The Spurs manager felt compelled to apologise after he was spotted conducting a training session in a park with Tanguy Ndombele, Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon, while supposed to be on lockdown

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has issued a public apology after he was seen flouting the coronavirus lockdown by working on tactics with three of his players in a public park.

The Portuguese manager admitted his actions ‘were not in line with government protocol’ after being spotted holding a training session on Hadley Common in North London.

Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were spotted jogging in a pair, while Mourinho worked with £60m signing Tanguy Ndombele nearby.

Mourinho said: “I accept that my actions were not in line with government protocol and we must only have contact with members of our own household.

“It is vital we all play our part and follow government advice in order to support our heroes in the NHS and save lives.”

Spurs have been criticised after furloughing staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but have been doing work in the community during the national lockdown.

A Tottenham spokesperson said: “All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors.”

Spurs boss Mourinho said he regretting his actions

Spurs midfielder Ndombele has faced criticism for a lack of effort from pundits such as Jamie Carragher since his arrival to the Premier League from Lyon.

Mourinho subbed the France international at half-time against Burnley after a poor showing, and he was extremely critical of the 23-year-old subsequently.

And former Liverpool defender Carragher hammered the star, labelling his lack of effort ‘a disgrace’.

The criticism from Jose Mourinho was justified,” he said. “It is a debate whether you do it publicly or in private.

“His performance was nothing short of a disgrace in terms of his effort off the ball. On the ball, he was very good, but off the ball, you can’t believe what you’re seeing.

“If you look at his stats on the ball in the first half, he was one of the best Tottenham players. When you watch him in the game, he very rarely loses the ball.

“But he didn’t have a single sprint in 45 minutes and his top speed is 10th.

“Jose Mourinho spoke about not getting passes from the centre-backs, him not showing for the ball. He received two passes from the back.”