Lucas Moura hails Tottenham spell as he names José Mourinho the best manager of his career

Lucas Moura has spoken glowingly about his time at Tottenham Hotspur, describing José Mourinho as the best manager he has ever worked with and reaffirming the lasting impact Spurs have had on his career.

The Brazilian winger remains deeply connected to his spell in north London, even as Tottenham navigate a turbulent period under Thomas Frank.

Lucas Moura enjoyed some of the most iconic moments of his career at Tottenham Hotspur, most memorably scoring a dramatic hat-trick against Ajax in the 2019 Champions League semi-final.

That performance helped Spurs reach their first-ever Champions League final, a night that remains etched in both club and player folklore.

Moura spent five years at Tottenham between 2018 and 2023 before returning to Brazil with São Paulo, but says the club left a lasting mark on him.

“I’m leaving with my head held high and with the feeling of a job well done,” Moura said at the time of his departure.

“My only regret is not winning a title.”

Now 33, Moura has been speaking to Portuguese outlet A Bola, where his Tottenham experience naturally fed into discussion around José Mourinho, who is currently managing Benfica.

Mourinho coached Moura during his time at Spurs and clearly left a profound impression.

“Talking about Mourinho is very easy,” Moura said.

“He was the best coach I’ve ever had, not only on the field, but also in the day-to-day, in the coach-player relationship.”

Moura highlighted Mourinho’s honesty and clarity as defining traits — qualities he believes separate him from other elite managers.

“When he has to praise, he praises. When he has to criticise, he criticises. I admire that honesty,” he explained.

“He’s very approachable. We share the same principles and values, and that’s why we got along so well.”

The Brazilian described Mourinho as more than just a coach, stressing the openness he encouraged within the squad.

“He gave us the freedom to talk about everything — even off-field things,” Moura said.

“He became a friend. I learned a lot from him.”

With Benfica currently chasing FC Porto and Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga title race, Mourinho has faced scrutiny — but Moura is convinced the right man is already in place.

“I believe he can be very successful at Benfica,” Moura added.

“He loves football and is very dedicated to the team and the work. It’s no coincidence he has achieved so much success in his career.”

While Spurs now find themselves under pressure once again, Moura’s comments are a reminder of a period when Tottenham regularly produced unforgettable European nights.

The affection remains mutual — and the bond between former Spurs players and their managers continues to resonate long after the final whistle.

As Tottenham search for stability under Thomas Frank, Moura’s reflections offer perspective on the importance of trust, transparency and leadership — qualities Spurs will hope to rediscover in the years ahead.

Do moments like Lucas Moura’s Champions League heroics still define Tottenham — or is the club ready for a new era?