In a candid interview with EAFC, Tottenham captain Son Heung-min revealed a shocking incident where former manager Jose Mourinho publicly embarrassed him in front of his teammates.
The South Korean superstar, who has netted 162 goals in 408 appearances for Spurs since 2015, recounted the incident, saying: “One time Mourinho told me off during the game… I was so upset about it, I’m not even an 18-19-year-old to be treated like that.”
Mourinho’s harsh words, “I don’t think you want to be in a game with a team like Burnley or Stoke (rough game),” left Son feeling humiliated. However, the Portuguese tactician later clarified his intentions in a text message, saying: “I know you understand that it wasn’t my intention to target and hurt you… I need to make sure that other players are not being lazy, and I need to show them by telling off the best player in the team, and for me, that player is you.”
Son admitted that Mourinho’s explanation helped ease his hurt feelings, saying: “And after reading that text, I feel good.” The incident highlights the complex dynamics between players and managers, even at the highest level of professional football.
