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Jose Mourinho and the story of the 'second season'
José Mourinho has an exceptional managerial record and what is even more remarkable is his record in the second season for his clubs. Up until his stint at Manchester United, José Mourinho had the phenomenal record of winning the league title in the second season at all the clubs he had managed till then.
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Even in his second season at Old Trafford he amassed an impressive 82 points and finished second only behind record-breakers Manchester City. Though technically speaking this is his first full season at Tottenham; it is his second season overall and José Mourinho will be eager to add to his impressive second season record.
José Mourinho's time at Manchester United was marked by his dissatisfaction with Ed Woodward and the board who failed to sign some of his top targets throughout his term. But at Tottenham, José Mourinho has been backed by Daniel Levy who is otherwise frugal when it comes to transfer spending.
Tottenham and Jose Mourinho have had a good transfer window
In the two transfer windows that José Mourinho has been in charge at Tottenham, a total of 10 players have arrived either on a loan or a permanent transfer. These signings have given José Mourinho a big squad full of quality and versatility that can help him tackle the 4 competitions that they're participating in.
Signings of Sergio Reguilon, Gareth Bale, Matt Doherty and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg have added quality to positions that are key to José Mourinho and given him a first XI that can realistically challenge the best in the league.
Form and injury problems for rivals could finally make this Tottenham's year
In addition to the quality in his own squad, José Mourinho's and Tottenham's quest for success is aided by the form of other rivals and injuries to their key players.
Liverpool though sitting first in the table look vulnerable compared to last season and are also dealing with a slew of injuries to key players. Manchester United look a different team at weekends and do not seem capable of challenging for top 4 let alone the title; while Manchester City are not at their free flowing best. Arsenal are doing what Arsenal does best by being one of the most unpredictable teams in the league.
This state of the other top teams provides José Mourinho with the perfect opportunity to try and add to his 3 English League titles and answer his many critics who say he is finished.
Tottenham squad is filled with match-winners
However the biggest reason that José Mourinho can not downplay expectations this season is the presence of a number of match-winners and leaders in the Tottenham squad.
At Manchester United, he spoke of the need of having "Generals" on the field and also claimed he had few who could do that role for him at Old Trafford. But at Tottenham he not only has a number of leaders but also genuine match winners who are capable of winning games single handedly.
Hugo Lloris, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane all have leadership qualities and can be the generals that José Mourinho needs in his team. On the other hand José Mourinho also has players who are world beaters and can take any challenge head on. Son Heung-Min, Kane and Bale to name a few.
It all seems to be perfectly in place this season for José Mourinho to return to his "Special One" ways and lead Tottenham to their first major trophy in a very long time; if only he focuses his tactics on his opponents rather than on the media.
José Mourinho has spent recent years taking on the press and trying to control the narrative but this is the year he can write his story solely by focusing on the game and leading his team to success.
