ESPN

Hugo Lloris believes his former club Tottenham Hotspur have lifted a weight off their shoulders after winning the Europa League and praised Ange Postecoglou for ending their 17-year wait for silverware.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper departed Spurs in February 2024 after making 447 appearances across 11 years and is set to start for Los Angeles FC in Monday's FIFA Club World Cup clash against Chelsea.

Lloris, who previously captained Tottenham, revealed his delight at their 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao last month which ultimately was not enough to convince the Spurs hierarchy to keep Postecoglou after their worst-ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 17th-place finish.

"I am really pleased," Lloris said of Tottenham's triumph. "I am really happy for the club, for the people at the club, for the players.

"We ran many, many years after this trophy and finally they got it and I think they deserve it.

"Hopefully it will make their shoulders a little bit lighter for the future and I think it is also the moment to build on this success for Spurs. Even if I am not a Spurs player, I still follow the news, the team and the results."

Postecoglou was last week replaced by Thomas Frank as head coach and when asked whether the decision surprised him, Lloris said: "No, nothing surprises me in football. But at the same time, it is hard to say something because I am on the other side. I don't know what happened inside the club so it really hard for me to judge.

"If they made this decision it is because they believe there is another option which is better for the future of the club.

"What Ange Postecoglou did was just remarkable. He brought this Europa League trophy, he brought a lot of joy to the Spurs community, a lot of pride as well and we all have to be thankful for that.

"I am not here to discuss about the choice [of Tottenham's new head coach]. He is a well-respected coach, He did an amazing job with Brentford. Now, like every coach, when you arrive in a new club, there is a new environment which you have to embrace. But if the club decided to appoint him, it is probably because they decide it is the best for the future."

Reflecting further on Tottenham's achievement, Lloris continued: "They had a really hard season. They had a lot of injuries as well that affected the team and performances and I think in the second part of the season, it looks like they decided to go all-in for the Europa League.

"They made it and you just have to congratulate them because it is another way to go to the Champions League. At the end of the day, I don't know, if you finish 10th, 14th, 15th, 16th and if you get a chance to win a trophy on the other hand, it is just an amazing achievement.

"I was part of a really competitive team for many years and the target was to reach the top four but at which price? We could not find a way to win a cup, a league cup or even a Europa League cup but we managed to go and get the top four for many years. I don't know, it is all about the optics of the club."

Tottenham Hotspur have signed Mathys Tel on a permanent transfer from Bayern Munich, the Premier League club has announced.

Sources told ESPN that Spurs agreed a fee of €40 million ($46.2m), including bonuses with Bayern for the forward.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Spurs and was part of the team that ended the club's 17-year trophy drought with success in the Europa League.

Tel scored two goals and registered one assist in 13 matches for the north London club.

The France under-21 international's future was unclear after the coach who signed him at Spurs, Ange Postecoglou, was relieved of his duties 16 days after the Europa League final victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.

But Tel has become new boss Thomas Frank's first signing since the former Brentford manager was named as Postecoglou's successor.

Spurs have confirmed that he has signed a contract until 2031.

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich to sign France under-21 international Mathys Tel on a permanent transfer, sources confirmed to ESPN.

After being loaned to Spurs in January with an option to buy of €60 million, the 20-year-old will now move permanently to the Europa League winners for a reduced fee of €40 million, including bonuses, after successful negotiations between the two clubs.

The Paris-born forward had already agreed personal terms with Tottenham and will sign a contract until June 2031.

Tel scored three goals and added one assist in 20 games in all competitions during his loan spell at Spurs. But new manager Thomas Frank made the decision to make him the first signing of his tenure.

Thomas Frank has penned an emotional letter to Brentford following the confirmation of his departure after nine years with the club.

The Danish manager was named the new Tottenham Hotspur boss on Thursday following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou last week.

Frank joined Brentford in 2016 as an assistant manager before being promoted to head coach in 2018. He guided the club to the Premier League in 2021 for the first time in their history and has successfully kept them in the top flight since.

"The time has come for me to move on. But, even as I leave, I know I have left a big piece of my heart at Brentford, not just at the football club but with the community and, of course, the incredible and loyal supporters," he said in a statement on Friday.

"I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one.

"For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community - it's an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.

Brentford were in contention for a first-ever European place finish last season before eventually falling short and ending the season in 10th place.

Their push for Europe was reflective of the way the club Frank once dubbed "just a bus stop in Hounslow" routinely punched above their weight despite their meagre resources.

"Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans," he said.

