Jose Mourinho admits he made wrong decisions with Gareth Bale and Dele Alli this season, as he aims to revisit his plans for the duo.
Mourinho, who is eager to have as many good quality players at his disposal as possible, has often overlooked the pair, causing the Wales and England internationals to continue their search for form, fitness and favour.
Bale and Alli’s continuous absence has led to questions over their respective futures, but the Spurs boss has suggested that he will be wiping the slate clean.
“Good players when they are fit and when they are ready and when they can [play] are always welcome, always welcome,” Mourinho told reporters after the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
“We coaches sometimes we can make wrong decisions, we all do, but not one of us is crazy.
“Not one of us says I don’t want this player to help me and the team when the player has the potential and the conditions he needs to do it.
“We miss Gio [Lo Celso] for a long, long time. We miss [Sergio] Reguilon for a few weeks. If we can have them back, if we can have Dele and Gareth fit and ready to play, it’s a big improvement in our squad.”
Bale was returned to Spurs during the summer of 2020, with the north London club putting a season-long loan agreement in place with Real Madrid.
Niggling knocks have followed him from Spain back to Tottenham, with just 16 appearances and 248 minutes of Premier League football so far.
Alli has fared little better, with the 24-year-old midfielder playing 14 games and 101 minutes of top-flight action.
Both men came off the bench for Spurs against City as they seek to convince Mourinho of their worth, and could get more game time in the Europa League last-32 clash with Wolfsberger on Thursday.
Mourinho has said of Bale’s potential involvement in that fixture: “I think [Bale] was ok. Of course one training session with the team, no more. Of course not ready for much more than this. Positive feelings.
“He had a good action, could score a goal. No problems after the match. Let’s see if he can play Thursday or if not Thursday then next weekend.
“Players of good quality when they are fit can add something to the team, so if he’s fit and if he’s available, welcome.”
