Football.London

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has revealed that Jose Mourinho embarrassed him during a half-time team talk while he was manager in North London.

Mourinho was a polarising character at Spurs during his 17-month tenure at the club. Many felt the legendary Portuguese manager started off on the wrong foot, having previously been critical of Tottenham during his two stints at Chelsea.

Other critics did not believe that Mourinho's tactics suited the vision of the club, and it was clear that fans were more than happy to see the back of him when he left in April 2021. Despite the clear polarising views supporters held of Mourinho, he always seemed to have a strong relationship with Son.

As recently as May this year, Mourinho spoke fondly of Son and singled him out as a world-class talent. "I don’t look at Son as a Korean player. I look at Son as one of the best players in the world," he told EA Sports FC.

"Maybe Tottenham supporters aren’t going to be happy with what I’m going to say, it’s not disrespectful. He could win titles, he could play for the best teams.

"He could be playing in England for Man City, for Liverpool, for Chelsea. It could be abroad playing for one of the top teams.

"He has that modern mobility of the attacking players. He can play through the middle, from the sides, wide to coming inside."

However, in a recent interview shared on Reddit in South Korea, Son admitted that Mourinho embarrassed him to spark a reaction from his teammates. Explaining what happened, the 32-year-old said: "During half time, he embarrassed me in front of everyone and said: 'You don't wanna be in a game with teams like Burnley and Stoke.'

"I was so upset. After the game, Mourinho apologized.

"He said he wanted to ensure other players weren't lazy by yelling to me as Spurs' best player." After leaving Tottenham, Mourinho won the UEFA Conference League at AS Roma and has now joined Fenerbahce.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has revealed that Jose Mourinho embarrassed him during a half-time team talk while he was manager in North London.

Mourinho was a polarising character at Spurs during his 17-month tenure at the club. Many felt the legendary Portuguese manager started off on the wrong foot, having previously been critical of Tottenham during his two stints at Chelsea.

Other critics did not believe that Mourinho's tactics suited the vision of the club, and it was clear that fans were more than happy to see the back of him when he left in April 2021. Despite the clear polarising views supporters held of Mourinho, he always seemed to have a strong relationship with Son.

As recently as May this year, Mourinho spoke fondly of Son and singled him out as a world-class talent. "I don’t look at Son as a Korean player. I look at Son as one of the best players in the world," he told EA Sports FC.

"Maybe Tottenham supporters aren’t going to be happy with what I’m going to say, it’s not disrespectful. He could win titles, he could play for the best teams.

"He could be playing in England for Man City, for Liverpool, for Chelsea. It could be abroad playing for one of the top teams.

"He has that modern mobility of the attacking players. He can play through the middle, from the sides, wide to coming inside."

However, in a recent interview shared on Reddit in South Korea, Son admitted that Mourinho embarrassed him to spark a reaction from his teammates. Explaining what happened, the 32-year-old said: "During half time, he embarrassed me in front of everyone and said: 'You don't wanna be in a game with teams like Burnley and Stoke.'

"I was so upset. After the game, Mourinho apologized.

"He said he wanted to ensure other players weren't lazy by yelling to me as Spurs' best player." After leaving Tottenham, Mourinho won the UEFA Conference League at AS Roma and has now joined Fenerbahce.

Ange Postecoglou and Johan Lange still look to have several Tottenham transfer decisions to make ahead of the 2024/25 season. Spurs have signed just three players this summer with Timo Werner, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray as new additions amid departures for Joe Rodon and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

An attacking signing is expected over the coming weeks with Pedro Neto, Eberechi Eze, Jacob Ramsey, Jonathan David and Dominc Solanke among the names linked. Postecoglou now appears to have identified his priority with an honest striker transfer admission earlier this month.

"At Celtic, I had Kyogo, who was a sort of out and out number nine and in Japan, I've always had a striker. It just depends, like last year we had to be a bit creative, it's fair to say," he revealed when speaking to football.london in Seoul. "If Harry would have stayed I definitely would have used him. So I think for us what's more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way.

