Jose Mourinho sends sarcastic message about ‘total safety’ of international football

The Spurs boss has likely lost at least one of his players for the weekend game

Jose Mourinho is unhappy with international football (AFP via Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has aimed a not-particularly-subtle swipe at the fact international football is being played in the middle of a global pandemic.

The Spurs boss has been one of several voices calling for more subs to protect players in a season where fixtures are crowded together, while even the international break has had another game pushed into its midst compared to other years.

Mourinho has watched on as a farcical and growing list of players have returned positive coronavirus tests either during matches or immediately afterward, including Croatia’s Domagoj Vida and Ireland’s Matt Doherty - the right-back for Spurs.

Seemingly noting the lack of urgency in the initial friendlies too, Mourinho posted a sarcastic message on Instagram.

“Amazing week of football,” Mourinho posted.

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“Great emotions in the national team matches, superb friendlies and total safety. Covid test results after matches been played, randomers running on the pitch while team sessions are taking place and much more."

Tottenham face Manchester City at the weekend in the Premier League and while they could be without Doherty, City themselves could have Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling back for the crucial clash.

The build-up for both teams will be limited by the fact most of their squads are away on international duty, with Mourinho adding that “after another training session with only six players, it is now time to take care of myself,” alongside a photo of him in the gym.

Spurs are second in the table after eight matches, one point off leaders Leicester, while City are 10th after three wins from seven.

Steven Bergwijn, Tanguy Ndombele, Erik Lamela and Japhet Tanganga are all likely to miss the game through injury for Mourinho’s team.