Tottenham’s Tanguy Ndombele was unmoved by Jose Mourinho’s criticism last season
Tanguy Ndombele said he was unfazed by Jose Mourinho’s previous criticism of him after he was taken off in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against Burnley last season.
The Frenchman became Spurs’ record £54 million signing from Lyon in July 2019 but struggled to settle in and received some harsh public comments from his manager following a disappointing first half at Turf Moor in March.
Mourinho said: “I hope next season he can be fantastic because until now it is not enough."
When asked about the comments made last season, Ndombele said: "His words didn't hurt me. They didn't necessarily motivate me either.
“It was just something that I assimilated and took on board. Of course, it's not something that you like to hear, those sorts of words, but that was last season and we are looking to the future.”
He added: “I don't think we have seen the best of Tanguy Ndombele yet. I'm on the right track but there's still more to come.”
This season Ndombele has had a strong start, playing in all six of Tottenham’s games in the Premier League, including Monday night’s 1-0 win at Burnley.
Ndombele believes that this consistent run with the side has boosted his confidence but admitted that it took him some time to adjust from Ligue 1 to the Premier League.
He said: “I feel better. That comes from playing consecutive matches. It's good for a player to have a good rhythm like that and get into shape.
“Last year I didn't have that so much. This year I do so it's better for the team and it's better for me.
“Between France and England there's a real difference in the intensity of the matches. Last season my head just wasn't in the right place. This season it's going a lot better.”
Ndombele also believes that Spurs could be potential title contenders but is not getting carried away with the notion just yet.
He said: “Our objective has always been to get into the top four. More than that? Why not? But nobody wins the league in six matches.
“Even if we were top of the league at this stage there'd still be 32 matches to play.”
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