Sat 26 September 2020, 12:30
Tottenham HotspurJose Mourinho’s regular preview as we look ahead to returning home after two weeks on the road and the visit of Newcastle United in the Premier League (2pm).
1 - Team news
Speaking to the media after our win against KF Shkendija in North Macedonia on Thursday night, Jose was asked for fitness updates on Sergio Reguilon and Gareth Bale...
Jose: “The information I got today (Thursday) from the people who stayed behind is that Sergio had a complete session today and tomorrow he will join the group. So maybe not match fit, but not injured and ready to train with the team. Gareth will take a little longer, so no chance for the weekend.”
2 - All about three points
Jose was asked about the importance of this game having lost our first match at home against Everton a fortnight ago, but recovering so well to beat Southampton handsomely last weekend...
Jose: “Every match is important for us and we lost three points out of six possible in the Premier League. We want more than that, so we have to think about trying to get the three points against Newcastle, a team that is playing well, strong. They had a very good transfer window and they are going to be difficult, but let’s go home, try to rest and be ready.”
3 - On the Toon
Newcastle won their Premier League opener impressively at West Ham, but then suffered a 3-0 home loss to Brighton last weekend. What is Jose expecting from the Toon on Sunday?
Jose: “They had a fantastic first victory away, playing well. They lost against Brighton, but Brighton is a team capable of hurting you. That’s the Premier League this season. We are going to have many of these unexpected results, and no public makes home and away not as important, the team that plays away probably feels more comfortable to fight for the points. It’s going to be difficult. Of course, they played Wednesday and changed all their team against Morecambe (Carabao Cup). For us, it’s a different story.”
4 - Steve Bruce
Speaking before our meeting with Newcastle back in July, Jose spoke in glowing terms about Newcastle boss Steve Bruce...
Jose: “He’s a guy I like very, very much since my arrival in England many years ago. I played against him so many times in different clubs, Steve with different clubs. I met him a few times outside match days. I spoke with him on the phone so many times because when he was at Villa, he had some of my players on loan. I spoke with him when I was United manager and he was of course an important former United captain. I like him very, very much.”
