José Mourinho did not hold back in his criticism of Tanguy Ndombele on Saturday evening, having decided to substitute the midfielder at half-time during Tottenham Hotspur's 1-1 draw with Burnley.
The Spurs coach was left unimpressed by the 23-year-old's disappointing display in the opening 45 minutes, and he had clearly seen enough, hooking the former Lyon star for the second half.
Ndombele has shown glimpses of his devastating best during his first season in the Premier League, but he has struggled to stay fit in recent months, and he looked well off the pace against the Clarets.
And Mourinho made his feelings perfectly clear when speaking to Sky Sports after the draw, claiming Ndombele 'has to realise that this is the Premier League', and suggested that fans may have to wait until 'next season' to see the best of their big-money signing.
“I was expecting players not tired to give more to the team,” the Spurs boss said.
“'Somebody' has to realise that this is the Premier League.
"This is probably a new experience and the first time he comes to Burnley. I hope that next season he can be fantastic because until now it is not enough.”
Strong words from the Portuguese manager.
And it's not the first time that Mourinho has called out Spurs' record signing since his arrival in North London. The former Chelsea boss has lamented the ex-Lyon star's injury-prone condition over the campaign, and having completed a full 90 minutes only three times in the league this season, his coach does seem to have a point.
Mourinho introduced Giovani Lo Celso in place of Ndombele in the second half, and Spurs fought back to earn a valuable point in their race for Champions League qualification. It remains to be seen whether the £62m midfielder will play any major part over the remainder of the season, having suffered another very public dressing-down at the hands of his impatient manager.
Source : 90min