Football365

It perhaps wasn’t the triumphant evening Thomas Frank envisaged when idly dreaming of his first Champions League dalliance in a 30-year coaching career. Nor was it the stirring realisation of the shackle-releasing home start of the post-Levy era. But for Spurs, a win on their return to a seat at the top European table represented the bare minimum.

A fair bit has changed since they were forcibly removed from these premises. Cristian Romero was the only player who started against both Villarreal and in Spurs’ previous Champions League game almost 30 months ago. The transformation on the pitch has been matched by new regimes in the boardroom and the dugout.

Antonio Conte would officially last just 16 more days in charge after limping out of the competition with a goalless draw at home to AC Milan and continuing to lament how the dishonour of coaching this ludicrous football club had somehow befallen him.

“We cannot invite the win or hope for a miracle one day that a trophy goes into our training ground or pitch,” he said after a must-win game in which his final substitution was bringing Davinson Sanchez on for Dejan Kulusevski in the 83rd minute while chasing a goal.

Ange Postecoglou performed that “miracle” in Bilbao four months ago to secure what might forever remain the most ludicrous qualification in Champions League history, and it was that labour of a season Frank enjoyed the first fruits of here.

That was certainly the case for the first half an hour or so anyway, arguably up to half-time for those of a glass-half-full persuasion.

Spurs scored from their first meaningful foray into the opposition half, Villarreal keeper Luiz Junior absurdly fumbling a straightforward Lucas Bergvall cross into his own net. Then they just gradually sort of stopped, descending into a tempo-less mess of sloppy passes in the middle third, last-ditch defending and periodic Arsenal booing just to feel something.

Nicolas Pepe did his utmost to respond with a couple of efforts which curled just wide and a clever pass which Tajon Buchanan ought to have converted. Then Thomas Partey came on for the final ten minutes to underline the inherent difference between a pantomime villain and, well, a named former Premier League footballer in his 30s.

But really it was a deeply existential experience for Europa League winners who are not at all well-versed in the ways of Gazprom. Six players made their Champions League debut and the furthest this coach had gone in Europe before was the fourth qualifying round of the Europa League a decade ago.

It was a learning curve for the entire squad and staff; Villarreal are a capable team with a strong pedigree on the continent who beat Barcelona away at the end of last season to aid their qualification bid and Spurs struggled at times.

Xavi Simons had to be substituted before he was sent off, Micky van de Ven gambled with the mood of the entire evening by bundling over Georges Mikautadze after Villarreal broke through from the second ball from a throw-in, and the biggest cheer was reserved for Richarlison haring down a short goal kick to concede another short goal kick.

At least he started and probably won’t end up publicly calling this season sh*t.

And really for Spurs this was fine. Another win and clean sheet represents definitive progress. The improvements Frank must make beyond that were as clear and obvious as the mistakes in this most curious refereeing performance and the players will be under no illusions that this fell short of the usual required level.

But the magnitude of the occasion and the idiosyncrasies of the tournament format mean that, for their second successive non-Super Cup European game, the result legitimately outweighed the performance in terms of importance for Spurs. Worra trophy.

Tottenham have reportedly sent scouts to watch a trio of stars from the same Ligue 1 side, and one of them outperformed every other player on the pitch.

Spurs had a good summer in terms of recruitment. After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, they have signed eight players, some of which have immediately bedded into the side.

Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have played regularly, while Xavi Simons made his first start at the weekend, alongside Mathys Tel.

Tottenham are third in the Premier League, but they already have their sights set on some new signings.

According to TBRFootball, they sent scouts to watch Monaco’s last game – a 2-1 win over Auxerre – in order to watch Maghnes Akliouche, Vanderson and Lamine Camara.

It’s believed Akliouche could be back on the radar after Tottenham wanted both him and Vanderson over the summer – the right-back position which the latter of that pair plays in is now of importance to recruit in, too.

Spurs will be happy with what they saw from both men, particularly Vanderson.

According to Fotmob, he was the best player on the field from either side, returning an 8.2 rating as he assisted one goal and had 12 defensive contributions.

Akliouche’s rating of 7.6 was not far behind, as he got on the front foot often, landing the second-highest expected assists score of any player on his side – even higher than Vanderson’s 0.28, who actually assisted one goal.

MORE ON TOTTENHAM FROM F365:

👉Alan Sugar threatens to sue ‘double barrel idiot’ Redknapp and Sky Sports over Tottenham slur

👉 So easy for Spurs as West Ham wilt to another shameful derby surrender

👉 Premier League mood rankings: 14 places between Liverpool and Man Utd

Camara was given just 12 minutes, and had a 6.7 rating. He is already acquainted with Tottenham star Pape Matar Sarr from the Senegalese national team.

