Mourinho apologizes after defying lockdown with outdoor workout

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho admitted it was wrong to conduct an outdoor training session on Tuesday while the United Kingdom is on lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"I accept that my actions were not in line with government protocol and we must only have contact with members of our own household," the manager said in a statement on Wednesday, according to the Guardian's David Hytner.

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

The Portuguese manager was pictured in north London wearing a Spurs tracksuit while conducting a training session with club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele.

It's understood Mourinho was eager to work on Ndombele's fitness and attempt to mend their relationship after he publicly criticized the 23-year-old - who arrived from Lyon last summer for £55.45 million - following a draw against Burnley last month, according to ESPN FC's Julien Laurens.

Tottenhmam players Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were also pictured nearby running together and breaching the two-meter physical-distancing requirement, Hytner adds.

The incident resulted in Tottenham reminding Mourinho and the players of their responsibilities during the coronavirus pandemic.