Football.London

After signing Brennan Johnson just under 12 months ago, as well as Manor Solomon before him and then Timo Werner on loan in January only for that to be extended another season, Tottenham are still not done improving their attack. As Ange Postecoglou sets about improving his side, the changes in attack are not finished yet, or so it seems.

According to reports in Italy they are the latest side to be offered the services of Juventus forward Federico Chiesa. Three years after his standout year for club and country culminating in being crowned a European Champion, he is unwanted in Turin.

With just one year left on his contract with the Old Lady, Chiesa has been readily made available by Thiago Motta's new side. It comes after his struggles with injury and form in recent seasons.

Chiesa did manage nine goals and three assists - his best scoring season at Juventus in Serie A - but his historic problems with fitness have left him a disposable asset. Along with clubs across Europe as well as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal, Spurs have a cut-price chance to try and get the best out of him once again.

It is claimed that the 26-year-old could be available for just £25million as Juventus try to cash in. As a versatile winger able to play both sides of attack and with electric pace when in full flow, it is clear why he would be of interest to Spurs and their dynamic frontline.

Postecoglou has explained that the ideas at Hotspur Way remain the same though, no matter what has come up. "We’re working hard to bring players in and it’s a process that you sometimes have to be patient with," he said during the tour of Asia. "But in terms of what we set out to do, that’s still the plan and you have to stay disciplined with that.

"Sometimes the timings don’t work out and it doesn’t happen as quickly as you want and you don’t get them in at the right time but I think it’s really important you stay disciplined and not run off and chase other things. So, what we started with at the start of summer are still there, and I wouldn’t want to put timelines on it.

"A lot of that is out of our control and we just need to be patient. From where I sit at the moment we’re still in that phase where what we identified is still what we’re after."

He and Johan Lange have already gotten deals for Werner and Archie Gray across the line but more are expected to follow. Having also done well to start stripping back the fringe players, Spurs have been active.

Should the desires to get more through the door extend to Chiesa then they could hardly be better placed. Not only are there previous relationships with Juventus due to the role of former director Fabio Paratici, but some of the remainders of that are still evident.

In January 2022 Spurs signed both Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus. The former came in on an initial loan before making his stay in north London permanent. Bentancur arrived officially on the same but purchased outright from the start. Both players have plenty of experience of being in a team with Chiesa.

Kulusevski played on the opposite wing to him and made 41 appearances alongside Chiesa. Bentancur, meanwhile, occupied a role in midfield behind the former Fiorentina man and played 50 times next to him. Unsurprisingly they also had strong records together.

Bentancur and Chiesa averaged two points per game together whilst it was an even better 2.12 with Kulusevski. This was a while ago now and at a time before all three suffered injury issues, but if Tottenham want to push this deal then they certainly have some players who can feedback on Chiesa and even get into his ear about a transfer.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham. Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Tottenham have made three signings this summer and are on the verge of completing a fourth. South Korean forward Yang Min-hyuk looks set to join the club, albeit arriving in January 2025, following Timo Werner (on loan), Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray to N17.

But when it comes to incoming transfers, Spurs are not preparing to stop there. The new Premier League season starts in three weeks' time, with transfer activity set to ramp up now following the conclusions of Euro 2024 and Copa America.

Spurs are currently out on their pre-season tour, in Japan first before moving on to South Korea next week. Head coach Ange Postecoglou has been quizzed by football.london out in Japan about the club's transfer plans.

He said: "At this time of year it’s pretty hard for supporters because they don’t have all the information and it’s fair to say there’s plenty of misinformation out there. We’re working hard to bring players in and it’s a process that you sometimes have to be patient with.

"But in terms of what we set out to do, that’s still the plan and you have to stay disciplined with that. What we started with at the start of summer are still there, and I wouldn’t want to put timelines on it. A lot of that is out of our control and we just need to be patient. From where I sit at the moment we’re still in that phase where what we identified is still what we’re after."

One of the players linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which will be interesting to find out if it falls under the banner of misinformation or one who was identified at the start of the summer is Federico Chiesa.

Chiesa was one of the few Italy stars to come out of Euro 2024 with any credit as the Azzurri were knocked out at the last 16 stage by Switzerland, having only just squeezed through the group stages. Tottenham are in the market for a new forward this summer, with plenty of names having already been linked to the club.

