Jose Mourinho: Why I didn’t sell Dele Alli in January

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Dele Alli is an important part of the Tottenham squad, Jose Mourinho has affirmed after the midfielder pushed for a January move to Paris Saint-Germain.

England international Alli has been used sparingly by Mourinho this season, turning out four times in the Premier League. Indeed, he has not started a league game for Spurs since the opening day of the season.

Alli, left unhappy with the situation, had wanted to join former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino at PSG on loan.

No deal was reached, however, and Mourinho has said that he has held constructive talks with the 24-year-old.

“I had a good conversation with him yesterday, we spoke around this question that you asked me and I think we found very common ground,” he said when quizzed about how Alli re-establishes himself in Mourinho’s plans. “It’s an important period of the season for the team and for him also. We need him. We need a good Dele Alli.”

Alli will be in a good state of mind – Mourinho

Alli has been struggling with injury of late and Mourinho is keen to reintegrate him into the squad.

“We are just waiting for him to be back to a good normality,” he said.

“Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Giovanni Lo Celso, we’re talking about players that without all three we miss a little creation, some magic around the attacking areas.

“We had a conversation. Of course a conversation doesn’t put a player in great form but hopefully the motivation he needs to be back for the team.

“We are in the Europa League, the Premier League and the FA Cup although I don’t believe he’ll be back for that.

“I think when he’s physically ready he’ll be in a good frame of mind.”

Tottenham play Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday, with Alli set to miss out because of his recent physical issues.