Hotspur HQ

After Spurs had two extremely rare weeks off, the intense schedule is about to begin again. Although Ange's side do not have a game this weekend, due to the FA Cup fifth round, they are still going to have a lot of playing twice a week.

Next week, less than 72 hours after playing AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League over in the Netherlands, they will be facing AFC Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Very tricky game, as we saw in the reverse fixture.

However, Spurs have been given a boost before the game - the impressive, Spurs linked defender, Ilias Zabarnyi, is going to miss the game. The defender was sent off in Bournemouth's 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves last weekend, for a studs up challenge. The South Coast club appealed for the suspension to be rescinded, but they had no luck - and he is set to miss their next three games.

Bournemouth to be without a key defender when they visit Spurs next week

The first of those games will be tonight away to Brighton and Hove Albion, the second will be in a repeat of the game against Wolves in the FA Cup this weekend, and the third will be against Spurs next weekend.

No doubt about it, Zabarnyi has been really good for Andoni Iraola's side, and he will be a big loss for them in North London. That said, his partner, Dean Hujisen - whom has also been linked with a move to Spurs - is also an extremely good player.

As for who comes in for the defender - Argentina international Marcos Senesi was a regular in the team before the partnership of Zabaryni and Hujisen - but he is also injured, and has been since November. Spurs esque luck. The much less experienced, and just simply not as good, James Hill could well come in at centre half for the game at Spurs. That is what they have gone with tonight, at least.

On the flip side of all of this, striker Evanilson, who has been injured since the beginning of January, was back on the bench for the defeat to Wolves, and is on the bench again tonight - so by the time the game comes around next week, could be in contention to at least play some part of the game.

Nevertheless, some big news for Spurs this. Let's wait and see what happens in the end.

According to a recent report from TBR Football, the agent of highly promising AFC Bournemouth defender, Dean Huijsen, has spoken to Tottenham Hotspur - as well as Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United - with Spanish giants Real Madrid also said to have an interest in the player.

Agent of Dean Hujsen has been in contact with Spurs and numerous other clubs

It has been reported that the defender has a release clause of £55m, so should that be activated - the South Coast club will have no room to negotiate, and it will be down to the player to decide his own future.

There is, admittedly, the possibility that he signs a new contract before the summer. The chances of that deal not including a release clause are highly improbable, but it could well be with a higher fee - though how much more the player is willing to let it increase to - is another question altogether.

Whether £55m or more, Andoni Iraola's side will be making a huge profit on Huijsen either way, having signed him for just £12 million from Juventus last summer - having played just 525 Serie A minutes on loan at AS Roma in the second half of last season.

Needless to say, the teenager has seriously impressed with his performances this season, with Bournemouth consistently exceeding expectations, sitting in sixth place at the moment. Back in December, he scored the only goal of the game, as the Cherries defeated Spurs 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.

Aside from his goal, it was a dominant all round performance, with the defender recording; ten clearances, one blocked shot, one interception, four tackles, and all five of his duels won, to help his team to a clean sheet.

In terms of profile, Hujisen is a very complete player. Despite standing at around 6'5 tall, he is a very quick player, who can cover a lot of ground. He is also very good on the ball, and ranks as one of the best carriers in the Premier League. He would be an absolutely great fit for Spurs.

In Tottenham’s last two matches, several players have received widespread acclaim from the media.

Given the ups and downs the Spurs have faced this season, there hadn't been many supporters celebrating their performances.

However, even players who are just beginning to gain prominence in the squad, such as Djed Spence, have been recognised by analysts and the press.

In their Premier League clash against Manchester United, midfielder James Maddison managed to break the cycle.

Maddison's goal against United was an impressive feat, one that did not go unnoticed by his teammate Dejan Kulusevski.

Dejan Kulusevski praises teammate James Maddison

Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t The Spurs Web), Dejan Kulusevski said of Maddison:

"He’s a very talented player; always when he plays, he’s going to make good things happen. We want him on the pitch because he’s a great, great player."

Dejan Kulusevski also acknowledged Maddison’s positive influence in the dressing room: "He’s also a great guy to have in the squad and he treats everyone really well – the younger and older players.

"He’s a great guy who I learn stuff from. The way he acts, I think it’s great how he respects everybody, how he talks and tries to get everyone involved. I’ve been learning things from him."

James Maddison is a great influence on Spurs

Currently one of the club’s senior midfielders, Maddison has faced criticism for his recent performances. However, this has not stopped him from striving to make a difference.

Maddison's goal against United, which secured Spurs’ victory, was a prime example—his celebration was a direct response to those who had doubted him.

Another standout moment was his assist for Djed Spence in the match against Ipswich, where he showcased great footwork and remarkable confidence.