"We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould. It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us."

Bournemouth's Solanke looks to be the favoured signing with the player open to a move and talks now underway over a potential transfer. Exits being sanctioned will also likely take place with Alejo Veliz's loan move for the 2024/25 campaign to RCD Espanyol confirmed recently.

Many more temporary and permanent departures could follow with Postecoglou appearing to drop a number of hints as to who could be on the move. With that said, football.london has taken a look at four players that may be playing their football elsewhere for the upcoming campaign.

Dane Scarlett

Eight Tottenham players are yet to play one single minute in pre-season with Micky van de Ven, Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero among those after being an extended holiday after international exploits for Argentina and the Netherlands, respectively.

Of the Spurs players to actually be offered game time though, Dane Scarlett has the lowest amount of minutes played with just 13. That was split across friendlies against Hearts and QPR with the 20-year-old coming off the bench to score a late goal against the latter.

Since breaking into the senior team, Scarlett has endured unsuccessful loans at Portsmouth and Ipswich with it clear the upcoming campaign could be crucial to his career in North London. A loan exit is expected for Scarlett with Will Lankshear appearing ahead of him in the pecking order.

Ashley Phillips

Alejo Veliz, Alfie Whiteman and Radu Dragusin have all played less than Ashley Phillips over the last few weeks, but it is the former Blackburn Rovers defender, with 114 minutes of action to his name, that could leave. Veliz has already had his move confirmed, while Whiteman and Dragusin are established members of the squad that will be at the club for the next nine months.

The same cannot absolutely be said for Phillips after he returned to Tottenham fresh off an impressive six-month loan spell at Plymouth Argyle. Having made 26 appearances for the Green Army, Phillips was certainly influential in keeping the club in the Championship with another move to England's second tier seen as likely.

Phillips could remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but Postecoglou will likely feel he has enough depth in that area to sanction a temporary departure where he can get consistent game time.

Manor Solomon

A severe knee injury derailed Manor Solomon's debut campaign at Spurs and his minutes in pre-season certainly drop a subtle hint at the plans for his future. With just 119 minutes to his name, it's fair to suggest that Postecoglou may be carefully managing his return after such a long-term issue.

However, it could instead be because he is not a major part of Postecoglou's plans for the upcoming season and beyond. Tottenham signed the 25-year-old on a free transfer and therefore would make a profit if sold for a fee before his contract expires in 2028.

Alfie Devine

With 167 minutes on the pitch in pre-season, Alfie Devine could be another young player to head out on loan for the 2024/25 season. Like Phillips, the 20-year-old has also spent time at Plymouth with that mixed spell coming immediately after an excellent few months at Port Vale.

The likes of Mikey Moore, Jamie Donley and Lucas Bergvall, who can all play in Devine's position, have all featured more prominently in pre-season and it certainly suggests Postecoglou favours the trio. With that in mind, another loan for Devine seems likely and it could be back in League One after a challenging time at Plymouth.

Tottenham have confirmed Alejo Veliz has joined RCD Espanyol on loan for the 2024/25 season. The young striker joined Spurs last summer and made a few cameo appearances in the senior team before a knee injury derailed his debut campaign.

Just a few weeks prior, Veliz netted his first goal for Spurs with a smart finish off the bench in a 4-2 defeat away to Brighton. As he was recovering from injury, Veliz joined Sevilla on loan for the final six months off last season but he featured for just 31 minutes before returning to north London.

Despite a disappointing stint earlier this year, the 20-year-old has returned to Spain for the upcoming campaign with Espanyol obtaining his services for the next nine months.

During the club's pre-season tour, Veliz played for just 31 minutes with it soon clear he would spend the new season on a temporary basis elsewhere. With the Argentine not featuring much, and Richarlison still injured, Dejan Kulusevski was the player deployed at the tip of attack.

