Jose Mourinho has admitted he was “surprised” by Paulo Gazzaniga’s mistake that led to Chelsea’s penalty against Tottenham on Sunday.
Trailing 1-0 as a result of Willian’s opener, Spurs gave away a penalty in first-half stoppage time, allowing Willian to score his second goal of the half from the spot. Gazzaniga rushed out and collided with Marcos Alonso after going for the ball with a flying foot when he could have simply used his hands.
Heung-Min Son’s red card midway through the second half ended any hopes of a comeback from the hosts, who suffered only their second league defeat since Mourinho took over.
Speaking in his press conference on Monday ahead of Tottenham’s Boxing Day clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, Mourinho revealed he spoke to Gazzaniga about the incident after the game.
“I was surprised,” said the Spurs boss (via Football London). “But that’s football, I think it’s an easy one. It’s an easy one. I spoke with him to try to understand and even himself, he was not in control of his action and he made a mistake. But during matches, players make mistakes, referees make mistakes and coaches make mistakes. No problem.”
Gazzaniga has started every match for Tottenham since Hugo Lloris broke his elbow in a 3-0 defeat at Brighton back in October. The Argentine has made costly errors in defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea.
Lloris is not due back until February, so Spurs fans will hope Gazzaniga can cut out the clangers until then.
this match was a reversion to the form that we hoped we had left behind –in all honesty which player did himself justice –same for the manager –what happened in the full week he had on the training pitch with the players —
bad old habits –take no chances and pass back or sideways –no one bursting at pace to unsettle the away defence and no one able to hold the ball and bring others into play —
what has happened to the pride our men had in the jersey — with this attitude and performance they will not win anything –what has happened to the spirit that saw us to a champions league final —
why play a midfielder that wants away and has not shown us anything this year –rather persist with the young boys for at least they will try —
this is just not us and it is hearbreaking to watch
John I agree 100% with your comments.It was a heartbreaking watching the game. I wonder the motivation anyone earning over £50,000 a week needs to work!! These footballers are over pampered. Where was the Tottenham vrs palace/Burnley.JM by now must know what needs done.Goalkeeper/entire back line/central DM needs sorting.
[…] After that, Mourinho admitted he was surprised by Paulo Gazzaniga’s mistake during the first half – read more about those quotes here. […]