José Mourinho Explains Why He Watched RB Leipzig's 0-0 Draw With Bayern Munich

​Tottenham manager José Mourinho has admitted he made a point of travelling to Germany to watch RB Leipzig's 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich on Sunday to try and gain as much information about Julian Nagelsmann's side as possible.

Spurs will meet Leipzig in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie on 19 February, after they return from their winter break.

Dayot Upamecano,Thomas Mueller

Instead of relaxing on a beach somewhere, Mourinho was spotted in the stands on Sunday and told ​Sky Sports it's important to scout an opponent in the flesh rather than just watch them on TV.

"It's very important. I can see small details. Even the warm-ups. I can see what TV and video don't give me. To see the warm-ups and to see what the players do individually," he said.

"Some skills that sometimes during the game are hidden. It's a different intensity. It's a different experience. I couldn't miss the opportunity.

José Mourinho

"The players needed some days off. For their body and soul they needed a rest. But not for me. I think the best way to try and help the team is to work."


Mourinho has helped ​Spurs climb up to sixth in the ​Premier League and they now sit just four points away from the ​Champions League spots. They are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions, and the boss claimed his squad have been hugely impressive in the face of adversity this season.


"We as a team in the last few weeks are showing a certain mentality. This season has been hard for them. Even before I arrived," he said.

Hugo Lloris

"They lost the captain Hugo Lloris for a long period. Then progressively you lose another player. Then another one. Then another one.

"But the way the team has fought has made me even prouder of them. People like ​Son [Heung-min] and Lucas [Moura] going to their limits and giving absolutely everything. Injured players trying to give everything. The spirit is amazing."


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Source : 90min