Toby Alderweireld has defended Jose Mourinho’s man-management approach and said players would only be sidelined if they are being “annoying”.
The Tottenham boss has developed a hard-nosed reputation for dealing with players who fall out of favour, but Alderweireld believes that while Mourinho can be tough, he is also fair.
And the Belgian international defender insisted that if the players continue to show their commitment to the cause, their loyalty will be rewarded.
Mourinho is set to complete his first year as head coach at Tottenham who sit second in the Premier League after a good start to the season, including a superb 6-1 win at Manchester United.
“Everyone has a certain idea about him and that he can be really tough”, Alderweireld told Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws.
“But if you work for him and run through fire, then he is really on your side.
“But if you are going to be annoying because you are not playing, he will push you aside.”
Dele Alli’s future at Tottenham has been questioned after falling out of favour with Mourinho this season.
The England international forward has been limited to just two appearances in the Premier League this season, playing just 66 minutes.
