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Mourinho has brought a winner’s mentality to Spurs, says Lloris

Hugo Lloris, Jose Mourinho
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Hugo Lloris hailed the impact Jose Mourinho has made since becoming Tottenham manager, noting the winning mentality he has brought with him.

Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino last November with Tottenham down in 14th-place in the Premier League table, having won just three of their opening 12 games of the season.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea boss, who signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, enjoyed a decent start in securing Spurs a sixth-place finish and Europa League football for next season.

The aim for the 2020/21 campaign will be to return to the top-four and secure Champions League once again, with Lloris confident the squad have adapted to Mourinho’s methods.

“As I said at the end of last season, that period helped the players who didn’t know the demands of the manager,” the goalkeeper told the club’s website.

“Now we all understand those demands. Before, we didn’t really have time. There was a transition with the way we used to play before and what the new football the manager is demanding.

“Now it is all clear, and he adds his winning mentality to this team and the leaders also have to step up. It’s about winning now…”

Getting off to a winning start at home to Everton on September 12 will be important if Mourinho’s side are to challenge the top-four and leave the disappointment of last season in the past.

“It’s the chance to put last season behind us, to start a new season with fresh minds, fresh bodies,” continued Lloris.

“Of course, it’s a short time in pre-season, but we need to adapt. It’s the same scenario for all the teams involved in the Premier League.

“We have to make sure we start well. In the last few seasons, we’ve lost some points in the first few games, and they all count at the end.

“It’s good to be at home, but Everton are difficult opponents, very competitive. They have everything, the players, the quality in the squad and a fantastic manager, one of the best in history. It will be an interesting start, and we will be ready.”

Although Jermaine Jenas feels Mourinho will need at least two or three more signings to restore Spurs’ top-four status.

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