Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has denied the players were glad to see the back of Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese boss was suddenly sacked on Monday – just six days before this afternoon’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City – leaving many questioning if a divided dressing room was to blame.
The Spurs central defender, 32, said: “It was a strange week. For us, it was the same surprise as for everyone else.
“Of course, there was a little disappointment after the Everton game but, for sure, everyone was fighting and doing the best they could to change things around with Mourinho.
“No one was happy, not at all. We have to respect his career, we have to respect how good he is. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the results together we wanted.”
Due to the unexpectedly swift axe, there was no chance to say a proper goodbye.
“We didn’t have a moment to chat, or even (say) a thank you,” explained Alderweireld, “Maybe the results didn’t go right but 100 per cent he made everyone better.”