'Something has gone on...' - Graeme Souness 'surprised' by Tottenham decision to sack Jose Mourinho

Graeme Souness has argued that Jose Mourinho’s mounting frustration with his Tottenham Hotspur squad could be at the root of this morning’s announcement that he has been sacked by the club.

The 58-year-old has been ousted with the club seventh in the table and five points off the top four.

Spurs also face a Carabo Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, and were one of six Premier League clubs to confirm their intention to compete in a newly formed European Super League on Sunday.

Speaking about Mourinho’s dismissal on Sky Sports News, Souness said: “I’m surprised.

“The timing is most unusual given that they’ve got a cup final coming up.

"Obviously something has gone on that has brought it to a head. I don’t think that he’s been terribly happy with the way the league form has been going.

"Second guessing, Jose is an experienced manager, a top manager, and I think he’s become so frustrated with some of the players. In that situation, I’ve been there myself, you get so frustrated, you’ve tried everything, and you end up having harsh words and falling out with them.

"If you fall out with one, you end up falling out with four or five, if not more.

"That old chestnut ends up getting back to the decision makers, and then there’s only one outcome.”

RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as the early favourite to replace Mourinho, whose last game in charge was Friday night’s 2-2 draw against Everton.