As Kulusevski pointed out, Maddison can serve as an inspiration for the younger players coming through the ranks, such as Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.

So far in the 2024/25 season, Maddison has featured in 32 matches across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists.

With the quality and leadership he brings, the 28-year-old English midfielder is proving to be a key figure in Spurs’ ambitions, and with hard work, the team is confident they can achieve their goals.

At a club where injuries to key players are more prevalent than ever, good news is always welcome.

Several top players have been sidelined for months due to injuries, causing growing concern among fans.

Some of the players who have recently faced injuries include defender Micky van de Ven, striker Dominic Solanke, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario (who has now returned to action), and defender Cristian Romero.

Speaking of Cristian Romero, reports have now confirmed that he has been spotted training again with Spurs.

Cristian Romero seen training with Tottenham

According to a series of photos published by Shutterstock, the Argentine has been seen training alongside his first-team teammates.

For most of the season, Romero has been unavailable to help the North London club secure victories.

In fact, the 26-year-old has not played for the team since December last year, but that could soon change.

A few days ago, Dr. Rajpal Brar explained why Cristian Romero’s recovery has been so complex and why the club needed to prioritise a slow rehabilitation process.

Brar said: "What makes this tricky is the area of the injury – the quadriceps, there are a lot of demands on these muscles plus depending on the specifics, can also be involved in hip flexion."

Although Brar had anticipated that Romero would not return to training for a few more weeks, we hope the player is in peak condition as he prepares to make his comeback.

Cristian Romero not ready to return to action just yet

Speaking of returning to training, Cristian Romero was previously seen training briefly in January but then disappeared from sessions afterward.

Understandably, Romero is not expected to feature in Wednesday’s match against Manchester City, but at least we can be sure that his return is on the horizon.

And while Romero is just one of several injured players gradually making their way back onto the pitch, a few others remain unable to contribute to the cause.

If Tottenham's recent Premier League victories have given fans hope, the potential departure of Daniel Levy is an even greater source of optimism.

However, this may not happen anytime soon, as reports suggest Levy has no plans to step aside.

The Tottenham chairman has been at the centre of controversy ever since Spurs supporters began protesting, expressing their frustration and desire for a change in management.

As a result, public opinion has been overwhelmingly in favour of his departure.

Glenn Hoddle doubts Daniel Levy will step down at Tottenham

Commenting on the matter, former Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle has shared his thoughts.

Speaking to Football London, Hoddle stated: "I don’t think it’s a scenario to get Daniel Levy out at the moment.

"What I would say is that the problem with building a stadium, which is a magnificent stadium, to get the training ground built which any player in the world would want to be in that environment, now there's two aspects to it," the former Spurs boss continued.

"The emphasis for me has got to be, 100 per cent, 110 per cent, the squad. Build a squad that justifies the stadium," Hoddle argued.

"That stadium deserves to have a wonderful team for Tottenham's future, winning trophies. Fans would be happy. What a great environment to go and watch a football game with the atmosphere. That's the vision that the club should have."

Fans remain unhappy with the club’s management

It had previously been speculated that Daniel Levy was willing to take a step back and relinquish control of Tottenham if it was in the club’s best interest, but these rumours appear to have been nothing more than false reports.

There have also been claims that Qatari investors are keen on taking an influential role within the club, which many interpreted as a sign that Levy would be replaced.

However, for now, this remains mere speculation, and it seems unlikely that he will be leaving his position.

What is certain is that supporters are running out of patience with the chairman, making their frustrations clear through protests and chants at matches.

Although recent victories have brought a degree of calm, the underlying discontent remains.

If Levy truly wants to enact change, he must improve the club’s transfer market strategy by targeting high-profile players, acknowledge the fans' concerns, and be open to the necessary adjustments the club requires.

As Tottenham prepare to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Wednesday, fans continue to speculate about the future of the boss.

Despite a 1-4 victory over Ipswich, Spurs remain at a crossroads regarding whether Ange Postecoglou will be replaced.

But before diving into that, let’s recap some key updates from this week.

Reports suggest that Spurs have opened initial talks with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur over a new contract. The Uruguayan has had both impressive and challenging moments at the club, making his renewal a topic of interest.

Meanwhile, former Middlesbrough manager and mentor to Djed Spence has commented on the young defender’s recent performances and how much he has improved.

Now, back to Spurs' managerial situation—Paul Robinson has suggested that Postecoglou will remain in charge.

Ange Postecoglou deserves a fair chance at Spurs

Amid this uncertainty, former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has shared his thoughts on the Australian’s future.

Speaking to Tottenham News, Robinson stated that, despite the team’s struggles with consistency, there is no reason to make such a drastic managerial change.

Additionally, the former goalkeeper pointed out that during the last transfer window, Postecoglou was not given enough resources to strengthen the squad, making it more reasonable to focus on improving with the current players.

