Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill spoke to Tottenham's players after their victory over Norwich, as they dispelled talk of unhappiness in the dressing room
Thursday 23 January 2020 11:56, UK
Heung-Min Son and Hugo Lloris have backed manager Jose Mourinho following reports the Tottenham squad were unhappy with their manager's tactics and training methods.
Following Spurs' 2-1 win over Norwich on Wednesday night, Lloris and Son gave their unequivocal support to Mourinho.
"The atmosphere is great," said Lloris.
"I can tell you all the players are ready to fight for the new manager and his staff."
Son agreed. Just minutes after scoring the winner in the victory over Norwich, he spoke highly of Mourinho.
"Everyone is happy. The work is good."
Players were queuing up in the mix-zone to deny any unhappiness under the new management with Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier both talking at length to the newspapers, backing the boss.
Lloris told Sky Sports News: "We can't control everything that is said outside. But I can confirm the atmosphere is really positive."
As he spoke to us, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen walked past, smiling and laughing,
Both may leave before the end of January but if they do, it's nothing to do with Mourinho. They seem happy enough.
Lloris continued: "It's not easy to come in the middle of the season, but it's a great opportunity for us.
"Jose Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world and the most successful manager of the past 20 years.
"As a player, he's a fantastic coach. He's here to help us but at the same time we need to give everything to him and his staff."
Son said: "We are a group that is always positive."
He stopped to talk about Jose, even though he looked exhausted after 90 minutes on the pitch and 20 minutes talking to a dozen journalists from South Korea.
The forward added: "Of course we want results to be better, we need more points, but we are more than happy. Unbelievably happy. We are lucky to have such a positive group."
Lloris has missed 21 matches for Spurs due to an elbow injury he suffered in October last year.
The 2-1 triumph over Daniel Farke's side was his first appearance since before the managerial change and he also reflected on Mourinho's predecessor Mauricio Pochettino's departure from north London in November.
Lloris said: "We have a deep respect for what Pochettino did for the club. We wish him the best. He's a fantastic man and hopefully, we will see him soon in a new club."
So what about Mourinho's take on those negative headlines?
"It's a pleasure to be with them, to work with them and to try to help them in such a difficult season. Tonight I saw players really tired going over their limits to try to give us the points so a happy dressing room," the Spurs head coach said.
Jose seems happy - three points, the players' backing, and all during the stressful month of January!