A frontman would be the perfect option with only Richarlison, and Son Heung-min able to play through the middle. Chiesa can play that role, but is better suited as a wide player in a front three - where Spurs do have an abundance of riches.

But Chiesa would fit perfectly into Postecoglou's philosophy if an interview he gave to the Telegraph in 2021 is anything to go by. Speaking after Italy beat England in the Euro 2020 final, Chiesa said six words Postecoglou will love: "Intensity is part of my game."

Postecoglou is known to run his players hard, expecting them to run through brick walls and give maximum effort for more than 90 minutes, keep their foot on the pedal even if leading by three or four goals. He demands it of his players and it sounds like Chiesa would fit right in.

Tottenham have made three signings this summer and are on the verge of completing a fourth. South Korean forward Yang Min-hyuk looks set to join the club, albeit arriving in January 2025, following Timo Werner (on loan), Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray to N17.

But when it comes to incoming transfers, Spurs are not preparing to stop there. The new Premier League season starts in three weeks' time, with transfer activity set to ramp up now following the conclusions of Euro 2024 and Copa America.

Spurs are currently out on their pre-season tour, in Japan first before moving on to South Korea next week. Head coach Ange Postecoglou has been quizzed by football.london out in Japan about the club's transfer plans.

He said: "At this time of year it’s pretty hard for supporters because they don’t have all the information and it’s fair to say there’s plenty of misinformation out there. We’re working hard to bring players in and it’s a process that you sometimes have to be patient with.

"But in terms of what we set out to do, that’s still the plan and you have to stay disciplined with that. What we started with at the start of summer are still there, and I wouldn’t want to put timelines on it. A lot of that is out of our control and we just need to be patient. From where I sit at the moment we’re still in that phase where what we identified is still what we’re after."

One of the players linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which will be interesting to find out if it falls under the banner of misinformation or one who was identified at the start of the summer is Federico Chiesa.

Chiesa was one of the few Italy stars to come out of Euro 2024 with any credit as the Azzurri were knocked out at the last 16 stage by Switzerland, having only just squeezed through the group stages. Tottenham are in the market for a new forward this summer, with plenty of names having already been linked to the club.

A frontman would be the perfect option with only Richarlison, and Son Heung-min able to play through the middle. Chiesa can play that role, but is better suited as a wide player in a front three - where Spurs do have an abundance of riches.

But Chiesa would fit perfectly into Postecoglou's philosophy if an interview he gave to the Telegraph in 2021 is anything to go by. Speaking after Italy beat England in the Euro 2020 final, Chiesa said six words Postecoglou will love: "Intensity is part of my game."

Postecoglou is known to run his players hard, expecting them to run through brick walls and give maximum effort for more than 90 minutes, keep their foot on the pedal even if leading by three or four goals. He demands it of his players and it sounds like Chiesa would fit right in.

Ange Postecoglou has insisted that Tottenham's intended targets at the start of the transfer window have not changed. A very quiet start to the summer transfer market with Euro 2024 and the Copa America certainly having an impact on player movement, supporters of all clubs will be hoping that transfer deals start to ramp up with the Premier League season now only three weeks away.

Tottenham have strengthened ahead of the new term with Lucas Bergvall linking up with the squad this summer after completing his move from Djurgarden in February, Timo Werner re-signing on a season-long loan and Archie Gray completing a big-money move from Leeds United. Spurs are on course to add to their numbers with the addition of South Korean youngster Yang Min-hyuk from K League side Gangwon FC.

The 18-year-old winger has made a huge impression in his home country and he will remain with his current team before arriving in north London in January 2025. Tottenham still have plenty more to do in the transfer market this summer as Postecoglou looks to have his team competing at the top of the Premier League table and also see them go far in cup competitions.

Currently out in Tokyo, Japan on the club's pre-season tour, the Australian was asked about transfers by football.london and he highlighted the importance of remaining patient and not moving away from their intended targets.

"At this time of year it’s pretty hard for supporters because they don’t have all the information and it’s fair to say there’s plenty of misinformation out there," he said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Vissel Kobe friendly. "We’re working hard to bring players in and it’s a process that you sometimes have to be patient with.

