LONDON (UK) – Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho praised to the skies Gareth Bale after the winger scored in Monday’s 4-1 victory at Wycombe Wanderers in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Welshman started for the first time since Dec. 23 and scored the equaliser in first-half stoppage time after Fred Onyedinma had given the Championship (second-tier) side a shock lead.
The 31-year-old has struggled to regain form and fitness. But he appears sharp in completing his first 90 minutes after returning on loan from Real Madrid.
“He was good. Good movements, one against one, beating people, attacking, creating chances, scoring a goal,” Mourinho told media persons.
“I never felt he could not play 90 minutes, I never felt I needed to change him.”
He made 10 changes to the side that defeated Sheffield United in their last game. He brought on first-team regulars Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Tanguy Ndombele as they pursued victory in the second half.
In the 86th minute, Harry Winks put Spurs ahead before Ndombele struck twice to earn their place in the fifth round.
In spite of a crowded fixture schedule, Mourinho said Spurs would not sacrifice the Europa League or cup competitions, adding that they are determined to play 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 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.”