Akliouche is able to play either as a winger or an attacking midfielder, and in four games this season he already has two goals and an assist.

Transfer insider David Ornstein recently revealed a feeling within those in the know in football that he can go very far in the game.

“If they pursued a deal for somebody like [Akliouche], I speak to a lot of people in football who think he’s going to be one of the best attacking midfielders around and has outrageous potential,” he said.

Tottenham have been told they “have to” land a midfield star from a European giant, who Thomas Frank wants to secure “as soon as possible.”

Spurs have mad a good start to the Premier League season and some of their summer signings are to thank for that. Indeed, they are currently third in the league, after three wins and one loss from four games.

Mohammed Kudus assisted twice on his league debut for Tottenham, and Joao Palhinha then scored his first goal for the club the next game – a 2-0 win over Manchester City.

Kudus was signed for £55million, while Palhinha is on loan from Bayern Munich, though there’s an option for Spurs to buy him for £27million.

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King thinks the permanent signing has to be made, and it will be great one for the club.

“Palhinha is someone that they have to bring in permanently,” King told Tottenham News.

“He’s such a good player, and it’s been a great bit of business to bring him in on loan.

“When you get a loan player, it’s always a case of whether he will settle and fit into the system. Top players can handle these situations, and he certainly has.

“I would imagine that the £27m would be money well spent. I think they’ll try and get that deal done as quickly as possible, to then get another couple of seasons out of him.”

MORE ON TOTTENHAM FROM F365:

👉Alan Sugar threatens to sue ‘double barrel idiot’ Redknapp and Sky Sports over Tottenham slur

👉 So easy for Spurs as West Ham wilt to another shameful derby surrender

👉 Premier League mood rankings: 14 places between Liverpool and Man Utd

The 30-year-old could have some good seasons ahead of him, and doesn’t seem to be losing his edge.

Palhinha made the most tackles in the Premier League for two seasons in a row while playing for Fulham prior to his move to Bayern, and now back in England, he’s just four behind the leader Moises Caicedo at the moment, but in 116 fewer minutes.

That Palhinha also scored a crucial goal against City suggests he’ll continue to be effective in different facets for Spurs.

He will play his first Champions League match for them against Villarreal on Tuesday, making it his fourth season playing in the competition, after two campaigns with Sporting Lisbon and one with Bayern.

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has suggested it’s likely one of the club’s summer signings will be loaned out already, as he hinted at a rift between him and manager Thomas Frank.

Spurs made eight signings in the summer, with Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus the biggest coups. Among their other signings were the permanent additions of last season’s loanees Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso.

There was an obligation for them to buy Danso, while Tottenham negotiated a £30million deal for Bayern Munich forward Tel after his loan.

Since his permanent move to north London, the Frenchman is yet to score in four games and has been left out of the club’s Champions League squad.

According to former Tottenham scout King, a loan exit might be likely as soon as possible, while a poor relationship with manager Frank could be why Tel isn’t getting opportunities.

“I could see Tel making a loan move,” King told Tottenham News.

“I can’t see the point of paying £30m for a player and then not including him in the Champions League squad.

“There’s obviously more there than what we’ve seen for Frank to make a decision like that. Something’s obviously not right between the two of them.”

Ange Postecoglou was the man who first brought Tel to the club, but he was Frank’s first signing, so he must have signed off on the deal.

MORE ON TOTTENHAM FROM F365:

👉Alan Sugar threatens to sue ‘double barrel idiot’ Redknapp and Sky Sports over Tottenham slur

👉 So easy for Spurs as West Ham wilt to another shameful derby surrender

👉 Premier League mood rankings: 14 places between Liverpool and Man Utd

Fellow Tottenham News insider John Wenham has suggested Tottenham might now be thinking twice about their decision to sign Tel permanently.

He said: “Is there a feeling of hindsight that maybe they should have approached Bayern to take him on loan for a second season rather than committing to the purchase?

“Is there a feeling that the characteristics and style he’s got are quite similar to what we already have in Wilson Odobert, who we’d committed to buy the year before?

“So Tel will have to just knuckle down and work hard now, but obviously, the frustration was there with the level and quality of those finishes for France. And then you watch the disappointing penalty in the Super Cup. It’s frustrating.”

Tottenham return to the Champions League on Tuesday night as Villarreal make the trip to north London for their opening group game.