"But in terms of what we set out to do, that’s still the plan and you have to stay disciplined with that. Sometimes the timings don’t work out and it doesn’t happen as quickly as you want and you don’t get them (players) in at the right time but I think it’s really important you stay disciplined and not run off and chase other things.

"So, what we started with at the start of summer are still there, and I wouldn’t want to put timelines on it. A lot of that is out of our control and we just need to be patient. From where I sit at the moment we’re still in that phase where what we identified is still what we’re after."

Quizzed on the imminent signing of Yang from Gangwon FC, Postecoglou said: "Yeah, again I'm well aware of the quality of the K League. When I was at Celtic we were looking to bring over at least a couple of Korean players at the time and I think they've brought a couple over.

"Again they 've made a fantastic impact in Europe, a lot of Korean players, none bigger and none better than our own Sonny. He's just an outstanding player and an outstanding person. He's the captain of our club and he's just an outstanding individual, we're super happy to have him at our football club.

"So yes, we'll be looking far and wide for players and as you rightly said, it is difficult for me to discuss (grins)."

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click herefor in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Tottenham Hotspur took to the turf at the National Stadium in Tokyo for an open training session in front of thousands of Spurs fans.

After Ange Postecoglou and James Maddison undertook their press conference duties at the stadium, the squad began to make their way out in front of the crowds for just over an hour of work, following a gym session in the morning. It was a light day on the whole compared to recent double session days because of the match against Vissel Kobe on Saturday and a training ground game played on Thursday evening.

Here are five things we noticed from Tottenham's session in Japan:

Missing players

Not everyone was involved during the training session as some are still recovering from previous injuries and others have picked up little problems recently.

Timo Werner was not present at the ground as he was feeling unwell on Friday, while Richarlison, Destiny Udogie and Alfie Whiteman only came out to sit on the bench before joining in a signing session for the supporters.

When asked just before the session who was available for the match by football.london, Postecoglou said: "The guys who kind of participated in the games so far, plus Ben Davies has trained this week. So out of the travelling party I think it's just Richy and Destiny who aren't quite ready to play but everyone else is fit."

With Werner it would seem that it might be a case of judging how the German is feeling on the day of the game and whether he ended up being involved.

What they did and the teams chosen

Like we said, this was very much a lighter session than usual because of the two games - Spurs taking on Vissel Kobe on Saturday and also a largely U21s Spurs side beating a Japan U20s team 5-2 in an hour-long training ground game the previous night.

This latest session was made up of rondos, passing drills, free-kick practice and various shooting exercises. The most interesting part of the session was an overload mini-match with one goal, with 11 players on one side and eight on the other, as the classic Postecoglou low cross and shoot goal was worked on with numerous different scenarios.

The full team, wearing yellow bibs, had players swapping round every few minutes for someone on the sidelines, and also swapping positions within the team at others. The goalkeepers also swapped teams at either end after a while.

Here is the yellow bib full team: Vicario; Gray (swapping with Davies), Skipp, Emerson, Porro (swapping with Spence), Bissouma, Maddison, Kulusevski; Son (swapping with Moore), Bergvall (swapping with Sarr), Johnson (swapping with Solomon).

It's worth pointing out that sometimes Gray was in midfield and Bergvall, Sarr and Kulusevski all took turns up front.

Here is the orange bib overloaded team: Austin (swapping with Gunter and later Vicario); Donley, Phillips; Devine, Hall, Abbott; Scarlett and Veliz.

We will find out on Saturday which of those many potential line-ups ends up taking to the pitch.

Decent free-kicks

The end of the session saw a number of players line up in a queue at one end to start taking free-kicks. Lucas Bergvall proved to be a decent set piece taker with a couple of excellent curling efforts, including one that cracked against the crossbar.

James Maddison and Pedro Porro showed their ability on the ball while Yves Bissouma also sent one powerful effort against the woodwork from distance despite the Mali international being previously mocked by his manager and team-mates for his shooting ability. He answered that somewhat with his goal at QPR last weekend.

Djed Spence's special work

While those players were taking free-kicks and others were working on their passing and shooting with Son scoring goal after goal, Djed Spence was being drilled individually by senior assistant coach Matt Wells.

