Yahoo News Jose Mourinho expecting ‘a different transfer window’ and ‘strange summer’ ahead as Tottenham eye winners
Jose Mourinho is expecting a "strange” and “different” transfer window this summer as he targets players with the whole package of talent and a winning mentality for Tottenham.
Mourinho insisted his primary focus is on the short-term as Spurs attempt to secure a top-four finish in the remaining nine League matches and beat Manchester City in this month's Carabao Cup final.
But speaking ahead of Sunday's visit to Newcastle, the Spurs boss said he had "an idea" of what the club needs in the summer but warned it would be a "strange" transfer window.
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on clubs' finances and drastically altered the football economy, with even the Premier League’s so-called “big six” preparing to be thrifty.
Mourinho said: "We are much more focused on now than what is next. But of course I have an idea [of what the club needs].
“Of course, we share our ideas. When I say 'we', I say myself and the [club's] structure including obviously the boss, [chairman Daniel Levy].
"So we know what we want. But at the same time we can all expect a strange summer. I believe that it will be a bit strange in the sense of a different transfer window than in previous seasons.
“But at the moment I don’t think it is about anyone fighting for his future. It is about everyone fighting for the points we need to finish the season the best that we can."
And in a message to his squad, who lost to rivals Arsenal and crashed out of the Europa League in humiliating fashion last month, Mourinho warned talent alone does not make a top player.
While he was happy with the squad’s response in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa before the international break, Mourinho said he wants players with the mentality to impact the very “soul” of his squad.
"For me, when people speak about talent and separate talent from professionalism, commitment and ambition, I think people are wrong," he said.
"For me, there is not talent and then these other qualities are a different thing. For me, everything is in the same package.
"So I believe a team needs players where the talent co-exists with all these other ingredients. And this is what gives teams the extra potential to do big things.
"And of course I was very happy with the reaction [of the team] in the Villa game. But, I keep saying the same, you shouldn’t be reactive, you should be always at the same level.
"Not in terms of performance level because that depends – your opponent can be better than you and you can have a negative day. But that package that you bring to the game has to be always there – that’s very important. Of course it’s a priority.
“I believe the more players you have with this mentality, the more they can influence the group’s state of mind, the group’s soul. It’s important going forward. Not just for us – I believe every team, every club has to think the same way. This profile of players are very important."
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