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Harry Redknapp: I spoke to Daniel Levy, he said 'I would bring you back' to Tottenham

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Harry Redknapp: I spoke to Daniel Levy, he said 'I would bring you back' to Tottenham - ESPN
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Harry Redknapp has revealed a phone call with Daniel Levy, claiming the former Tottenham Hotspur chairman would bring him back as manager if he was still in charge.

Igor Tudor will still be in the Tottenham dugout for their next fixture against Liverpool, sources told ESPN, despite a dreadful 5-2 loss against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League which included the substitution of goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky after 17 minutes.

Tottenham are 16th in the Premier League, just a point above the relegation zone.

Tudor was appointed as manager until the end of the season after Thomas Frank was sacked but hasn't yet overseen an improvement in results.

Former manager Redknapp, now 79, has put his name back into the mix.

"I got a phone call last week from Daniel, funnily enough," Redknapp told talkSPORT.

"I think I spoke to him once since I left all that time ago, and I was in the car last week and suddenly the phone goes, it's Daniel Levy.

"I thought 'that's strange' and I was on the phone to him for about half hour, chatting to him and he was explaining what happened to him, and how he got marched out of there, which was really strange.

"And he did say to me: 'If I was there now, and I'm not just saying it, I would bring you back in until the end of the season, Harry' -- so it would have been interesting."

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- Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois reveals message of support for Tottenham's under-fire goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky

Levy left his role at Tottenham last September.

Redknapp also said "I don't think I will get the phone call" from the current Spurs leadership about returning to management.

However, a big-name legend of the club has refused to rule out a blockbuster comeback.

Jürgen Klinsmann played at White Hart Lane most notably between 1994-95.

He said on ESPN FC about helping Tottenham again: "Who wouldn't want the job, it is Tottenham.

"Whoever you choose, you need a person who can connect to everyone emotionally, that knows the club, that feels the club, that feels the people."

Klinsmann has not been officially spoken to by Tottenham regarding his potential availability, with Sean Dyche the favourite to take over should Tudor be sacked.

Spurs haven't won in 11 league games and next face Liverpool before playing fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.

Sandwiched between those games is the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie against Atletico, as Spurs face a three-goal deficit.

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Jürgen Klinsmann refuses to rule himself out of Tottenham Hotspur job with Igor Tudor under fire

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Jurgen Klinsmann refuses to rule himself out of Tottenham Hotspur job with Igor Tudor under fire - ESPN
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Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jürgen Klinsmann refused to rule himself out of taking on the managerial role at his former club as pressure continues to mount on Igor Tudor.

The Croatian has only been at Spurs since Feb. 13 but after four consecutive defeats and the north London club just a point above the relegation zone, he seems destined to follow the fate of predecessor Thomas Frank and face the sack.

With only nine matches left of the season though, who Spurs bring in next could effectively decide whether they are in the Premier League or not next season, with a massive relegation six-pointer against Nottingham Forest on March 22.

Klinsmann has not been officially spoken to by Tottenham regarding his potential availability, with Sean Dyche the favourite to take over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should Tudor be sacked.

The German icon, who played 68 matches for Spurs, scoring 38 goals in his two spells at the club, said however that anybody would want the job when asked if he would take it, but insisted whoever was instilled as the next manager needed to connect "emotionally" with everyone.

He said on ESPN FC: "Who wouldn't want the job, it is Tottenham.

"Whoever you choose, you need a person who can connect to everyone emotionally, that knows the club, that feels the club, that feels the people.

"Because, to get out of this mess, they need to develop a fighting spirit, a really nasty, ugly, fighting spirit and that goes only over the emotions.

"So you don't need to have to bring in the mastermind of tactical stuff or whatever, you need to have somebody who gets everybody onboard and go and get these games done in a positive way and get everybody behind the fact that they are in danger of going down to the Championship.

"So no matter who you put in charge now, it goes only over the emotions, the willingness to suffer and fight and maybe take the ball away from some ballboys on the sidelines."

Klinsmann was referencing the action of Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, who pushed over a ballboy in their 5-2 defeat to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The big talking point of Spurs' own 5-2 Champions League defeat, which came at the helm of Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night, was goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky being replaced after just 17 minutes.

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Tudor has received significant backlash for both his decision to start Kinsky in such a massive game and then to replace him after his two major errors effectively knocked Spurs out of the Champions League.