"I think he’s in the job until the end of the season in all honesty," said Robinson. "I think he deserves that opportunity, because there’s no managers available who would jump out and go, that’s the one for us."

"He’s had 12 players injured, probably eight of them would start every game if you like. So you look at how his hands have been tied. For me, he’s there until the end of the season," Robinson concluded.

The potential candidates to become Tottenham’s next manager

Of course, Tottenham’s injury crisis is no secret, and it would be unfair to place the blame solely on Postecoglou.

Despite ongoing rumours linking Spurs with a managerial change—potentially bringing in Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola—Postecoglou remains focused on leading the club forward.

Another candidate to replace Postecoglou, who has been strongly linked with Spurs, is Simone Inzaghi, the current Inter Milan manager.

Unlike Iraola, Inzaghi has been mentioned more frequently in reports.

But for now, with a crucial Europa League fixture just around the corner, the Australian manager must give his all in pursuit of silverware.

According to a report from journalist Sami Mokbel, Tottenham Hotspur have opened “preliminary talks” regarding the extension of midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur’s contract at the club.Â

Spurs begin preliminary talks with Rodrigo Bentancur over new contract

Although he is not out of contract this coming summer, his existing deal does expire in the summer of 2026, so with under 18 months remaining, we can expect something sooner rather than later. With twelve months remaining this summer, it feels like the club would want to either extend his contract, or cash in whilst they are still able to.Â

So far this season, Bentancur has played in 16 Premier League games, starting 13 of those. That number would have probably been more if not for the ban — you get the feeling that, when available, Ange trusts him as his pivot over Yves Bissouma.Â

The win over Manchester United last week probably summed up the midfielder well. On the ball he was cool and calm, often evading the United press. Off the ball, he was often overran, which contributed to Ruben Amorim’s side being able to create chances.Â

He is a good player, there is little doubt about that. However, he is not a defensive midfielder. It has been said so many times before, but Spurs desperately need a player in there who can put out fires. It is a player needed in any team, but particularly to balance things in a system as offensive minded as Spurs’.Â

Interestingly, Bissouma will also have 12 months remaining on his contract this summer. Again, another player who is not an out and out defensive midfielder. Will Spurs keep both players, whilst signing a natural fit on top? That wouldn’t be terrible, but is it realistic? Will one have to leave for it to happen? If one had to leave, it should be the Malian international.Â

Whilst Bentancur is not without faults of his own, Bissouma has shown time and time again that he cannot be trusted. He is 28-years old, the peak of his career, and skipper for his national team — yet Ange has not given him the armband once. That is pretty telling. This is not to attack the player, rather just objectively analysing the situation.Â

Overall verdict would be that this is fine, as long as it comes as well as the signing of a pure defensive midfielder, rather than instead of. If that is the case, then it is hard to have much issue. Don’t see why both an extension for Bentancur and the signing of a six can’t happen, but let’s see.

On Saturday afternoon, Tottenham Hotspur won 4-1 against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, to secure three consecutive Premier League wins for the first time this season, and since December 2023.

With it, there were plenty of top performances - but it is Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson - whom scored three of Spurs' four goals - that have been recognised with a place in Alan Shearer's official Premier League team of the week.

Two Tottenham Hotspur players in Alan Shearer's team of the week

The whole XI reads as (343); Alisson; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Spence, Oliver Scarles; Johnson, Dominik Szoboszlai, Marco Asensio, Georginio Rutter; Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Jarrod Bowen. Aside from the two Spurs players, you would have to say that the three West Ham United players completely deserve their place. They picked up an impressive win somewhere, if memory serves.A

As for the two Spurs players, it is hard to argue with either selection. The goalscoring instinct from Johnson for his first goal in particular shows just what Spurs missed in his absence. Although Spurs did win two league games during his spell out, and still scored two in the defeat at Everton - that FA Cup defeat at Villa was surely where he was missed the most. Ange's side created a fair bit that day, and you feel with Johnson, may have at least forced extra-time.

This brace takes the Welshman to nine Premier League goals this season in 1587 minutes, which equates to 17.6 90's. In short, he is scoring a goal at a rate slightly better than one goal in two games, from the wing. You can say what you want about his general game, and all of that, but he is objectively one of Spurs' most productive players.

As for Spence, well he just continues to impress. The turnaround he has had has been nothing short of remarkable. After moving back to his more natural position of right-back for the first 65 minutes, he went back to left-back, where he has often played this season - when Pedro Porro came on. Within a quarter of an hour, he had scored his first goal in Spurs colours. Swiss army knife of a player.

