Steven Bergwijn has revealed that Jose Mourinho told him to play through the pain barrier on his sensational debut for Tottenham Hotspur, per the club’s official website.
What’s he said?
The Netherlands international scored a brilliant volley as Spurs won 2-0 against Pep Guardiola’s side.
And Spurs’ latest star has revealed that Mourinho motivated him during the game by telling him that he had to run himself into the ground.
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He said: “It was very hard, especially the first half, very difficult.
“After that, I thought we played well. I had to work hard but he told me ‘when you’re dead, you’re dead’, so I gave everything.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling, fantastic. I hope it’s the first of many.”
Took it to heart
Bergwijn worked his socks off throughout the encounter.
Per WhoScored, the 22-year-old scored with his only shot on goal, while also completing one dribble, won one aerial duel and also won one tackle, while making an interception too.
The former PSV Eindhoven man lasted the entire 90 minutes and even underwent treatment for a potential hamstring injury, though it appeared that he had cramped up, such was his exertion.
Mourinho clearly intends to wring every bead of sweat out of him.
On Sunday’s evidence, that may not be the worst thing.
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