The full-back was being put through his paces with an emphasis on trying to deal with Wells running alongside him as a winger, with Spence having to work on his body shape in order to prevent the Spurs coach from getting a cross away or move past him. They continued for a little while after the other players had finished.

Spence has been a surprise addition to this tour with his hard work on the training pitches not going unnoticed by the coaching staff and for now he remains a Tottenham player who will likely get game time against Vissel on Saturday.

Brilliant fans

There were 3,000 Tottenham supporters in attendance at the National Stadium and they were singing their hearts out from long before the players made their entrance until long after they had left.

All of the chants were showcased and were greeted warmly by Postecoglou at first and then the players as they all heard theirs. Even coach Ryan Mason got a chant of 'he's one of our own' as did Spurs skipper Son Heung-min.

"It's very important. Obviously for us, the priority is preparing for the season and that's why we're here. We've got good training facilities, we've got good matches but I think every time we go to another country it's an opportunity for us to acknowledge the support we have from this side of the world. We have three supporter branches here in Japan and hopefully we want to grow that to more," said Postecoglou of the tour.

"A lot of the people over this side of the world don't get to see us live so I think it's important that wherever we go, we make an impact beyond the football and any chance we get as a football club, not just with me, but with any representatives of the club is to get into the community and try to have a presence as much as we can.

"For us it's important that Tottenham as a football club keeps growing globally and we've already got strong support from this side of the world and firstly we acknowledge it and secondly we keep growing it."

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click herefor in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Tottenham Hotspur took to the turf at the National Stadium in Tokyo for an open training session in front of thousands of Spurs fans.

After Ange Postecoglou and James Maddison undertook their press conference duties at the stadium, the squad began to make their way out in front of the crowds for just over an hour of work, following a gym session in the morning. It was a light day on the whole compared to recent double session days because of the match against Vissel Kobe on Saturday and a training ground game played on Thursday evening.

Here are five things we noticed from Tottenham's session in Japan:

Missing players

Not everyone was involved during the training session as some are still recovering from previous injuries and others have picked up little problems recently.

Timo Werner was not present at the ground as he was feeling unwell on Friday, while Richarlison, Destiny Udogie and Alfie Whiteman only came out to sit on the bench before joining in a signing session for the supporters.

When asked just before the session who was available for the match by football.london, Postecoglou said: "The guys who kind of participated in the games so far, plus Ben Davies has trained this week. So out of the travelling party I think it's just Richy and Destiny who aren't quite ready to play but everyone else is fit."

With Werner it would seem that it might be a case of judging how the German is feeling on the day of the game and whether he ended up being involved.

What they did and the teams chosen

Like we said, this was very much a lighter session than usual because of the two games - Spurs taking on Vissel Kobe on Saturday and also a largely U21s Spurs side beating a Japan U20s team 5-2 in an hour-long training ground game the previous night.

This latest session was made up of rondos, passing drills, free-kick practice and various shooting exercises. The most interesting part of the session was an overload mini-match with one goal, with 11 players on one side and eight on the other, as the classic Postecoglou low cross and shoot goal was worked on with numerous different scenarios.

The full team, wearing yellow bibs, had players swapping round every few minutes for someone on the sidelines, and also swapping positions within the team at others. The goalkeepers also swapped teams at either end after a while.

Here is the yellow bib full team: Vicario; Gray (swapping with Davies), Skipp, Emerson, Porro (swapping with Spence), Bissouma, Maddison, Kulusevski; Son (swapping with Moore), Bergvall (swapping with Sarr), Johnson (swapping with Johnson).

It's worth pointing out that sometimes Gray was in midfield and Bergvall, Sarr and Kulusevski all took turns up front.

Here is the orange bib overloaded team: Austin (swapping with Gunter and later Vicario); Donley, Phillips; Devine, Hall, Abbott; Scarlett and Veliz.

We will find out on Saturday which of those many potential line-ups ends up taking to the pitch.

Decent free-kicks

The end of the session saw a number of players line up in a queue at one end to start taking free-kicks. Lucas Bergvall proved to be a decent set piece taker with a couple of excellent curling efforts, including one that cracked against the crossbar.