To have a player this good both defensively, and on the ball, is a real weapon to have. Although the goal was perhaps a bit fortunate due to the deflection, he also had 71 touches of the ball, and completed 2/2 dribbles. Off the ball, he made one clearance, one interception, one tackle, won 5/7 ground duels, and was not dribbled past once.

Two very well deserved inclusions.

Seventeen years ago today, Tottenham Hotspur lifted what is now known as the Carabao Cup, and then the Carling Cup, when they defeated Chelsea, with a 2-1 win after extra time at Wembley. It was the last piece of silverware the club won - which is why the importance of this season's Europa League cannot be stressed enough.

Spurs overcome Chelsea at Wembley, on this day, all the way back in 2008

For the big game, Juande Ramos opted for a line up of; Paul Robinson; Alan Hutton, Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King, Pascal Chimbonda; Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Jenas, Didier Zokora, Steed Malbranque; Robbie Keane, and Dimitar Berbatov.

Just seconds into the game, Spurs had a chance to score, after a stray pass from a Chelsea defender, but Keane struck wide of the goal. Not long later, following a set piece, a Chimbona header struck the bar.

Despite a positive start to the game from Spurs, Chelsea would take the lead, just over five minutes before half-time, as Didier Drogba left Robinson completely flat footed from a free-kick. He had gone close from a free-kick minutes earlier, so the warning signs had been there.

With twenty minutes remaining, Wayne Bridge handled the ball in the area when tussling for the ball with substitute Tom Huddlestone, and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Berbatov, the coolest man in the stadium, sending Petr Cech the wrong way to level the game.

In the closing minutes of the game, Zokora intercepted a Frank Lampard pass, playing the ball to Keane, whose return pass put the Ivorian through on goal. However, his shot was tame, and saved by Cech - before firing the rebound off target. Many people thought that would end up costing Spurs. That would be that for the 90 minutes, and we went into extra time.

Just a couple of minutes into the additional 30, Spurs were awarded a free-kick inside the Chelsea half. From there, Jenas whipped a ball into the box, with a Woodgate header hitting Cech, back onto the defender, and into the back of the net. Pretty poor goalkeeping, and defending, but a great ball in and a great header.

Minutes later in extra time, Lampard tried to catch out Robinson at his near post from a free kick, that most had assumed would have been a cross. Good way to redeem himself for being caught flat footed for the opener.

From there, Spurs saw the game out relatively comfortably - even though the fans would have felt anything but comfortable - and won what remains to this day the club's last trophy. How amazing would it be to have that feeling again, in Bilbao, at the end of May.

This weekend brought one of those treasured situations on the Tottenham side of North London: a win for Spurs and a defeat for our neighbors Arsenal.

West Ham got the surprise with a deserved win against a strangely flat (at least in the first half) Arsenal.

This season of course is long gone for any hope of Spurs catching Arsenal who now will find it very difficult themselves to catch Liverpool following their win at City.

No, our eyes are more towards the very mid of mid-table (though at least clear of the relegation places, which wasn't quite the case just a few weeks ago).

Spurs winning at Ipswich shouldn't count a shock, but I also did not have us as strong favorites at Portman Road.

Ipswich have been a little unlucky not to have more points this season, have already beaten us once, and could have been 3-0 up in the first 5 minutes.

Liam Delap could have had a hat trick before we even really got into the match. I don't think he can take a throw-in as well as Rory Delap could, but he was a threat all game, and is having a great season despite his team's league position.

As it turned out, the 85 minutes that followed were one of our stronger performances of recent weeks.

Even after conceding to let Ipswich back in the game, we kept our composure. Kevin Danso particularly had a solid game at the back.

So too Djed Spence. We still miss Van de Ven and Romero a lot, particularly Mickey's unrivaled pace, but Danso has started well after signing in January. It was good to see James Maddison play an effective role as well.

It was a very good weekend in general for away teams in the premier league. A lot of away wins by teams near to us in the table.

Chelsea dropped points again, though it still looks like a bit of a gap too far for us to catch them. With 12 games left, it seems we are pushing for top half at best, but you never know.

One question fans of Spurs and others could be asking of their club is if Marco Asensio was available in January, why didn't we try to sign him? I think Villa have made a great transfer there.

So, high importance for the rest of this season for the Europa League. With that in mind, our opponents AZ Alkmaar won 1-0 today and currently sit 4th in the Eredivisie.

Although we have already beaten AZ Alkmaar once in the Europa League this season, and I am glad we avoided Real Sociedad, Troy Parrott starting up front for our opponents is a potential concern when we play.

Or maybe I am worrying unencessarily? I mean, former players never come back to score or play blinders against Spurs, right?

As for any Diamond Lights re-release or a Hoddle & Waddle Greatest Hits tribute? No news today, but I'll be sure to cover it should either of those dream scenarios receive any updates.