José Mourinho has been officially appointed new coach of Tottenham Hotspur on a 3.5-year contract, after almost a year out of the game.
The Portuguese replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who left the London club on Tuesday evening. The job is Mourinho’s third in the English Premier League, having previously had two stints at Chelsea and a 2.5-year spell at Manchester United. His contract runs until the end of the 2022-23 season.
Announcing the deal, Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy said: “In José we have one of the most successful managers in football. He has a wealth of experience, can inspire teams and is a great tactician. He has won honours at every club he has coached. We believe he will bring energy and belief to the dressing room.”
Mourinho returns to football after eleven months out of the game, having been sacked by United last December. Tottenham, who finished 4th last season as well as reaching the Champions League final, are currently in a lowly 14th position in the table after a disappointing start to the campaign.
“I am excited to be joining a Club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters,” Mourinho told the Spurs website. “The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me.”
Mourinho’s first match in charge is a London derby against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A win on his debut could see the Portuguese lift his new club into the top half of the table, ahead of a Champions League meeting with Olympiakos at home three days later.
By Sean Gillen