Jose Mourinho: Tottenham manager reveals he told players ‘he came for them’ in first press conference

The Portuguese also claimed that Spurs were capable of winning the Premier League next season

Jose Mourinho revealed he told Tottenham Hotspur‘s players that “he came because of them” in his first press conference as manager.

Before being sacked by Manchester United 11 months ago, the Portuguese had urged the club to make approaches for a number of Spurs players.

Mourinho met the squad for the first time yesterday morning – after his three-and-a-half-year contract was signed less than 12 hours after Mauricio Pochettino’s dismissal – and took his first training session with the team in the afternoon.

Asked what he had said to the players, Mourinho said: “I told the players I came here because of them.

“I tried to buy some for different clubs and some I didn’t even try because you know how difficult it was.”

Tottenham are currently languishing in 14th in the Premier League and while admitting their potential was limited this season, Mourinho was bullish that the side would be ready to challenge for the title next year.

“We can’t win the Premier League this season,” he said. “Next season, I’m not saying we will win it, but we can win it.”

The 56-year-old also insisted that he’s “always been humble” but vowed “not to make the same mistakes” at Tottenham.

Asked if he was a better manager after 11 months away from the game, Mourinho said: “I think so. You are what you are but I had time to think about many things.​

“I realised that during my career, I made mistakes and I’m not going to make the same mistakes. I’m going to make new mistakes.

“I am humble. I am humble enough to try to analyse my career. Not just the last year but the problems and the solutions. The principle of my analysis was not to blame anyone else.”