With a striker departing the club, the Lilywhites are aiming to make an attacking addition and that could arrive in the form of Dominic Solanke. football.london reported at the start of the summer window the Bournemouth star was one name on the club's striker shortlist and now they look to be formalising that interest.

Ange Postecoglou, while understandably not directly naming Solanke, has confirmed Spurs' plans to sign a striker with an honest transfer admission.

"At Celtic, I had Kyogo, who was a sort of out and out number nine and in Japan, I've always had a striker. It just depends, like last year we had to be a bit creative, it's fair to say," he revealed when speaking to football.london in Seoul.

"If Harry would have stayed I definitely would have used him. So I think for us what's more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way.

"We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould. It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us."

John Cena has promised to put Celtic FC at the 'front of his list' when it comes to choosing a British football team to support.

The WWE legend appeared on talkSPORT alongside host Shebahn Aherne as she asked Cena if he had a football team from the UK to support. Aherne said: "Have you got a Premier League team, have you got a Championship team?"

The 47-year-old said: "I always say that I'm looking for a team - everybody says I'm a Tottenham fan. There's been talks of me being a Chelsea fan. I say I'm looking for a team, I'm still trying to figure out the game and I'm trying to figure out the rivalries.

"So if you have a good pitch, I'm willing to listen."

The Scottish sports presenter then suggested that Cena should pledge his allegiance to Celtic, who were crowned the champions of Scotland last season.

Aherne said: "Glasgow Celtic. The best fan base in the world, you can walk down the street and you will find yourself a Celtic bar John Cena. So, does that, is that a pitch that works?"

Cena replied: "That's a pretty decent pitch and I'm from Boston, and their basketball team is called the Celtics. So I'll put that at the front of the list."

Plenty of Premier League fans and Celtic fans alike headed to the comments section to argue their club's case to the wrestling icon. One person wrote: "Tottenham is the best option gotta love an underdog."

Another said: "Never Walk Alone Ole Johnny Boy" alongside a clover emoji. A fourth joked: "He should join Tottenham cause they can’t see a trophy."

If Cena does snub Chelsea and Spurs to join the Celtic fan club, then he will join a host of other celebrity fans - including James McAvoy, Rod Stewart, Lewis Capaldi, Kevin Bridges and Gerard Butler.

Celebrity fans of Chelsea include Will Ferrell, Gordon Ramsay and Jeremy Clarkson - while Spurs boast the likes of Adele, Sir Alan Sugar and Jude Law.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Alejo Veliz is set to join La Liga newcomers Espanyol on loan, football.london understands.

Veliz joined Spurs a year ago from Argentinian side Rosario Central after scoring 19 goals in 63 senior appearances. He played just eight times for Ange Postecoglou's team in the first half of last season before spending the rest of the campaign at Sevilla.

After featuring throughout pre-season for Tottenham, the 20-year-old will now return to Spain on a temporary basis with Espanyol. The four-time Copa del Rey champions are preparing for life back in the top flight after a single season in the second division.

News of Veliz's move to Manolo Gonzalez's side was first reported by journalist Matteo Moretto. football.london understands that an option to make the move permanent isn't included at this current stage.

The Argentina Under-20 international was one of three centre-forward options for Postecoglou alongside Richarlison and Timo Werner. Almost a year after Harry Kane departed to Bayern Munich, it's now expected that a new striker will be the priority by Johan Lange.

AFC Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke has emerged as a target for Tottenham, football.london understands. The 26-year-old enjoyed an excellent individual season on the south coast last term with 21 goals - 19 in the Premier League.

It's understood that Solanke has a £65million release clause in his contract at the Vitality Stadium, which can only be triggered by the Premier League's top six. Many have turned their nose up on that figure but a more reasonable fee could see Spurs land themselves a clinical goalscorer.