Thomas Frank’s men head in with confidence after a 3-0 win at West Ham, continuing a strong start that has seen them collect three victories from four Premier League matches.

New arrivals are starting to make their mark, while a defence that has already banked three clean sheets looks a clear strength.

Villarreal slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid at the weekend, though earlier wins over Oviedo and Girona showed their ability to trouble weaker opposition.

It is only three years since they reached the Champions League semi-finals, but consistency has been harder to find since then.

This is the first competitive clash between the clubs, and Thomas Partey’s return to the capital adds extra spice. The former Arsenal midfielder is unlikely to get a warm reception if he plays.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will expect another big European night, and Frank will be keen to show his side belongs at this level.

Tottenham team news

Thomas Frank is still waiting on Dominic Solanke, who has been nursing an ankle injury and may only make the bench.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, and Yves Bissouma are out, while Mathys Tel is ineligible after being left off the squad list.

Even so, Spurs looked comfortable without them in Saturday’s win over West Ham.

Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall both found the net, and Cristian Romero’s return at the back has strengthened the defence.

Richarlison or new signing Randal Kolo Muani will likely spearhead the attack, with Xavi Simons expected to stay on the left after making an instant impact on his debut.

Tottenham expected line-up

(4-3-3) Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons

Villarreal team news

Marcelino is without long-term absentees Willy Kambwala, Pau Cabanes, and Logan Costa, while Gerard Moreno’s hamstring problem makes him a serious doubt.

Ayoze Perez is also struggling and could miss out.

That places more responsibility on Nicolas Pepe, who has started the season in strong form and was recently named La Liga’s Player of the Month.

His direct running will be key if Moreno is unavailable.

Former Spurs defender Juan Foyth should line up at the back, and summer signing Georges Mikautadze is pushing to establish himself up front.

Villarreal expected line-up

(4-4-2) Junior; Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Pepe, Gueye, Parejo, Moleiro; Perez, Mikautadze

How to watch and listen

Tottenham vs Villarreal will be shown live in the UK on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting from 7pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off.

BBC Radio 5 Live will provide live commentary for UK listeners.

Tottenham vs Villarreal stats

– This is the first meeting between Tottenham and Villarreal in European competition.

– Spurs have won just one of their last 13 games against Spanish opposition in Europe.

– Villarreal have never beaten an English club in the Champions League, drawing six and losing eight.

– Tottenham have won their last two Champions League openers at home, against Marseille and Dortmund.

– Villarreal’s last Champions League match was a semi-final loss to Liverpool in 2022.

– Juan Foyth made his Champions League debut for Spurs in 2017 and now faces them with Villarreal.

Tottenham vs Villarreal predictions

Tottenham return to the Champions League in good shape, but this is the first real test for Thomas Frank on the European stage.

Three victories and three clean sheets in the league underline Spurs’ progress. The defence looks stronger and new signings such as Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani are beginning to bed in.

Villarreal’s domestic form has been mixed, but Nicolas Pepe has started superbly. Two goals, an assist, and a Player of the Month award make him the standout threat.

Both teams have enough in attack to trouble each other. Spurs should create plenty at home, but Villarreal’s front line is lively and difficult to contain.

Pepe’s numbers also catch the eye. He is averaging three shots per game in La Liga, and with Gerard Moreno doubtful, he is likely to be the main outlet again.

Spurs are favourites, but they are missing depth, and this is a big step up for Frank’s side. Villarreal have enough experience to make it awkward and could pinch a result.

Former England striker Gary Lineker is “really worried” about the future of Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after being “dismissed” by Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils lost the Manchester Derby 3-0 to Man City on Sunday with Phil Foden scoring in the first half to give Pep Guardiola’s side the lead before Erling Haaland added two more after the break.

Man Utd now have just four points from their opening four Premier League matches of the season, reminiscent of the form they showed in their last campaign.

Amorim is coming under a lot of pressure to improve performances and one of the biggest recent criticism of the Man Utd boss is his treatment of Mainoo.

The Portuguese head coach publicly suggested that Mainoo would be competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a place in the side this season, which led to the England international seeking a move away at the end of the transfer window.

That annoyed the Man Utd hierarchy and a report last week claimed that the Red Devils hierarchy are ‘wanting Amorim to tone down his emotional public outbursts’.

READ: Amorim sack moves closer as he goads Man Utd into action after derby mauling

Mainoo has only played 73 minutes of Premier League football this season with his one start coming in the League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.