"Everybody has contributed, and every contribution has been invaluable. I am not just leaving a football club, I am saying goodbye to friends whose support through good and bad times I will carry with me always.

"I would like to say a special word of thanks to [owner] Matthew Benham. His trust and friendship have meant so much and the fact he gave me a chance in English football means I will always owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Matt.

"So, while this is a goodbye, I hope the relationships I have built with everybody will be lasting ones and, of course, we will meet again in the wonderful world of football."

Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Thomas Frank as the club's new head coach after prying the manager away from his previous post at Brentford.

Spurs made the announcement on Thursday.

ESPN reported that Spurs were hopeful of naming Frank, 51, as Ange Postecoglou's successor after also considering Fulham boss Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola.

Postecoglou was sacked just 16 days after leading Spurs to Europa League glory, ending a 17-year wait for silverware with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao.

"In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game," a club statement said. "He has a proven track record in player and squad development and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead."

Postecoglou's achievement in the Europa League was overshadowed by a woeful Premier League season which saw Tottenham finish 17th with 22 defeats, their worst campaign since the club were relegated in 1977.

And Frank has now made the move across London after spending seven years at Brentford. He guided the club to promotion from the Championship in 2021 after Brentford beat Swansea City in the 2021 Championship playoff final.

Under the Danish head coach, Brentford have become an established Premier League team with a reputation for high intensity, forward-thinking football.

In their four Premier League seasons under Frank, Brentford finished 13th, 9th, 16th and 10th. Last term only four teams scored more than their 66 goals.

A keen user of player data, Frank and his backroom staff have proved especially adept at unearthing gems and moving those players on for huge profits, such as forwards Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Saïd Benrahma, plus goalkeeper David Raya

Despite the outgoings, Brentford have managed to remain competitive in the top flight under Frank and last season were in the mix for European qualification.

Forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa scored 39 Premier League goals between them last season and both could well be Spurs targets during the close season.

Frank has gained a reputation for his attention to detail and it is no surprise that his Brentford side scored inside 40 seconds in three successive league games last season.

"We have a kickoff strategy and we tweak it from game to game. And as a mindset and philosophy, we like to get straight on the front foot and be positive," Frank said at the time.

He now faces a completely different challenge at Tottenham and a fast start to his reign will be important to win over fans who felt Postecoglou should have been rewarded for winning a trophy by being given another season at the helm.

Brentford assistant first-team coach Justin Cochrane, head of athletic performance Chris Haslam and first-team analyst Joe Newton are also joining Frank at Spurs, along with Andreas Georgson from Manchester United.

Information from Reuters was used in this story.

Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Thomas Frank as the club's new head coach after prying the manager away from his previous post at Brentford.

Spurs made the announcement on Thursday.

ESPN reported that Spurs were hopeful of naming Frank, 51, as Ange Postecoglou's successor after also considering Fulham boss Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola.

Postecoglou was sacked just 16 days after leading Spurs to Europa League glory, ending a 17-year wait for silverware with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao.

"In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game," a club statement said. "He has a proven track record in player and squad development and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead."

Postecoglou's achievement in the Europa League was overshadowed by a woeful Premier League season which saw Tottenham finish 17th with 22 defeats, their worst campaign since the club were relegated in 1977.

And Frank has now made the move across London after spending seven years at Brentford. He guided the club to promotion from the Championship in 2021 after Brentford beat Swansea City in the 2021 Championship playoff final.

Under the Danish head coach, Brentford have become an established Premier League team with a reputation for high intensity, forward-thinking football.

In their four Premier League seasons under Frank, Brentford finished 13th, 9th, 16th and 10th. Last term only four teams scored more than their 66 goals.

A keen user of player data, Frank and his backroom staff have proved especially adept at unearthing gems and moving those players on for huge profits, such as forwards Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Saïd Benrahma, plus goalkeeper David Raya

Despite the outgoings, Brentford have managed to remain competitive in the top flight under Frank and last season were in the mix for European qualification.

Forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa scored 39 Premier League goals between them last season and both could well be Spurs targets during the close season.

Frank has gained a reputation for his attention to detail and it is no surprise that his Brentford side scored inside 40 seconds in three successive league games last season.

"We have a kickoff strategy and we tweak it from game to game. And as a mindset and philosophy, we like to get straight on the front foot and be positive," Frank said at the time.

He now faces a completely different challenge at Tottenham and a fast start to his reign will be important to win over fans who felt Postecoglou should have been rewarded for winning a trophy by being given another season at the helm.

Brentford assistant first-team coach Justin Cochrane, head of athletic performance Chris Haslam and first-team analyst Joe Newton are also joining Frank at Spurs, along with Andreas Georgson from Manchester United.