Postecoglou has already confirmed to football.london that the club are on the hunt for a new striker this summer. "At Celtic, I had Kyogo, who was a sort of out-and-out number nine and in Japan, I've always had a striker.," he said. "It just depends, like last year we had to be a bit creative, it's fair to say. You know but if Harry would have stayed I definitely would have used him!" he said.

"So I think for us what's more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way. We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould.

"It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us."

Ange Postecoglou has explained his process for selecting new Tottenham signings after holding his first conversation with the player.

The Australian's transfer hit rate has been high at Spurs in his first year at the north London outfit and every player he has signed has then spoken about the first conversation he had with them and how it sealed their decision to join the club.

In fact that conversation is just as much about Postecoglou deciding whether the player is truly right for him as much as it is for them to understand his plans for them. He explained out in Seoul, before heading home from the club's pre-season tour, what he's looking for in those first meetings.

"Some of it is just maturity - it’s how the conversation goes. Really, I’m a big one on players who are really excited to join the club. You might think that that should be a given, but it’s not always the case," said the 58-year-old.

"Sometimes, rightly so, players go, ‘Oh, I’ve got other options,’ and they do, the kind of players we’re looking at, they’ve got other options. It might be better financial conditions or a different competition, or a bigger club in their mind, whatever it is.

"If you’re having a conversation that’s going that way, it kind of tells me that I’ve got to really figure out why this person really wants to come to us. What’s the underlying reason? Where, if you get that sense – and I’ve had it with most of the guys we’ve signed – ‘Yeah, I just want to sign for Tottenham, buzzing, can’t wait to get started,’ that’s a good starting point for me, because you know you’ve got someone who, from the day he signs, is all in on the club for the right reasons, you know.

"They’ve come to Tottenham and that was their choice. It wasn’t because we gave them more money or it’s whatever other reason. Beyond that, it’s that intuitive thing of just trying everything to get an understanding of what the motivations are, what kind of person they are.

"It’s not an exact science and you get these things wrong, but usually, when I’ve walked away with a really good feeling about the conversation, it kind of gives me the confidence to say ‘Well, okay, we can push on'."

The Spurs boss also spoke about the process of getting his teams where he wants them to be and what he will be looking for in this Tottenham team that tells him he's getting exactly what he's asking of them.

"There are things you look at, and it’s more of a real buying into it. Some of the things are tangible. The way we play is very demanding, and you’re looking for how much do you really have to push them - and the less you feel you need to push them, the more you know they’re actually buying into it," he said.

"Some of it is just the way they talk and their behaviour around the place. I’m kind of looking at just the way they’re embracing what we’re trying to do from a football perspective, but also beyond that in terms of mindset.

"You need to have a certain kind of mindset and a certain bravery to do what we do. It’s a fine line between somebody doing what they’re told and somebody doing something that they believe in.

"As managers, particularly in the initial period, we have a fair bit of power and influence to say, ‘Well, we’ll do this my way,’ and for the most part players will do that, but then that wears off, because eventually they’ll want to see some fruits for their labour and see how it develops.

"So it’s about are they doing it because I’m telling them, or are they doing it because they really believe and understand what we’re doing? You can see that growth. I’ve been doing it for a long time, so I really feel last year we laid some really strong foundations in terms of some underlying core values that I saw from the first day we got back into pre-season, and now it’s about building on that."

Johan Lange and Ange Postecoglou look set for a busy few weeks at Tottenham as the summer transfer window draws to a conclusion. Now at the beginning of August, clubs have just over three weeks remaining to confirm any deals before the 11pm deadline on Friday, August 30.

Tottenham have already made some moves in the market this summer but there is still a lot more to be done when it comes to strengthening Postecoglou's playing squad ahead of a big season in the capital. Signing a new striker tops the priority list at present and it is something all supporters are desperate for with the new term just around the corner.

So what exactly would be a dream end to the transfer window for Tottenham? football.london takes a look below.