James Maddison and Pedro Porro showed their ability on the ball while Yves Bissouma also sent one powerful effort against the woodwork from distance despite the Mali international being previously mocked by his manager and team-mates for his shooting ability. He answered that somewhat with his goal at QPR last weekend.

Djed Spence's special work

While those players were taking free-kicks and others were working on their passing and shooting, Djed Spence was being drilled individually by senior assistant coach Matt Wells.

The full-back was being put through his paces with an emphasis on trying to deal with Wells running alongside him as a winger, with Spence having to work on his body shape in order to prevent the Spurs coach from getting a cross away or move past him. They continued for a little while after the other players had finished.

Spence has been a surprise addition to this tour with his hard work on the training pitches not going unnoticed by the coaching staff and for now he remains a Tottenham player who will likely get game time against Vissel on Saturday.

Brilliant fans

There were 3,000 Tottenham supporters in attendance at the National Stadium and they were singing their hearts out from long before the players made their entrance until long after they had left.

All of the chants were showcased and were greeted warmly by Postecoglou at first and then the players as they all heard theirs. Even coach Ryan Mason got a chant of 'he's one of our own' as did Spurs skipper Son Heung-min.

"It's very important. Obviously for us, the priority is preparing for the season and that's why we're here. We've got good training facilities, we've got good matches but I think every time we go to another country it's an opportunity for us to acknowledge the support we have from this side of the world. We have three supporter branches here in Japan and hopefully we want to grow that to more," said Postecoglou of the tour.

"A lot of the people over this side of the world don't get to see us live so I think it's important that wherever we go, we make an impact beyond the football and any chance we get as a football club, not just with me, but with any representatives of the club is to get into the community and try to have a presence as much as we can.

"For us it's important that Tottenham as a football club keeps growing globally and we've already got strong support from this side of the world and firstly we acknowledge it and secondly we keep growing it."

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham. Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Ange Postecoglou has insisted that Tottenham's intended targets at the start of the transfer window have not changed. A very quiet start to the summer transfer market with Euro 2024 and the Copa America certainly having an impact on player movement, supporters of all clubs will be hoping that transfer deals start to ramp up with the Premier League season now only three weeks away.

Tottenham have strengthened ahead of the new term with Lucas Bergvall linking up with the squad this summer after completing his move from Djurgarden in February, Timo Werner re-signing on a season-long loan and Archie Gray completing a big-money move from Leeds United. Spurs are on course to add to their numbers with the addition of South Korean youngster Yang Min-hyuk from K League side Gangwon FC.

The 18-year-old winger has made a huge impression in his home country and he will remain with his current team before arriving in north London in January 2025. Tottenham still have plenty more to do in the transfer market this summer as Postecoglou looks to have his team competing at the top of the Premier League table and also see them go far in cup competitions.

Currently out in Tokyo, Japan on the club's pre-season tour, the Australian was asked about transfers by football.london and he highlighted the importance of remaining patient and not moving away from their intended targets.

"At this time of year it’s pretty hard for supporters because they don’t have all the information and it’s fair to say there’s plenty of misinformation out there," he said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Vissel Kobe friendly. "We’re working hard to bring players in and it’s a process that you sometimes have to be patient with.

"But in terms of what we set out to do, that’s still the plan and you have to stay disciplined with that. Sometimes the timings don’t work out and it doesn’t happen as quickly as you want and you don’t get them (players) in at the right time but I think it’s really important you stay disciplined and not run off and chase other things.

"So, what we started with at the start of summer are still there, and I wouldn’t want to put timelines on it. A lot of that is out of our control and we just need to be patient. From where I sit at the moment we’re still in that phase where what we identified is still what we’re after."

Quizzed on the imminent signing of Yang from Gangwon FC, Postecoglou said: "Yeah, again I'm well aware of the quality of the K League. When I was at Celtic we were looking to bring over at least a couple of Korean players at the time and I think they've brought a couple over.

"Again they 've made a fantastic impact in Europe, a lot of Korean players, none bigger and none better than our own Sonny. He's just an outstanding player and an outstanding person. He's the captain of our club and he's just an outstanding individual, we're super happy to have him at our football club.

"So yes, we'll be looking far and wide for players and as you rightly said, it is difficult for me to discuss (grins)."