After watching Mainoo come off the bench against Man City in the Manchester Derby on Sunday, Lineker has admitted that he is worried about the England international’s future.

Lineker told The Rest is Football podcast: “It really worries me the way that Kobbie Mainoo has almost been dismissed.

“He’s such an incredible young talent, a local boy doing really well.

“I thought when he came on he did quite well. I don’t get it.

“I don’t know whether there’s something we don’t know about but it’s slightly baffling to me.”

MORE MANCHESTER UNITED COVERAGE ON F365…

👉 16 Conclusions from Man City 3-0 Man Utd: Haaland, Foden, Doku joy, but more grim United misery

👉 Man Utd are ‘corrupting gas’ that ruins every player and manager

👉 Rashford ‘wonder’ moment and ‘fantastic’ Onana debut rub salt into weeping Man Utd wounds

Tottenham showed their interest in Mainoo in the summer transfer window and Flashscore insist that Spurs are ‘continuing to monitor the situation’ of the Man Utd youngster ‘as uncertainty lingers over his long-term future at Old Trafford’.

The report adds: ‘Sources indicate that they remain extremely keen and see Mainoo as a player who ticks a number of boxes for the profile of midfielder they want to add to their squad.

‘Spurs are building towards an ambitious 2026 and believe their project would prove appealing if the player decides to consider his options.’

And ‘there is every chance this saga will gather momentum in the months ahead’ if Amorim continues to bench Mainoo with the Man Utd midfielder looking for game time in order to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.

Jamie Redknapp is a ‘double barrel idiot’ according to Lord Alan Sugar, who threatened to sue the pundit over his claim that Tottenham was a “complete mess” before Daniel Levy took charge.

Levy left the club after 25 years of service during the international break, and while Tottenham’s official statement claimed he had ‘stepped down’, it was later claimed that he had been pushed from the club.

The 63-year-old has been heavily criticised by Spurs fans through much of his tenure over his failure to turn profits off the pitch into results and silverware on it, and it’s thought his exit is in large part down to the club’s desire to now focus on the football.

Levy has overseen the development and move into a new £1.2bn stadium, as well as a state-of-the-art training ground, but Spurs won just two trophies in that time – the League Cup in 2008 and the Europa League last season.

Sugar, who was at Spurs for the decade before Levy’s arrival, was in charge for the FA Cup win in 1991 and the League Cup victory in 1999.

But Redknapp claimed Sugar left Tottenham in a “complete mess” and praised the “great job” Levy has done to turn the club around and set them up for success.

“I have been critical of Daniel Levy, there were a few highs I didn’t like in how he operated,” Redknapp, 52, said ahead of kick-off.

“But in terms of the training ground, the facilities, the infrastructure and [building] one of the best football stadiums in the world, he has done a great job there… You think back to Alan Sugar, how he left the club was a complete mess.

“Daniel Levy has left it in a really great way and [chief executive] Vinai [Venkatesham] will know that, and the people that are in charge now will really look at this club and think it can go forward.”

MORE TOTTENHAM COVERAGE ON F365

👉 So easy for Spurs as West Ham wilt to another shameful derby surrender

👉 Premier League mood rankings: 14 places between Liverpool and Man Utd

Sugar took to X just 21 minutes after Sky posted a clip of Redknapp’s comments, threatening legal action against the pundit and the broadcaster.

He wrote: ‘Jamie Redknapp is a double barrel idiot. He talks a load of rubbish.

‘He said when Daniel Levy took over Spurs Alan Sugar left the club in a right mess. He and Sky will be hearing from my lawyers Monday @redknapp.’

The account that Sugar tagged belongs to Harry Redknapp, Jamie’s father. Sugar got it right in a subsequent post, warning: ‘I am coming after you @MrJamieRedknapp idiot.’

If there’s one thing more shameful to wear in east London than a half-and-half scarf this weekend, it’s probably a West Ham one.

With their second miserable home London derby defeat in a season that is a mere four games old, the Hammers reasserted themselves as the Premier League’s crisis club.

Wolves may have no points and Aston Villa haven’t scored a goal. But while fans in the Midlands may be feeling pretty glum, the Irons are back in irate mood. With good reason.

West Ham supporters are desperate for a change in leadership with one group, Hammers United, calling on fellow fans to protest against the owners before they face Crystal Palace next week, prior to boycotting the clash with Brentford altogether.

Potter enjoyed a fortnight’s respite through the international break after the 3-0 win at Forest which seemed to take him by surprise as much as anyone. But with home fans at the London Stadium seeking more conclusive proof that a corner had been turned, all they saw was side revert to the fast track to the Championship.

