Mourinho the right man to get the best out of Bale, says Poyet

Gareth Bale can make a difference in key moments as Jose Mourinho is the right coach to get the best out of him, according to former Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet.  

Spurs moved to bring Bale back to north London on loan from Real Madrid for the 2020-21 campaign back in September.  

The move was welcomed by supporters, who had hopes Bale could replicate the form that made him a fan favourite and twice led to the Wales international being named PFA Players’ Player of the Year.  

However, issues with injury and form have seen Bale start just once in the Premier League so far, while he has managed just one top-flight goal.  

Across all competitions, Bale has 13 appearances, four goals, no assists, has created nine chances (two of which are defined by Opta as ‘big chances’), while having 10 shots on target.  

Prior to the FA Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers on Monday, Mourinho said Bale had to earn his minutes after it was suggested he could benefit from more playing time.  

Bale responded with a goal and an impressive showing in a 4-1 victory in that tie and Poyet – who played for Spurs between 2001 and 2004 – feels Mourinho is the ideal man to help the 31-year-old prosper.

The only Spurs player to score in all four competitions this season…

@GarethBale11#THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/xZrqR3G7E2

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 26, 2021

“I think you as a coach – and especially with the experience of Jose – you really believe in your way of managing,” Poyet told Stats Perform News.  

“And let’s say it wasn’t as easy as probably Jose thought. Because he was up and down.   

“Now, I think he is still playing a part, even if it’s in moments, he is still a player that at any time, any game, he can give you the difference between winning or not winning a game.   

“I think we can see something, especially if he keeps himself fit. That’s the key to the situation. So, you know, it’s not only training well, it’s about being fit enough to perform well.   

“And there is a limit to Gareth at the moment, physically, that if he goes above that level, he can get injured. To control those levels is very, very difficult. But if there is someone who can do it, definitely it’s Mourinho.”