Former Germany and USMNT manager Klinsmann sympathised with Kinsky, with his own son being a goalkeeper, and the German saying "it is the worst thing" a keeper can go through.

He added: "I think if you ask him [Tudor] today and he reflects about the decision making before the game to play him and then during the game, obviously to sub him out after 17 minutes, he would re-think their whole situation.

"Obviously, it is a killer for the kid, it is the worst thing a goalkeeper can go through, I feel for the kid because my own son is a goalkeeper and I hope he never gets a moment like that.

"He will obviously make mistakes and he will make similar mistakes like Kinsky did there but obviously to then get pulled off after 17 minutes in a game in front of a sold-out crowd in Madrid, because you have these two blackouts is simply brutal.

"So I think we all felt for the boy and obviously you are on the ground, you get back up and you get going but this is a massive shocker for a young player like him."

Aside from the sympathy for Kinsky, Klinsmann felt that throwing the Czech keeper in at the deep end, only to replace him after 17 minutes was "a huge punishment."

"He threw him in the cold water and in that moment, the water was too cold," the German said.

"He made those two huge mistakes and then the other story to discuss certainly is how do you react to it, just drag it out until half-time.

"Maybe then you can talk to him and then you explain to him that you will sub him off and bring back Vicario in that moment.

"He decided to do it after 17 minutes and that is a huge punishment for a young kid like him."

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Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois reveals message of support for Tottenham's under-fire goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed he reached out to Antonín Kinsky on Instagram after the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper endured a nightmare Champions League debut.

Kinsky made two high-profile errors in his team's 5-2 loss at Atlético Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League round-of-16-clash that led to goals for Marcos Llorente and Julián Álvarez.

The Czech goalkeeper, who was only making his third appearance of the season on Tuesday, was replaced in the 17th minute with his team already trailing 3-0.

"I was on my way home so I wasn't able to watch it live," Courtois told reporters after Real Madrid's 3-0 triumph against Manchester City in Wednesday's Champions League.

"I sent him [Kinsky] a message on Instagram to cheer him up a bit because that's tough."

Courtois, who has kept 15 clean sheets in 39 games for Madrid this season, empathises with Kinsky.

The Belgium international recalled the criticism he received when Real Madrid were eliminated by Ajax in the Champions League last 16 after a 4-1 defeat at the Bernabéu stadium in March 2019.

"In the end, I haven't gone through what he has, but I do remember after the Ajax defeat at home I also took a lot of flak and it's tough," he said.

"It's mentally tough to keep going. You need the support of your team, to feel good again in training, and to play well."

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Courtois is one of many players that have spoken out in support of Kinsky. In a post on his Instagram story, the Tottenham goalkeeper, 22, expressed gratitude for the positive messages he has received.

"Thanks for the messages," he posted.

"From dream to nightmare to dream again. See you."

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Tottenham: Harry Redknapp open to return but doubts it will happen

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Harry Redknapp has played down his chances of getting the Tottenham job as pressure builds on interim head coach Igor Tudor after the latest awful defeat of his short tenure.

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust [THST] called for "emergency action" after a chaotic 5-2 loss at Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.

The club confirmed Tudor was set to speak at a scheduled pre-match news conference on Friday ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool, but a run of four straight defeats under the 47-year-old has already made his position close to untenable.

Sources have told ESPN that Tudor is expected to remain as Spurs boss for the visit to Anfield.

Ex-Spurs boss Redknapp does not expect to get a call, though, telling the Press Association at Cheltenham: "I've been asked a few times if I'd go back to Spurs and it's probably not going to happen, is it?

"Would I go back? Of course I would, but I doubt very much it's going to happen.

"They've got it all on to stay up, it's going to be hard. I'm looking at their fixtures and [Nottingham] Forest are playing all right, West Ham are playing very well, it's going to be tough for Tottenham.

"My only concern at the minute is The Jukebox Man [his horse] in the Gold Cup, I'm nothing to do with Spurs any more.

"They haven't been in touch, not at all. I hope Spurs stay up and I hope West Ham stay up."

Records tumbled for Spurs on an extraordinary evening in Madrid where young goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky was withdrawn after 17 minutes due to two terrible errors.

