Jose Mourinho hails Gareth Bale after FA Cup win at Wycombe - in pictures
Welshman nets equaliser to set up 4-1 win against second-tier side
January 26, 2021
Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho lavished praise on Gareth Bale following the Welsh forward's goal in a 4-1 FA Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers.
Bale's brief since rejoining Spurs on loan last year has largely been a watching one from the bench, but he netted a first-half stoppage time equaliser after Fred Onyedinma had given the Championship side a shock lead.
It was the 31-year-old's first start since December 23 and he completed 90 minutes for the first time since returning on loan from Real Madrid.
"He was good. Good movements, one against one, beating people, attacking, creating chances, scoring a goal," Mourinho told reporters.
"I never felt he could not play 90 minutes, I never felt I needed to change him."
Mourinho made 10 changes to the side that beat Sheffield United in their last game but sent for the cavalry as they chased victory in the second half, bringing on Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Tanguy Ndombele.
Harry Winks put Spurs ahead in the 86th minute before Ndombele struck twice to book their spot in the fifth round.
Mourinho said Spurs would not sacrifice the Europa League or cup competitions despite a crowded fixture schedule and were determined to compete in all competitions.
"Even when we had to play four matches in one week and people thought we were going to give away Europa League or Carabao Cup we didn't," Mourinho told the BBC. "Today we brought the whole squad - only Hugo Lloris stayed at home.
"February we have to play three competitions with FA Cup and then Europa League. Of course it will be very hard but we have to try."
Updated: January 26, 2021 08:42 AM
