Son Heung-min Reveals Heartfelt Disappointment After Jose Mourinho’s Public Dressing Down
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has opened up about a deeply upsetting incident involving former manager Jose Mourinho, shedding light on the emotional toll it took on him. The South Korean forward, who has been a crucial player for Tottenham since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, was left visibly shaken after Mourinho’s public reprimand.
Son, who has scored 162 goals and provided 84 assists in 408 appearances for Tottenham, was appointed captain last summer following the departure of veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to Los Angeles FC. His journey at Spurs has seen him play under several managers, including the highly successful but often controversial José Mourinho.
In a recent interview with EAFC, Son revisited a particularly painful moment from his time under Mourinho, who managed Tottenham from November 2019 to April 2021. The incident in question occurred during a halftime break, when Mourinho chose to publicly criticize Son in front of the entire squad. Reflecting on the event, Son described his feelings of humiliation and disappointment.
“During halftime, he embarrassed me in front of everyone and said: ‘You don’t wanna be in a game with teams like Burnley and Stoke,’” Son recalled. “I was so upset. After the game, Mourinho apologized. He said he wanted to ensure other players weren’t lazy by yelling at me as Spurs’ best player.”
Mourinho is known for his management style, which often involves challenging players publicly or privately to elicit a reaction. His approach was notably effective during his successful stints at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. However, his time at Tottenham was marked by increasing tension and difficulties, both within the squad and with fans.
The sport of football has evolved significantly over the past decade, and Mourinho’s methods have faced criticism for being outdated. The contrasting styles of Mauricio Pochettino, who was sacked to make way for Mourinho, and the Portuguese manager’s leadership created a challenging environment for Spurs players. The team struggled to adapt to Mourinho’s intense and confrontational style, which seemed ill-suited to the squad’s dynamics.
Under Mourinho, Tottenham’s atmosphere became increasingly toxic, culminating in his dismissal just days before the 2021 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, a match Spurs ultimately lost. Mourinho’s tenure was marked by significant fan discontent, and his departure was met with relief by many supporters who felt his methods were no longer effective.
Son Heung-min, despite the challenges and occasional conflicts, remained a loyal and dedicated player for Tottenham. His adaptability and skill have been assets to the team, and his style of play aligns well with current manager Ange Postecoglou’s “Ange Ball,” which emphasizes fluid attacking play and positional flexibility.
Under Postecoglou, Son is given the freedom to influence games from various positions, contributing to both the creation and finishing of chances. This new approach contrasts sharply with the more rigid and confrontational methods employed by Mourinho, highlighting the changes in management philosophy at Tottenham.
The South Korean forward has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the club, even through periods of difficulty and change. With his impressive performances and leadership qualities, Son is now at a pivotal point in his Tottenham career, with many fans hoping he will be able to lead the team to success and end their long trophy drought.
As Tottenham prepares for the new season, the focus is on building a positive and cohesive team environment, with Son playing a central role in that process. The recent appointment of Postecoglou as manager represents a new chapter for Spurs, one that many hope will be marked by both improved performances and the much-desired silverware.
Son’s resilience and dedication to Tottenham reflect his unwavering commitment to the club, despite the setbacks he faced during Mourinho’s tenure. As he continues to lead and inspire both on and off the pitch, Spurs supporters will be hoping that this new era under Postecoglou brings the success that has eluded them for so long.
