Harry Kane reveals his frustration over Tottenham’s decision to sack José Mourinho
Harry Kane has opened up about Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to dismiss José Mourinho in 2021, admitting that the manager’s departure was difficult for him to accept.
The England striker came through Tottenham’s academy and spent almost 20 years with the north London club before leaving for Bayern Munich in 2023. During his Spurs career, Kane established himself as one of the club’s greatest-ever goalscorers, registering 280 goals and 63 assists in 435 appearances.
Mourinho was appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor in November 2019, but his time in charge lasted only until April 2021. Tottenham decided to part ways with the Portuguese coach just days before the club were due to face Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.
Speaking to Marca about his relationship with Mourinho, Kane admitted that the decision to sack the manager was particularly disappointing.
“Yes, I adore José. We had a really good relationship at Tottenham. It didn’t end the way we wanted, and José not getting the chance to manage that final was tough. It was difficult for me too,” Kane said.
The Bayern striker also credited Mourinho with helping him produce some of his best football at Tottenham.
“I had a very good relationship with him. I played some of my best games for Tottenham during his time there. I won the Golden Boot and the top assists award in the same year.
“He gave me a lot of freedom to be myself, to play freely, and to drop deep to receive the ball.”
Kane also praised Mourinho’s tactical knowledge and his ability to understand different aspects of football.
“As a person, he’s someone who understands every detail of the game, whether it’s with the ball, without the ball, tactically, with the referee… whatever it is, he understands every situation. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Although the pair have not spent much time together since Mourinho left Tottenham, Kane hopes they could cross paths again in the Champions League.
“It’s true we haven’t seen much of each other since he left Tottenham, but perhaps we’ll face each other in the Champions League this year, and it will be great to see him again.”
Kane’s comments underline the strong relationship he developed with Mourinho during their time together in north London. The striker enjoyed a particularly productive spell under the Portuguese manager and believes Mourinho gave him the freedom to express himself on the pitch.
Kane’s career after Tottenham
Kane departed Tottenham in 2023 without having won a major trophy with the club. He came close on two occasions, however, with Spurs losing the 2019 Champions League final to Liverpool and the 2021 EFL Cup final to Manchester City.
Since joining Bayern Munich, Kane has continued to produce outstanding numbers, scoring 150 goals and providing 34 assists in 154 appearances. He has also added silverware to his collection, winning the league and DFB-Supercup twice, as well as the DFB-Pokal last season.
Tottenham’s fortunes after Kane’s departure have been mixed. The club finished fifth in his first season away, before recording consecutive 17th-place finishes. Spurs did, however, end their long wait for European silverware by winning the Europa League in May 2025.