Information from Reuters was used in this story.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has described the decision to sack manager Ange Postecoglou as "strange" in light of him ending the club's 17-year trophy drought, adding that it was the "club's choice."

Postecoglou made good on his long-standing record that he would win a trophy in his second season at the club by lifting the Europa League last month. However, it was not enough to save him his job, with the board looking unfavourably on Spurs finishing 17th in the Premier League.

"That was ultimately a choice from the club," he told Voetbal Zone. "We, as players, have little to say about that. Of course, he is the first coach in a long time who has won a trophy and had success at Spurs. So if you look at it that way, it is of course a strange choice.

"It is a choice from the club about which we have little to say, so we will see what happens now. Of course, we see some rumours about the Brentford head coach [Thomas Frank], who it will probably be. So yes, a choice from the club about which we have little to say."

Van de Ven is not the only player to have wished Postecoglou well on his way out. Son Heung-Min, Yves Bissouma, Pedro Porro, Guglielmo Vicario and Dominic Solanke are among the players to have shown their appreciation for the Australian coach.

"I think many of the players got along with [Postecoglou] well. And of course, what I say, he is the first coach who has brought success to Spurs in a long time," Van de Ven added. "That also shows that he has a certain quality. That also means that he has a winning mentality, 100%.

"From that, you would of course say that it is strange that he was fired. What we have shown in the Premier League is, of course, unacceptable. That would, of course, have multiple factors, but that would not only have been the coach."

Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly hopeful of appointing Thomas Frank as their new head coach, sources have told ESPN.

Spurs are expected to step up discussions with Brentford over a compensation package for the 51-year-old, who is willing to move across London and wants to take several backroom staff members with him.

One source told ESPN there is a release fee within Frank's Brentford contract which could be worth more than £10 million ($13.5m).

Talks will center on whether that figure will be met in full or a compromise can be reached but there is now optimism that Frank could soon become Ange Postecoglou's successor.

Postecoglou was sacked on Friday just 16 days after leading Spurs to Europa League glory, ending a 17-year wait for silverware with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao.

The club suffered their worst-ever Premier League season at the same time, slumping to 22 defeats -- a record for a team that was not relegated -- and finished in 17th place.

Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly hopeful of appointing Thomas Frank as their new head coach, sources have told ESPN.

Spurs are expected to step up discussions with Brentford over a compensation package for the 51-year-old, who is willing to move across London and wants to take several backroom staff members with him.

One source told ESPN there is a release fee within Frank's Brentford contract which could be worth more than £10 million ($13.5m).

Talks will center on whether that figure will be met in full or a compromise can be reached but there is now optimism that Frank could soon become Ange Postecoglou's successor.

Postecoglou was sacked on Friday just 16 days after leading Spurs to Europa League glory, ending a 17-year wait for silverware with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao.

The club suffered their worst-ever Premier League season at the same time, slumping to 22 defeats -- a record for a team that was not relegated -- and finished in 17th place.

Tottenham Hotspur players including Son Heung-Min, Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven have paid tribute to Ange Postecoglou following his dismissal on Friday.

Postecoglou was sacked with the club saying a change was necessary in order "to compete on multiple fronts."

The Australian guided Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years, beating Manchester United in last month's Europa League final, a result that also secured Champions League qualification for next season. But also oversaw 22 league defeats -- the worst Premier League record for a team to avoid relegation -- as Tottenham finished 17th.

Son, the Tottenham captain, described Postecoglou as a "legend" and said he was "a better player and a better person" for having worked under the former Celtic and Australia coach.

"Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club," Son said in an Instagram post. "You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did.

"You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

"You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close. I am a better player and a better person because of you.

"Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate."

Vicario was similarly glowing in his tribute, writing on Instagram: "Boss, I just want to say a massive thank you for everything you have done for me and for all of us.

"From that very first call, right from the beginning, you always showed so much belief in me.

"Giving me the opportunity to be part of the leadership group... those moments, and many others, will stay with me forever.

"You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I'll always look up to.

"What we achieved TOGETHER will stay in the history books.

"Wishing you nothing but success as I know you will go on to achieve more and more.

"Thank you, Boss. Forever grateful, Vic."

Solanke, who joined Spurs last summer in a £65 million transfer from Bournemouth, said: "Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy.

"Won't ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure."

Meanwhile, Netherlands defender Van de Van said: "Gaffer, Thank you for everything!

"Believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club. Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us and kept pushing us.

"Big part of the success from the club this year, and forever grateful that u made me part of it.

"All the best."