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham. Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

A sentimental shirt number is available for Federico Chiesa at Tottenham Hotspur on the condition that he completes a proposed move to the Premier League this summer. The 26-year-old is thought to be edging closer to a switch as Ange Postecoglou and key figures behind the scenes fine-tune their squad for next season.

The notion that Chiesa would eventually pitch up in England has been long-standing. Chelsea, Manchester United, and other clubs, including Liverpool, have often been linked with a swoop for the Juventus man.

Having progressed through the Fiorentina ranks, he headed to Turin - initially on loan - in 2020 and caught the eye for Italy at the delayed European Championships. Chiesa and Italy reigned supreme at Wembley to hand England a heart-breaking defeat beneath the famous arch via a penalty shootout.

Chiesa, who only has 12 months left to run on his contract with Juventus, has been subject to interest throughout the window. However, according to reports from Italy - which have been relayed across the board - the forward is expected to finalise a transfer to Tottenham for between €30million and €35million.

As and when the ink dries on his would-be deal, the Italian will have to pick his shirt number. However, that might be a relatively straight-forward decision based on the options available to him in north London.

Chiesa wears No.7 for Juventus and No.14 for Italy's national side. As things stand, those two numbers are taken at Tottenham, with not many first XI options available, but there is one sentimental choice that could prove to be a no-brainer for the ex-Fiorentina man.

The speedy and versatile winger, who has 51 caps to his name, wore No.25 for four seasons at Fiorentina and even made his senior debut for Italy with that particular number on his back. Other numbers currently free at Tottenham include No.5, No.19, No.26, No.28, No.31 and No.32.

A sentimental shirt number is available for Federico Chiesa at Tottenham Hotspur on the condition that he completes a proposed move to the Premier League this summer. The 26-year-old is thought to be edging closer to a switch as Ange Postecoglou and key figures behind the scenes fine-tune their squad for next season.

The notion that Chiesa would eventually pitch up in England has been long-standing. Chelsea, Manchester United, and other clubs, including Liverpool, have often been linked with a swoop for the Juventus man.

Having progressed through the Fiorentina ranks, he headed to Turin - initially on loan - in 2020 and caught the eye for Italy at the delayed European Championships. Chiesa and Italy reigned supreme at Wembley to hand England a heart-breaking defeat beneath the famous arch via a penalty shootout.

Chiesa, who only has 12 months left to run on his contract with Juventus, has been subject to interest throughout the window. However, according to reports from Italy - which have been relayed across the board - the forward is expected to finalise a transfer to Tottenham for between €30million and €35million.

As and when the ink dries on his would-be deal, the Italian will have to pick his shirt number. However, that might be a relatively straight-forward decision based on the options available to him in north London.

Chiesa wears No.7 for Juventus and No.14 for Italy's national side. As things stand, those two numbers are taken at Tottenham, with not many first XI options available, but there is one sentimental choice that could prove to be a no-brainer for the ex-Fiorentina man.

The speedy and versatile winger, who has 51 caps to his name, wore No.25 for four seasons at Fiorentina and even made his senior debut for Italy with that particular number on his back. Other numbers currently free at Tottenham include No.5, No.19, No.26, No.28, No.31 and No.32.

What is it like to be in Japan?

It's good to be here. We've had a good few days of training. The boys are working hard, the conditions have been testing for them but they had a real good block of training and we're looking forward to the game. Looking forward to the stadium, new stadium. Expecting a big crowd tomorrow. Vissel Kobe are a top team and it should be good. Looking forward to it.

Last season was a good one for the team, but for future development and constant evolution, what do you want to achieve this season?

Yeah, it's about exactly that, constant evolution and improvement. We had a decent season where we certainly laid down some good foundations with the way we want to play and the squad we have. Obviously we want to be better this year and that's the goal.

When you're looking at training during pre-season, what details are you looking for?

Nothing is really different from home to be honest, it’s just (about) constant improvement in our football. Obviously when you’re away from your home environment the training conditions are different and it’s all about adaption to that and not allowing it to affect our training levels and exposing the guys to different things.

The boys are improving all the time and this time of year its about making sure we don’t miss a day or an opportunity to get ready for the start of the season, because you know that once the season starts, especially with us being back in Europe, there’ll be a heavy games program. For us as coaches this time of the year is really valuable so the last thing you want to do is come into a different environment and change your approach because of something not familiar to us.

