Harry Kane reveals his ‘surprise’ at hearing of Jose Mourinho’s sacking and only heard about the former Tottenham’s boss exit ‘five to ten minutes before the announcement’… and praises football fans for ‘sticking up against the European Super League’
- Jose Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham at the start of this tumultuous week
- Harry Kane admitted he was surprised to hear about the ex-Spurs boss’ exit
- The Spurs striker revealed he was told just ‘five to ten minutes’ before the world
- Kane also praised Ryan Mason and football fans amid the Super League plans
Harry Kane revealed he was shocked to hear of Jose Mourinho‘s sacking this week and only found out the Tottenham boss was dismissed shortly before the announcement.
The iconic Portuguese boss’ departure from Spurs was announced early on Monday after a run of just one win in six matches in all competitions and just six days before the club play Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Kane confessed that he had a ‘good relationship’ with Mourinho over the 17 months they worked together but claimed the former Spurs boss was a victim of the ‘cut-throat’ industry.
Harry Kane admitted he was ‘surprised’ to hear of Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho’s sacking
The Portuguese coach was dismissed by the club on Monday morning after a poor run of form
Speaking about Mourinho’s departure, Spurs’ star striker told Sky Sports News: ‘I was surprised, I’ll be totally honest. I came in that morning and probably found out five to ten minutes before it was announced.
‘A lot of the focus was on the Carabao Cup final and preparing for that but, look, it’s football. I’ve been here now where a couple of managers have been sacked and, as a player now, I don’t think you ever expect the boss to be sacked but it’s part of the game, you have to deal with it.
‘I had a great relationship with Jose, I wish him all the best for whatever his next job is, but he knows as we know football can be cut-throat and we just have to look forward. We have a big final to prepare for now and we’re looking forward to that.’
Kane admitted to having a good relationship with Mourinho during the 17 month-period
While Tottenham and owner Daniel Levy look for a long-term successor to Mourinho, former Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason has been installed as interim boss for Sunday’s final at Wembley.
Mason, who played alongside Kane in Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs era, won his first match in charge of the north London club on Wednesday night via a comeback victory over Southampton.
Kane was full of praise for the 29-year-old, who became the youngest ever Premier League manager in midweek after his playing career was cut short due to a serious head injury.
The forward added: ‘Ryan’s been great. It’s obviously been strange for him, a bit of a rollercoaster coming in late notice and taking on the job.
Kane’s former Spurs team-mate Ryan Mason has been installed as interim Tottenham boss
‘I thought he’s done incredibly well (with) how he’s handled the whole situation, how he’s handled the boys and obviously getting his first win against Southampton was a massive moment.
‘It’s given everyone a buzz going into the cup final. Me and Ryan are good mates, we’ve known each other a long time, on and off the field we are really close.
‘I’m buzzing for him to have this opportunity and to have the experience to manage one of the best clubs in the world. Hopefully we can try and win on Sunday and experience a truly special moment together.’
Kane is himself facing a race against time to make Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with Man City
Kane, who has 31 goals already this season, will be hoping to return to fitness in time for the Carabao Cup final with City in a quest to win a first club career trophy with Tottenham.
But the pre-match talk about the Wembley showpiece event has been dominated by the launch and cancellation of the European Super League – which both City and Spurs signed up for.
The England captain admitted his pride in seeing football fans come together to put a stop to the controversial plan and also claimed football is ‘good the way it is’.
Kane praised football fans for ‘sticking up for what they believe in about the Super League
Speaking about the Super League, Kane said: ‘I liked the outcome of it. I didn’t quite like the idea of it if I’m honest. I can totally understand the fans’ point of view. From a lot of people’s point of view, it wasn’t quite right.
‘It’s obviously been ended for now. I’m proud of the fans for sticking up for what they believe it. I am glad of what the outcome has become.’
‘For football in general it’s good the way it is. The competitiveness is an important part of football and that’s the reason we play football.’