Mourinho dismisses talk of Tottenham as title contenders

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho. (Reuters)
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Updated 28 October 2020
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Mourinho dismisses talk of Tottenham as title contenders

  • Spurs have not won a trophy since the 2008 League Cup, and their last league title came in 1961

LONDON: Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho will not countenance them ever “being considered title contenders” despite being two points off Premier League leaders Everton after Monday’s win at Burnley.

Spurs fans could be forgiven for thinking otherwise after the scratchy 1-0 victory at Turf Moor propelled them up to fifth in the table.

They are also the top scorers in the league with 16 goals from six games.

Although considered a member of the “big six” Spurs have not won a trophy since the 2008 League Cup, and their last league title came in 1961.

Mourinho’s predecessor Mauricio Pochettino gave them hope with his development of young players and took them to the Champions League final as well as finishing in the top three on three occasions.

Pochettino’s failure to deliver silverware perhaps lends itself to experienced campaigner Mourinho’s caution.

“I will never consider ourselves title contenders,” Mourinho said.

Harry Kane agreed in as much as it is too early to talk about a title challenge in a season that has offered up several surprising results.

Spurs have provided a couple of them hammering Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford and then letting slip a 3-0 lead over West Ham to be held 3-3.

However, the 27-year-old England striker is optimistic about the future with the present squad.

“We know with the team we have got and the players we have got we can do something special,” he told the BBC.

“It’s still early on (to talk about a title challenge).

“We need to take each game as it comes.

“I know it’s a cliche but we still have a lot to learn and build on but I think nights like this will give us a lot of confidence.

“These are the games you need three points if you are going to be up there at the end of the season.”

Key to Spurs’ vibrancy has been Kane’s understanding with South Korea’s Son Heung-min, the former setting the latter up for their winner.

Kane has already broken his personal record for assists in a Premier League season with eight to set up Son’s eighth goal of the campaign. Kane and Son have now combined for 29 Premier League goals — only Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard managed more, with 36.

Kane puts down his increased creativity to Mourinho.

“When the gaffer came in he said when I drop deep the wingers have to run in behind,” said Kane.

“It’s something I have been doing for a while but I think we are seeing the final product now.”

Mourinho generously shared the credit for Kane and Son’s partnership with Pochettino but added it also stems from the selflessness of Kane — who also cleared a ball off the Spurs line.

“In the last minute he was pressing and sliding tackles, trying to stop attacks,” said Mourinho.

“When you want to win, you do everything for the team.

“There is no space for individuals or no space for prima donnas, Harry has this spirit and he is fantastic.

“He has done amazing with every coach here.

“The way the team plays, he is very comfortable because he is good in the box and also magnificent outside the box.”


Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup

Updated 22 January 2026
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Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup

  • Talor Gooch-led team returns with lineup built for depth and competitiveness as LIV Golf kicks off new season in Riyadh

NEW YORK: Smash GC of the LIV Golf League today announced its official roster for the 2026 season with the addition of Harold Varner III. Varner joins newly minted captain Talor Gooch and returning veterans Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell.

The team blends winning pedigree, global experience and a competitive edge, reinforcing the team’s identity as one of LIV Golf’s most battle-tested lineups.

Varner, who made his LIV Golf debut in 2022, brings a mix of global experience and personal drive. He earned his first LIV Golf individual win in 2023 at LIV Golf DC after sinking a hole-out from the bunker for a birdie mid-round to claim a one-stroke victory. He joins Smash GC after a steady performance in 2025 with 4Aces GC, when he finished in the top 10 four times.

“Smash GC is a team that competes with confidence and edge,” Varner said. “I’m excited to join a group that believes in what it’s building and is focused on winning. I’m ready to get to work and contribute meaningfully in 2026.”

Gooch will lead Smash GC in 2026 after being officially named captain last December. One of LIV Golf’s most accomplished and consistent performers, he brings a performance-driven mindset and a deep understanding of team competition. He reunites with Varner after the two played together with RangeGoats GC during 2023, which was both Gooch’s and Varner’s most successful LIV Golf season.

In addition to Varner’s DC win, Gooch won three tournaments and the season-long individual championship. Rounding out the 2026 roster are Kokrak, who has delivered key individual and team performances throughout his LIV Golf tenure, and McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion and longtime Ryder Cup standout who brought steady play to the 2025 season combined with his experience, leadership and competitive instincts.

“Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026,” Gooch said. “He’s proven he can compete at the highest level and, as captain, I’m excited about how he strengthens our lineup and pushes our standards forward. We’re building a team that expects to contend every week, and Harold is a big part of that.”

Smash GC enters the new season following a 2025 campaign defined by resilience and competitiveness. With strong team performances and consistent individual contributions, the club laid a foundation it now aims to build upon under refreshed leadership and a reinforced roster.