Tottenham outcast Sergio Reguilón looks set to be handed a chance to turn his fortunes around in North London. As a result of Destiny Udogie’s significant injury setback, Ange Postecoglou recently admitted [via The Standard, 3 January] that Reguilón “will get further opportunities”.

Jose Mourinho was appointed as the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur in November 2019. Mauricio Pochettino was sacked. Mourinho signed a contract until the end of the 2022-23 season. Mourinho said he was excited to work with the players. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said Mourinho was a successful manager. Mourinho held his first news conference as Tottenham boss. Mourinho’s basic salary was £8m a year after tax. Lille coaches Joao Sacramento and Nuno Santos joined his backroom team. Mourinho was reunited with fitness coach Carlos Lalin and tactical analyst Giovanni Cerra.

Tottenham reached the Champions League final last season under Pochettino. Pochettino did not win a trophy in his time in charge of Tottenham. Levy said Mourinho had a wealth of experience. Mourinho won three Premier League titles with Chelsea. Mourinho won the Europa League and Carabao Cup with Manchester United. Mourinho was sacked by Manchester United in December 2018.

Mourinho previously managed Porto, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. Mourinho won the Champions League with Porto in 2004. Mourinho won a league, cup and Champions League treble with Inter Milan in 2010. Mourinho won the La Liga title with Real Madrid in 2012. Tottenham were without a win in their past five games. Tottenham slipped to 14th in the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust had said many fans thought Pochettino had earned the right to try to turn around the side’s form.

The Trust said there were questions that must be asked of the board. The Trust said the club must ensure it does not find itself in the same position in two or three years’ time. Mourinho’s first match in charge was a trip to West Ham United. Spurs go to Manchester United. Spurs host Chelsea. Mourinho had turned down a number of managerial opportunities.

Mourinho’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur did not meet expectations. Mourinho guided the team to the League Cup final in 2021. Tottenham’s performance was inconsistent. The team struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Tottenham lacked the attacking flair that had characterized Pochettino’s reign.

Mourinho’s managerial style did not always align with the attacking philosophy that had previously defined Tottenham Hotspur. There was friction with some players. Some fans were frustrated. Mourinho was relieved of his duties in April 2021. The club cited disappointing results and a lack of progress as the reasons for his dismissal. Mourinho’s departure marked the end of a brief but eventful chapter in Tottenham Hotspur’s history. Mourinho brought his experience and winning mentality to the club. Mourinho was unable to deliver sustained success.

The appointment of Mourinho served as a reminder of the complexities of modern football management. Finding the right balance between short-term results and long-term vision is a constant challenge for clubs. The decision to appoint a manager with a strong personality and a well-defined tactical approach can have significant implications for the club’s identity and playing style.