Martin Keown questions Jose Mourinho's appointment as Tottenham boss claiming he has fallen 'out of love with football'

Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has questioned Tottenham Hotspur's appointment of Jose Mourinho as the replacement to Mauricio Pochettino on the managerial seat, stating that the Portuguese tactician would have to give up his controversial antics to be a success at the club.

Also Read: Azpilicueta: I wish Mourinho all the best at Tottenham

Keown slams Spurs' handling of Pochettino's dismissal

Mourinho was named the new Spurs manager on Wednesday, shortly after the north London outfit sacked Pochettino.

The stint marks Mourinho's return to football management after he was dismissed by Manchester United in December last year. A series of dismal results, as well as feuds with players like Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez, led to the termination of his contract at Old Trafford.

Speaking at Sportsmail's 'A Pint with Piers' event in London, Keown insisted that Mourinho's off-pitch behaviour would have to change if he wishes to succeed with Spurs. He said,

"The thing that stays in my mind is the Mourinho that finished at Manchester United, having to be dragged out of press conferences, totally having a go at his players, he lost the dressing room and fell out of love with the game of football in his quest to be successful. He has to jettison that part of himself."
Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino

The former defender also believes Pochettino deserved some more time at Tottenham.

"I would have stayed with Pochettino. I think he deserved that. I think it's a hugely significant sacking. You're going to have managers now looking over their shoulders.
"I know the poor record he has recently, I know it all but I still would have given him another chance. I don't like the way Tottenham have done it."

Mourinho will make his debut as Spurs manager when they face West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.


Also Read: 3 reasons why Jose Mourinho is the wrong man for Tottenham Hotspur

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