Thomas Frank's Tottenham Hotspur are set to dust themselves off after a string of disappointing results as they prepare to take on Leeds United in Saturday's early kick-off. New signing Xavi Simons has come under fire for his recent performances.
Joao Palhinha was the saviour for Spurs during their last Premier League outing, securing a point with a well-placed strike in added time against Wolves, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The spoils were split once more on Tuesday when Frank's side journeyed to Norway for a Champions League clash. Bodo/Glimt took an impressive 2-0 lead, but a goal from Micky van de Ven and an own goal from the opposition's goalkeeper managed to claw back a point. Daniel Farke's Leeds are up next. Express Football brings you all the latest news regarding the white half of north London, including new recruit Simons facing criticism, a former Chelsea star's revealing confession, and the reason behind Ryan Mason's departure from Spurs.
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Ex-Chelsea player Oscar reveals why he turned down Spurs
Brazilian ace Oscar made his Premier League debut 13 years ago when he joined Chelsea in a £25million deal from Internacional. He clocked up 200 appearances for the club under various managers, proving himself a valuable midfield asset and helping the team secure two league titles and the Europa League.
In 2016, he surprised many by accepting a move to the Chinese Super League. Oscar inked a lucrative four-year contract with Shanghai Port after transferring for an estimated £60m.
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Speaking on his The Obi One Podcast with former team-mate John Obi Mikel, Oscar revealed that before his move to west London he was courted by Spurs. The 34-year-old, who currently plays for São Paulo in Brazil, confessed that Chelsea were the superior choice.
"I had Tottenham as well, because André Villas-Boas was there," he disclosed. "Villas-Boas was the first one to call me. I played under Villas-Boas in China, and he always said, 'I talked to you, why didn't you come?' But, you know, Chelsea... I cannot compare. Chelsea is better, so I chose Chelsea. And it was the right choice."
Doubts over Xavi Simons raised
This summer, Dutch international Simons made a move opposite to Oscar's when he landed in north London despite being heavily linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge. He cost Spurs £51m and while he is still acclimatising to English football, some have been quick to question his capabilities.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor expressed his doubts on talkSPORT following Tottenham's 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt. "Simons, I'm not sure about," Agbonlahor declared. "It's early on, we don't want to judge players after five, six games, but I'm really not sure about him.
"You know, sometimes you see a player and you're like, 'Oh okay, I like him, yeah, yeah, I like what he's about.' But I watch Simons and I'm like, 'Oh, he's on the floor.' He doesn't seem rapidly quick when I watch him as well."
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Ryan Mason sheds light on Tottenham exit
Mason, a boyhood Tottenham fan who had been with the club since he was eight years old, bid farewell this summer to take up the managerial role at West Bromwich Albion. The 34-year-old, who was forced into early retirement in 2018 due to a severe head injury, played for Spurs from 2008 to 2016 and twice served as interim head coach, whilst also assisting several managers.
Following their Europa League triumph in Bilbao, Mason has now opened up about his decision to leave the club. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "In the last 12 months I had the desire [to go out on my own] and it felt like the time was right," adding that he had consulted Ange Postecoglou, who advised him to trust his instincts.
"I spoke to some clubs in the last 12 months, but nothing felt right. The way the season ended in Bilbao with Spurs was amazing. When I understood [West Brom] Albion were interested, it felt right. It's a massive club with great history and impressive people. I felt a real alignment and connection straight away."