This was not a game of two halves, rather three thirds. The first offered some encouragement that the hosts might build on that Forest win. They could reasonably claim to have been the better side in an entirely forgettable opening period, memorable only for yet more questionable officiating.

Spurs’ only threat came from set-pieces and so badly were West Ham flailing under corners that Jarred Gillett gave them a sympathy call. The referee looked thoroughly unconvinced that an offence had occurred when a claret shirt hit the deck prior to Cristian Romero heading home from almost under the bar, but a foul was given anyway. John Brooks on VAR went with Gillet’s gut, describing a ‘two-handed push’ from Micky van der Ven that didn’t happen. If anything, the Spurs defender was shoved into Kyle Walker-Peters by a panicking Mateus Fernandes.

F365’S 3PM BLACKOUT: Woltemade makes big impression while Leeds suffer hilarious new low in London

Rather than being buoyed by their let off, the Hammers shrank. Spurs assumed control and never looked like losing it.

The opener came from another corner two minutes into the second half. West Ham seemed to take the view that you can’t lose a physical battle you don’t engage in, leaving Pape Sarr with the freedom of the far post. This was not a cleverly-contrived routine. Sarr merely stood still, with little need for blocking around him, before crashing an unchallenged header past Mads Hermansen.

The following 10 minutes saw West Ham wilt entirely. Tomas Soucek’s red card for ripping Joao Palhinha’s sock to ribbons was a blow, sure. But when the red card was waved, so was the white flag.

There were three minutes between Soucek’s dismissal and Lucas Bergvall’s first Premier League goal, but almost that entire period was lost to the Czech’s slow, apologetic departure. Once play restarted, West Ham were undone by three passes, the last being a simple chip over a disorganised, disheartened defence for Bergvall to place a free header beyond Hermansen’s reach.

Potter’s defence were not done disgracing themselves. Seven minutes later, Bergvall wandered into the box before teeing up Van der Van. Despite the presence of eight defenders, in body but not spirit, the Spurs centre-back was allowed to pick his spot.

It had already become a damage limitation exercise, with West Ham possessing neither the guts or guile to bother Spurs a man light. Many if not most home fans made for the exit, sparing Potter and his players a furious reaction. Those who were left greeted the sweet release of the final whistle with a whimper. And when West Ham fans have lost the will to scorn…

Some consolation: Spurs didn’t score five, as Chelsea did last month. And Mohamed Kudus was unsuccessful in his late quest to score against his former side.

Those, though, are tiny crumbs of comfort for a fanbase watching local rivals take the p*ss on their patch on an almost weekly basis while their owners sit idly by.

Middle Eastern and US groups are competing to take over Tottenham after Daniel Levy left his role as Spurs executive chairman, according to reports.

Levy left his role as Tottenham executive chairman last week with the Essex-born businessman insisting he was “incredibly proud” of his work during his long tenure in north London.

It has been speculated that Levy’s departure from Tottenham is now an indication that owners ENIC are now open to the possibility of selling the club.

There are currently no changes in the ownership of the club with Levy remaining part of ENIC, who have a 86.91 per cent stake in the north London outfit.

Football Insider claim that potential investors in Spurs think ‘there is a “huge” opportunity to improve the club’s revenues after exploring a takeover deal’.

The report adds: ‘Sources say investors are particularly interested in Tottenham due to the significant potential to increase the club’s revenues.

READ: Nuno sack among most brutal mid-season Premier League axeings, including ‘absolutely ridiculous’ Ferguson blast

‘It is understood the commercial opportunities with the NFL games and concerts as well as the scope for further development around the club’s stadium is attracting interested parties.’

But who are the potential investors? Well, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has revealed that he’s “heard” from sources that there is “a duel between a Gulf group and an American group” for Tottenham.

Wyness told Football Insider: “You’ve got to look at every single word in these statements because I think there is something going on.

“I know they even appointed Rothschild as advisors about bringing investment in, about doing sales. I have heard very good rumours from sources of a duel between a Gulf group and an American group very recently, vying to get control. Numbers that are eye-watering in terms of the offers, and there is no smoke without fire.

MORE ON TOTTENHAM ON F365…

👉 Six Tottenham, Celtic stars reassigned to Nottingham Forest post-Postecoglou replacing Nuno

👉 How Nottm Forest stars reacted to Postecoglou appointment as ex-Spurs boss eyes £91.4m quartet

👉 Daniel Levy robs Spurs fans of pantomime villain if the circus opens again…

“There’s certainly been something going on. Is this a negotiating tactic from the Lewis family? We just don’t know. I’ve heard rumours that Daniel had been blocking some of the investment coming in.

