LigaliveTV: Ligalive at Sunset - Daily Soccerbits 26. April
The French shot-stopper lifted a lit on the working relationship the players have with the Portuguese manager, saying it’s an honor to be able to share the training pitch with such an iconic and influential figure.
Hugo Lloris described working with Jose Mourinho on a daily basis as a “real privilege,” with his vast experience and winning mentality especially welcome at the club.
The Portuguese replaced Mauricio Pocchetino in the Spurs hotseat back in November, with Mourinho previously leading big names such as Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United. Despite his CV, he can also be seen as a bit of an unpopular figure and certainly divides opinion at times.
Nevertheless, Tottenham’s World Cup winning goalkeeper is certainly impressed with what he’s seen so far, telling Eurosport: “Jose has coached so many big names and teams, he’s full of experience, and trophies! I just think we’re very lucky to have him on our side at the moment and we should learn as much as we can.”
Federico Chiesa has been La Viola’s standout player for a couple of seasons now, and he already has six goals and three assists on his tally in 23 league appearances this season. Juventus are reportedly one of his main suitors, though a lot of other clubs have also expressed interest in the young winger.
In an interview with La Gazetta dello Sport, the eccentric Fiore owner added: “At the moment, I enjoy a wonderful relationship with both the player and his father. Federico knows what he’ll find in Florence and what Fiorentina are all about. But if he decides to leave, I’m not going to be the one to stop him, as long as his value is met.”
De Bruyne’s national team coach was full of praise for City’s mercurial playmaker, saying he has seen a talented player mature into a complete player this season.
Roberto Martinez says that Kevin De Bruyne has elevated his game to a new level this season, maturing into an “exceptional player.”
De Bruyne, 28, has been pulling the strings for his City side this season, and he’s already notched up 8 goals while creating 17 more — and he is well on track to challenge Thierry Henry’s record that stands at 20 assists. His importance to the cause cannot be stressed enough, according to Martinez.
“Kevin has come through quite a journey during his career. He faced a tough period at Chelsea, but then he proved himself at Wolfsburg and is now starring for City. He is a real leader and is driving his team forward at the moment.”
“A playmaker like him is really tough to find. He controls the space with ease and executes passes with laser precision. I was particularly impressed with his performance at the Bernabeu. He showed his capabilities, both psychologically and mentally and he fully deserves this success.”
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