The first day we got here, literally off the flight, we had a double session and pushed the boys hard and they were excellent and they’ve really embraced the challenge of it.

It feels like the team is putting a lot of emphasis on this tour and it seems like you're not just simply the manager of the team but leading the entire tour?

It's very important. Obviously for us, the priority is preparing for the season and that's why we're here. We've got good training facilities, we've got good matches but I think every time we go to another country it's an opportunity for us to acknowledge the support we have from this side of the world. We have three supporter branches here in Japan and hopefully we want to grow that to more.

A lot of the people over this side of the world don't get to see us live so I think it's important that wherever we go, we make an impact beyond the football and any chance we get as a football club, not just with me, but with any representatives of the club is to get into the community and try to have a presence as much as we can. For us it's important that Tottenham as a football club keeps growing globally and we've already got strong support from this side of the world and firstly we acknowledge it and secondly we keep growing it.

Is everyone fit and available for tomorrow's game?

Yeah the guys who kind of participated in the games so far, plus Ben Davies has trained this week. So out of the travelling party I think it's just Richy and Destiny who aren't quite ready to play but everyone else is fit.

The fans are in a frenzy at this time of the transfer window, are the club close to any new signings to help you for the now this season?

As you say, at this time of year it’s pretty hard for supporters because they don’t have all the information and it’s fair to say there’s plenty of misinformation out there. We’re working hard to bring players in and it’s a process that you sometimes have to be patient with. But in terms of what we set out to do, that’s still the plan and you have to stay disciplined with that. Sometimes the timings don’t work out and it doesn’t happen as quickly as you want and you don’t get them (players) in at the right time but I think it’s really important you stay disciplined and not run off and chase other things. So, what we started with at the start of summer are still there, and I wouldn’t want to put timelines on it. A lot of that is out of our control and we just need to be patient. From where I sit at the moment we’re still in that phase where what we identified is still what we’re after.

When you were here in Japan you changed the way football penetrated the country, I'm sure you've brushed up on that and embedded it at Tottenham, what do you want to demonstrate in tomorrow's match?

I think it’s fair to say from my perspective nothing has changed in my beliefs about how my team plays. Obviously we’re trying to do it now in the most difficult league in the world, the most challenging league. It’s got the best managers and the best players and its very competitive, but I still believe we can make an impact playing this type of football, the same way I did when I came to Japan.

Yokohama was a similar in the club in that they were a big club and hadn’t won anything for 14 or 15 years before I came here, and Tottenham are in a similar boat and you understand the significance of winning something for a club that hasn’t won something for a while. But just as important for me is the way do it and the football we play and that’s what we’re trying to build here. Hopefully, with a bit of luck, we’ll repeat the success.

Do you have any Japanese players in mind that you might want to bring to Tottenham, if you can't name them, then just saying yes or no will be enough?

Good try! We're constantly looking. Everyone knows me. I spent close to four years here in Japan. I loved my time here and I really think the J League is a competition that ranks with, apart from maybe the big five or six leagues in Europe, I believe it ranks equal in quality with other leagues. I really believe that Japan is producing some world class players, who are already making their mark on the Premier League. We seen Mitoma go to Brighton and the Premier League and do fantastically well. I took three or four, maybe more, players to Celtic and they're all making an impact. We're constantly looking everywhere. I guess my experience here showed me that you can find quality footballers and footballers who will fit into the style we want to play from anywhere and we're constantly looking. So yes my answer is not yes and not no.

There are many stories of Spurs being linked with Yang Min-yuk, Son is also from Korea, can you share about the status of that transfer and why you want him?

Yeah, again I'm well aware of the quality of the K League. When I was at Celtic we were looking to bring over at least a couple of Korean players at the time and I think they've brought a couple over. Again they 've made a fantastic impact in Europe, a lot of Korean players, none bigger and none better than our own Sonny. He's just an outstanding player and an outstanding person. He's the captain of our club and he's just an outstanding individual, we're super happy to have him at our football club. So yes, we'll be looking far and wide for players and as you rightly said, it is difficult for me to discuss (grins).

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