-𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝…
🇫🇷 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝘆 𝗡𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗲 😁#THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/UmDpPhi0Dr
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 3, 2020
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 3, 2020
Mourinho Recognises Ndombele is Key to Spurs Success
Tanguy Ndombele’s absence from Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Royal Antwerp was noticeable not only for the fact that it was the North London’s side first loss in ten matches.
The manner of the defeat also underlined how important the midfielder has become to Jose Mourinho’s side.
Without Ndombele, Spurs were lethargic with their passing and lacked spark and creativity in midfield.
Mourinho’s comments following the game shows how highly he rates the 23-year-old:
“…to be honest we missed him – because he gives speed to the team.
“Thinking quick, thinking fast, moving the ball quick and fast, we missed him.”
Keeping Tanguy Ndombele fit and firing will be crucial to any potential title charge from Tottenham.
Indeed, his fitness – and that of fellow midfielder Gio Lo Celso – is the only thing preventing Spurs fans’ “dream midfield” combination from coming to fruition.
As it stands, though, Ndombele is clearly on the right path both physically and mentally, to finally fulfill his potential with Tottenham.
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