The arrival of Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspurs has attracted great interest from football fans and analysts alike. With his history at Manchester United, it's natural to expect significant transformations in the team's setup and performance. However, the road ahead may not be as straightforward as initially thought. Let's delve deeper into the potential changes and challenges Mourinho faces.

Defensive Core: A Key to Mourinho's Strategy

Mourinho's favored defensive style, characterized by a strong backline and a central striker, hinges on the quality of his defensive unit. At Tottenham, two key players in Sanchez and Vertongen, who is leaving on a free transfer, form the core of this defense. Vertongen's departure and Alderweireld's aging are certainly cause for concern. Additionally, Foyth and Tanganga have yet to assert themselves, despite their available playing time. Sanchez and Vertongen: These players are crucial to Mourinho’s defensive strategy. Losing Vertongen to free agency creates a gap that Mourinho must fill. Alderweireld's Age: As one of the older players on the team, Alderweireld's form and fitness could be a matter of concern. Foyth and Tanganga: Both have shown potential but have yet to consistently perform at their best.

Aurier, the right/left-back, while a capable player, has a history of making errors. Matters are further complicated by rumours that he is not actually Ashley Young, who had undergone some convincing plastic surgery and facial hair transformations. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the team's defensive setup.

Midfield Hurdles: A Turbulent Transition

Tottenham's midfield, once a strength, has stumbled under Mourinho. Proper blend of creativity and defensive structure is essential for the team to perform at its best. However, the current squad lacks cohesion on the pitch. Key injuries to Sissoko and Alli have left the midfield rudderless. Sissoko and Alli: Both have been major players in the past, but their injuries have significantly impacted the team's performance. Lo Celso, Ndombélé, and Fernández: Newcomers to Spurs, they are still finding their feet in the team's dynamic.

Moussa Sissoko, when fit, can bring steel to the midfield. His style of play, akin to Nemanja Matic (a favorite of Mourinho's at Chelsea and Manchester United), should provide the necessary robustness. However, the midseason arrivals of Ndombélé and Fernández have led to underwhelming performances, suggesting potential coordination issues.

Struggle Up Front: The Pressure Builds

The forward line, especially with Kane and Son's injuries, presents a formidable challenge. Tenacious performances are essential, and Mourinho’s ability to mold his team to fit his style will be crucial. Kane and Son: Both have been key players before their injuries, but Son may have to stay in South Korea due to military service. Moura: His speed and creativity could provide the spark the team needs on the flanks.

While Kane, the target striker, should slot into the setup comfortably, Son and Moura must step up to provide the necessary offensive punch. However, the overall transformation won't be easy and demands consistent effort from all players.

Will Mourinho Improve Spurs?

Danny Levy, the club's executive chairman, has often made tough business decisions, sometimes to the detriment of the team's performances. While the signing of Kane, Alderweireld, Lloris, and Eriksen exemplifies successful transfers, others have not
yielded optimal results under Mourinho's management.

Comparing Tottenham's performances under Mourinho and Pochettino, it's evident that Mourinho's team struggles more in terms of creativity and scoring. This suggests that while the foundation exists, the transition to Mourinho's style might take time and patience from both supporters and management.