Striker signs

The main talking point amongst Tottenham fans at present is whether the club should move for Dominic Solanke or Viktor Gyokeres. Regardless of who Lange ends up going for, Spurs are going to have to pay out big money for a new striker this term.

Both players have release clauses in their current contracts, with Solanke's believed to be £65million for certain clubs and Gyokeres' set at €100million (£86million). There are not that many examples today when clubs go out and activate release clauses, instead opting to go in under the set figure and try save some money in the process.

Amid all the talk of Solanke going for £65million and Gyokeres for £86million, there is a saving to be had in the transfer market. Hopefully Tottenham can strike a deal sooner rather than later as they are really short up front as things stand.

Neto deal

Another attacking incoming before the transfer deadline would be most welcome at Tottenham as Postecoglou looks to upgrade his final third options. Pedro Neto has been linked with a move to north London so far this summer and he would suit the head coach's brand of football down to the ground.

The Wolves ace has had a tough time of it through injury in recent seasons but he is some player if you can ensure he stays fully fit. Neto, who is valued at £47million by Transfermarkt, would give Tottenham choice on either flank and he can also play centrally.

It would be a statement piece of business from the club if they could pull it off and one that would make others sit up and take notice following a notable attacking upgrade.

New centre-back option arrives

Priority at the moment for Tottenham in the transfer market is undoubtedly signing a new striker. However, work still has to be done at the other end of the pitch as pre-season has highlighted that they are rather light at centre-back if injuries occur.

Spurs do have players such as Ben Davies who can step into the role if needed but the club could really do with signing another centre-back ahead of a very busy season. If they can bring in someone in, ideally a left-sided centre-back who is also capable of playing as a left-back, it would be a strong end to the transfer window for the club.

Permanent outgoings finalised

As important as incomings are, Tottenham need to keep up the momentum in terms of outgoings after some notable departures this summer. Following plenty of speculation about his future over the past 12 months, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg exited N17 to join French giants Marseille.

Ryan Sessegnon, Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga have also departed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, with Bryan Gil the latest to leave on loan. More still needs to be done in regards to departures, especially as Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso require fresh starts elsewhere.

Emerson Royal could also be another to move on if a transfer fee with AC Milan can finally be agreed on.

Loan success

A handful of Tottenham's young players could be set for loan moves this summer to help them in their development. Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz appear to be two of them after falling behind Will Lankshear in the striker pecking order.

Scarlett and Veliz both endured disappointing loan spells with Ipswich Town and Sevilla respectively last season and they both need moves where they can demonstrate what they can do in front of goal. On the subject of Lankshear, he could be another that leaves on a temporary basis unless Postecoglou believes it is better for him to remain as first-team opportunities could be there for him.

Ashley Phillips would certainly benefit from another loan move after his successful time with Plymouth Argyle. The same goes for Alfie Devine and Jamie Donley unless Postecoglou's thinking has changed after successful pre-season tour campaigns.

Johan Lange and Ange Postecoglou look set for a busy few weeks at Tottenham as the summer transfer window draws to a conclusion. Now at the beginning of August, clubs have just over three weeks remaining to confirm any deals before the 11pm deadline on Friday, August 30.

Tottenham have already made some moves in the market this summer but there is still a lot more to be done when it comes to strengthening Postecoglou's playing squad ahead of a big season in the capital. Signing a new striker tops the priority list at present and it is something all supporters are desperate for with the new term just around the corner.

So what exactly would be a dream end to the transfer window for Tottenham? football.london takes a look below.

Striker signs

The main talking point amongst Tottenham fans at present is whether the club should move for Dominic Solanke or Viktor Gyokeres. Regardless of who Lange ends up going for, Spurs are going to have to pay out big money for a new striker this term.

Both players have release clauses in their current contracts, with Solanke's believed to be £65million for certain clubs and Gyokeres' set at €100million (£86million). There are not that many examples today when clubs go out and activate release clauses, instead opting to go in under the set figure and try save some money in the process.

