Jose Mourinho's warning to Dele Alli that came true

In September 2020 Amazon Prime Video released the All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur documentary, which offered viewers a look behind the curtain at how the North London functions.

During one particular scene, then coach Jose Mourinho sat to speak with Dele Alli, with the boss informing the player that he expected more out of him.

"I've noticed that you have ups and downs," Mourinho stated to Alli.

"There's a big difference from a player who maintains consistency and a player who has moments and that's what makes the difference between a top, top player and a player with great potential.

"Time flies and one day you will regret it, if you don't reach what I think you can reach."

Fast forward two years and Alli has just signed for Turkish club Besiktas after a disappointing spell at Everton, meaning that Mourinho's prophetic warning has come true.

At 26, Alli should be in his prime with many expecting that the player would lead both Tottenham and England. The move to Besiktas on loan could also represent a blow to his hopes of securing a place in England's World Cup squad.

What did Mourinho say to Dele Alli?

"I always have to tell you what I think. Maybe inside you you tell me to f*** off, but I have to tell you exactly what I think," Mourinho said to Alli, who sat facing the coach, looking uninterested.

"From the beginning, I had no doubts about your potential. I've seen you play incredible games and do incredible things, but I've always noticed that you have ups and downs.

"There's a big difference from a player who stays consistent and a player who has moments and that's what makes the difference between a top, top player and a player with great potential.

"It's something that you don't have to share with me, but it's something for you to analyse yourself and realise why your career has been good.... OK, from MK Dons to the national team. Bang! You get to the top and then...

"Why you have those ups and downs in your career, I don't know. I don't know if it's because of your lifestyle, if in one period you're a great professional and in another period you're a party animal? I don't know, I have no idea. Only you know.

"I'm 56 years old now and yesterday - yesterday! yesterday! I was 20. Time flies. And one day you'll regret it, I think, if you don't achieve what you can achieve.

"I don't expect you to be man of the match every game or to score in every game. I just want to tell you that you will regret it.

"You should demand more of yourself, not me demand more of you, not me. Not anyone. You. You have to demand more from yourself."

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