“Could there just be a minority investment situation coming in that could then lead to somebody having the rights to buy it later on?

“So in all these things, while they say there’s no sale being discussed, it doesn’t mean to say they’re not looking at bringing in partners or investment or that they may have an offer that they can’t refuse.”

There have been lots of rumours as to why Levy left when he did with football finance expert Stefan Borson insisting that there seems to have “been some kind of dispute or fall-out”.

Borson added on Football Insider: “I don’t think it’s a planned thing from his perspective.

“I think effectively it looks like there’s been some kind of dispute or fall-out, and he’s been the victim of that and now we’ll have to see how it pans out.

“In terms of positions, it was always unusual from April that they would have an executive chair in Daniel Levy and a chief executive because usually you have one or the other.

“Usually, what you would have if you have a chief executive would be a non-executive chairman.

“While we’ve had Daniel Levy as executive chairman and a CEO, there’s always been this kind of strange question mark over where does one person’s remit end and another’s begin?

“So, the more natural move following the appointment of the CEO in April would have been for Daniel Levy to become non-executive chairman, but Charrington has become non-executive chairman and Daniel Levy has gone completely.”

Has Ange Postecoglou caught the pragmatism bug? His ‘first’ big decision at Nottingham Forest shows clear signs of growth post-Tottenham Hotspur…

The significant step to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, following the harshest of sackings, with Postecoglou is typical of overbearing owner Evangelos Marinakis, who is intent on turning Nottm Forest into one of the best teams in the Premier League.

Nuno was always likely to be sacrificed during this journey amid his pragmatic approach, though he would have lasted a bit longer had it not been for his widely reported falling-out with Marinakis and transfer supremo Edu.

But the return of chaos at the City Ground has allowed Marinakis to usher in a seismic change with the appointment of Postecoglou.

Nuno and Postecoglou could not be further apart in terms of footballing philosophies, with this appointment making it clear that Marinakis wants an entertaining and more fluid brand of football, as well as the possibility of winning silverware with a self-professed trophy specialist.

Though it is a bold move to bring in Postecoglou at a time when Forest’s squad is very much catered towards a head coach in the mould of Nuno, so early teething issues, at the very least, are to be expected until the club evolves to fit the former Spurs and Celtic boss.

READ: Six Tottenham, Celtic stars reassigned to Nottingham Forest post-Postecoglou replacing Nuno

So, it is reassuring that Postecoglou’s ‘first’ big decision regarding his ‘playing style’, according to The Daily Mail, shows that he is willing to adapt.

The report claimed:

‘Daily Mail Sport understands that at least initially, Postecoglou is unlikely to overhaul the playing style completely, though there will necessarily be certain tweaks.

‘It would be quite a risk to ask Forest to play totally differently at Emirates Stadium, yet the intensity is thought to have gone up a couple of notches in the initial training drills, with plenty of ball work.’

MORE NOTTM FOREST COVERAGE ON F365…

👉 Forest go for Postecoglou chaos, but Mourinho might actually be less mad choice

👉 Nottingham Forest screwed it; even fans hope ‘owner gets everything he deserves’

👉 Nottm Forest: Nuno ‘final straw’ revealed as two factors ‘sealed’ sack with ‘departure engineered’

Postecoglou cannot be expected to fully divert from his preferred approach, especially as this is one reason for his appointment, but he is at least showing self-awareness and a willingness to adapt with a gradual implementation of his playing style.

Ruben Amorim has shown at Man Utd how badly it can go when a head coach attempts to make drastic changes overnight after being appointed mid-season, so Postecoglou is wise to avoid a similar mistake at Forest.

This decision also indicates that he has learned from his spell at Tottenham and is looking to kick on from perhaps his finest managerial achievement: winning last season’s Europa League.

In the Premier League, Spurs were a shambles and their 17th-place finish was all that they deserved, with their severe injury crisis only partly to blame.

However, Postecoglou knew that their priority was the Europa League at the end of the campaign, and he put all of his focus on that competition.

This paid off as Spurs ended their trophy drought by beating a very poor Man Utd side to clinch the Europa League, with Postecoglou’s adaptability one of the most impressive aspects of that final as he masterfully did a job on Amorim’s team.

Such versatility will be required to weather the storm at Forest before we get Ange-ball in full effect…