TOTTENHAM BOSS JOSE Mourinho says he is “not an idiot” and can see Christian Eriksen is a long way from his best, while adding he is “waiting for news” on the signing of Gedson Fernandes.
Eriksen has been heavily linked with a move to Inter as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season and has only registered two goals and the same number of assists in 18 Premier League outings this season.
The Denmark international was criticised for his performance in the 1-0 home Premier League defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, with Mourinho asked if he had seen a lack of effort from the 27-year-old.
“If you ask me if this is the best Christian Eriksen, I have to be honest and say no,” Mourinho said ahead of Tuesday’s FA Cup third-round replay against Middlesbrough, where he is likely to start Eriksen.
“If you ask me if I know the reasons, I’m not an idiot, I’ve been in football for many years. I know clearly that a player who is in this situation is not a player that even if he wants [to perform], it’s normal that a player doesn’t perform at the highest level.
“I’m not blaming or criticising the player. I can also say that he is helping us in matches that he is playing with us.
“He has had positive performances and contributions for example the game against Olympiacos, which was a fundamental match for us to qualify, same against Norwich, he had a very good performance.
“We have very, very important injuries and every player we have has to be ready to help the team. We are not in a position to think anything different than that.”