This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
November 30, 2019
Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has given a candid assessment of midfielder Victor Wanyama, describing him as a 'very good player' despite his limited playing time this season.
Wanyama, 28, has made just three appearances for the London club this season, and his future at the club has been the subject of speculation.
Mourinho told Football.London that Wanyama is fit and has no physical problems, but lacks match fitness.
“I know how good Victor is, I know he is not playing lately. Of course, when you don’t play regularly, you lose a little bit of that match condition. He is fit, he is fine and has no physical problems at all. But one thing is to be fit and another is to be match fitness, match intensity, and match pace,” Mourinho said.
Wanyama's career has been marred by nagging injuries, which have kept him out of action in crucial parts of the season. Mourinho feels he should play regularly to regain his match fitness.
“He needs to play and at this moment, in this phase – me just arriving and trying to organise a team and trying to get good results after the run – it is difficult to bring him to the team. The ideal situation was for him to play and then when he plays he will be back to what Victor is and Victor is a very good player,” Mourinho said.
With Wanyama's future at Tottenham uncertain, Celtic manager Neil Lennon has expressed interest in signing the Kenyan midfielder.
