Why Jose Mourinho left Christian Eriksen out of West Ham v Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur manage Jose Mourinho has explained uncertainty surrounding Christian Eriksen’s future was the reason behind him not starting against West Ham.

The 56-year-old Portuguese coach was appointed as Spurs’ new manager earlier in the week after they parted company with Mauricio Pochettino.

Eriksen snubbed? Five key things to know…

• Christian Eriksen had started in seven of Spurs’ opening 12 league matches this season.
• He was an unused substitute against Sheffield United before the international break.
• Jose Mourinho named him on the bench for his first match in charge at West Ham, bringing him on late on.
• The former Man Utd boss admitted uncertainty over his future was the reason behind the decision.
• Eriksen’s current deal at Spurs expires in June 2020.

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Mourinho, in the build up to his side’s 3-2 win at the London Stadium, admitted he wouldn’t stand in Eriksen’s way if he wanted to leave the Lilywhites.

The former Ajax playmaker is in the final year of his Spurs’ contract and could speak to a future employer in January ahead of a free agent move next summer.

His future in north London has dominated much of the headlines concerning Tottenham this season and it’s something Mourinho wants to nip in the bud as he looks to turn their fortunes around.

Lucas Moura, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min were named in a 4-2-3-1 formation to support lone striker Harry Kane with Eriksen sitting alongside Mourinho on the bench a decision he felt pivotal when looking ahead.

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“The match today is very important, but our future is also very important and I need to understand really what is in Christian’s mind or heart,” he told BT Sport.

“We have to make the right decision for the club. But on top of that I believe that Lucas (Moura) and Sonny (Son Heung-min) and Harry Kane – they are players with a good understanding.

“We’re going to try and find, in the little time we’ve had to work, some positions and some dynamic where they can hurt the opposition and let’s see if we can do it.

“I like the ideas, but I like to work the ideas and this today is more about ideas than to work them, so let’s see if we can find happiness.”