Spurs star reveals how Jose Mourinho attention made him lose focus

James Marshment 12 Nov 2020 11:42 AM

Joe Rodon has explained how he struggled to concentrate on his football once he became aware Jose Mourinho wanted to sign him for Tottenham.

The Wales star moved to north London from Swansea on the EFL deadline day and completed an impressive summer window of additions for Mourinho.

Having signed a five-year deal, Rodon will compete with Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld for a starting spot.

The £11m deal could rise to £15m and Mourinho was quick to explain why he thinks Rodon will prove a shrewd addition.

“We got him because we can see a future for him. Let’s work and let’s see the evolution and step by step he will be there.”

Now Rodon has spoken for the first time about his move into the Premier League. And he has conceded that once he became aware Mourinho wanted him, he found it hard to think of anything else.

“It was the first Monday, the first deadline was when it started to develop. It was basically non-stop. News of my (potential) move was all kicking off,” said Rodon. “But I was delighted to get it over the line. It was quite hard, the Bulgaria game [v Wales] in particular was the hardest to concentrate.”

Rodon, who will wear the No 14 shirt at Spurs, admitted that he found it hard to focus on much else.

“When I knew it was true and it was developing the way it was, it was hard to switch off. But we got the win and everything went well,” he added.

Subscribe to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…

Rodon ‘should have stayed at Swansea’

Mourinho should have sent Rodon back to Swansea on loan to allow him to develop, according to one pundit.

Kevin Phillips reckons the defender could have honed his skills further with Steve Cooper’s side before moving to north London.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said: “For me I think Tottenham have made some good signings.

“I know that area (centre-back) is obviously what has been identified to strengthen. Can he [Rodon] go and make an impact straight away? It’s a big ask.

“Common sense would probably suggest bring the player in and loan him straight back.

“At the start of next season or maybe in January when he’s played a few more games. Then maybe bring him back and have a look at him.

“I think the obvious one is secure the player first and then send him back out on loan and let him develop.

“All of sudden you have a brilliant player on your hands who doubles in money or trebles in money. You then have a player who performs for your team for the next four, five, six, seven years.”

Joe Rodon