Amid all the talk of Solanke going for £65million and Gyokeres for £86million, there is a saving to be had in the transfer market. Hopefully Tottenham can strike a deal sooner rather than later as they are really short up front as things stand.

Neto deal

Another attacking incoming before the transfer deadline would be most welcome at Tottenham as Postecoglou looks to upgrade his final third options. Pedro Neto has been linked with a move to north London so far this summer and he would suit the head coach's brand of football down to the ground.

The Wolves ace has had a tough time of it through injury in recent seasons but he is some player if you can ensure he stays fully fit. Neto, who is valued at £47million by Transfermarkt, would give Tottenham choice on either flank and he can also play centrally.

It would be a statement piece of business from the club if they could pull it off and one that would make others sit up and take notice following a notable attacking upgrade.

New centre-back option arrives

Priority at the moment for Tottenham in the transfer market is undoubtedly signing a new striker. However, work still has to be done at the other end of the pitch as pre-season has highlighted that they are rather light at centre-back if injuries occur.

Spurs do have players such as Ben Davies who can step into the role if needed but the club could really do with signing another centre-back ahead of a very busy season. If they can bring in someone in, ideally a left-sided centre-back who is also capable of playing as a left-back, it would be a strong end to the transfer window for the club.

Permanent outgoings finalised

As important as incomings are, Tottenham need to keep up the momentum in terms of outgoings after some notable departures this summer. Following plenty of speculation about his future over the past 12 months, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg exited N17 to join French giants Marseille.

Ryan Sessegnon, Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga have also departed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, with Bryan Gil the latest to leave on loan. More still needs to be done in regards to departures, especially as Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso require fresh starts elsewhere.

Emerson Royal could also be another to move on if a transfer fee with AC Milan can finally be agreed on.

Loan success

A handful of Tottenham's young players could be set for loan moves this summer to help them in their development. Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz appear to be two of them after falling behind Will Lankshear in the striker pecking order.

Scarlett and Veliz both endured disappointing loan spells with Ipswich Town and Sevilla respectively last season and they both need moves where they can demonstrate what they can do in front of goal. On the subject of Lankshear, he could be another that leaves on a temporary basis unless Postecoglou believes it is better for him to remain as first-team opportunities could be there for him.

Ashley Phillips would certainly benefit from another loan move after his successful time with Plymouth Argyle. The same goes for Alfie Devine and Jamie Donley unless Postecoglou's thinking has changed after successful pre-season tour campaigns.

The search for Harry Kane's replacement was never going to be straightforward for Tottenham in the transfer market. Almost one year on from the England captain moving to Bayern Munich, Johan Lange and Spurs are still to find the man to fill the frontman's shoes.

Tottenham fans are desperate for the club to address the position ahead of the new season, especially with the team's first game of the new Premier League season at Leicester City just 13 days away. Spurs are not the only ones in this situation as a lot of clubs have been rather quiet in the transfer market this summer.

In terms of a new striker arriving at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke is someone of interest to the club after a fine season at the Vitality Stadium. Plenty of supporters have made their feelings clear over a possible move for the ex-Liverpool player, with many indicating their preference for Viktor Gyokeres to join from Sporting CP.

So should Lange and Tottenham move for Solanke or Gyokeres? Well, we put that question to our Tottenham correspondents in the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham.

In this week's edition of the podcast, Rob Guest is joined by Lee Wilmot, football.london's head of football, to discuss the club's transfer search and much more.

As well as speaking about the striker hunt, the duo also debate what else Tottenham need to do in what remains of the transfer window as the summer deadline draws ever closer. Last Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich was also up for discussion with a number of talking points coming from the game.

Djed Spence's performance at left-back, Archie Gray's selection over Yves Bissouma and Lucas Bergvall's impact are just some of the topics on the agenda. You can listen to our analysis of the Bayern defeat and the upcoming game against the German side in the latest episode of the show by heading right here for the podcast or you can watch the show recorded live on YouTube by going right here.