Defeat made Tudor the first Tottenham boss to lose his first four games in charge, while the club have lost six games in a row for the first time in their history.

Tudor has only been in charge for 26 days but refused to answer questions about his future post-match.

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THST branded the performance and result against Atlético "a total disgrace."

"It's symptomatic of the abysmal state of things at Spurs right now," a statement said.

"Emergency action is needed as right now we are sleepwalking off the edge of a cliff. Being a Spurs fan has never been so difficult, but supporters will not sit by and watch the club continue to decline.

"At the very least those in Madrid should have their match tickets refunded."

Former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood described Tudor as "a firefighter who has a can of petrol in his hand" and believes the club might make their move during the international break later this month.

"He keeps chopping and changing things, which is a worry to be honest," Sherwood said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.

"He's gone from three at the back to four at the back, then back to three again, with players playing out of position. I've scratched my head at some of the decisions he's made since he came in.

"He hasn't given the players a lift at all. He's a firefighter who has a can of petrol in his hand at the moment -- he's adding fuel to the fire rather than restoring confidence to the players.

"Hopefully he can turn it around but, if he doesn't, I think Spurs might roll the dice again. There's an international break after their game against Nottingham Forest, which would be a good opportunity for a new manager to come in and have a look at things."

Spurs are one point above 18th-placed West Ham ahead of Sunday's daunting trip to Anfield.

Information from ESPN's James Olley contributed to this report.

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Igor Tudor accused of 'adding fuel to the fire' as Tottenham fans call for action

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Igor Tudor's position as Tottenham boss is under intense pressure after another awful night for the Croatian in the Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust called for "emergency action" after a chaotic 5-2 loss at Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.

More records tumbled for Spurs on an extraordinary evening where young goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky was withdrawn after 17 minutes due to two terrible errors.

Defeat made Tudor the first Tottenham boss to lose his first four games in charge, while the club have lost six games in a row for the first time in their history.

Tudor has only been in charge for 25 days, but refused to answer questions about his future post-match.

"Tonight's performance and result is a total disgrace," a statement from THST read. "It's symptomatic of the abysmal state of things at Spurs right now.

"From the January transfer window to the management appointments, the lack of leadership and the total absence of anyone with a Spurs pedigree informing these decisions. Where is the Daring to Do? Where are the Echoes of Glory?

"Emergency action is needed as right now we are sleepwalking off the edge of a cliff. Being a Spurs fan has never been so difficult but supporters will not sit by and watch the club continue to decline.

"At the very least those in Madrid should have their match tickets refunded. But all we really care about is that the club make us proud. We are here to support the team and be the 12th man. But we all deserve so much more."

Former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood accused Tudor of "adding fuel to the fire" and believes the club might make their move during the international break later this month.

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"He keeps chopping and changing things, which is a worry to be honest," Sherwood said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.

"He's gone from three at the back to four at the back, then back to three again, with players playing out of position. I've scratched my head at some of the decisions he's made since he came in.

"He hasn't given the players a lift at all. He's a firefighter who has a can of petrol in his hand at the moment -- he's adding fuel to the fire rather than restoring confidence to the players.

"Hopefully he can turn it around but, if he doesn't, I think Spurs might roll the dice again. There's an international break after their game against Nottingham Forest, which would be a good opportunity for a new manager to come in and have a look at things."

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Champions League as it happened: Atleti rout Spurs, Barça snatch late equalizer

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THE CHAMPIONS!

The round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League is finally here, and we had some incredible first-leg matches to savor across Europe.

In our matches happening simultaneously Tuesday, the big headline was a huge win for Atlético Madrid as they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 5-2, which was highlighted by the fact that the hosts scored four goals in the first half.

On Tyneside, Newcastle United looked to have snatched a crucial home win against Barcelona, but it was Lamine Yamal's penalty in the last minute to keep the tie level at 1-1 heading into the return leg next week in Spain. And finally, Bayern Munich dominated from start to finish as they defeated Atalanta 6-1 in convincing fashion.

Enjoy all that happened from Tuesday's matches.

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Atlético's Diego Simeone rejects favourites tag ahead of Tottenham clash

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Diego Simeone has rejected suggestions Atlético Madrid are favourites for their Champions League round-of-16 tie with struggling Tottenham.

Spurs are embroiled in a battle to stay in the Premier League after a winless start to 2026 domestically and interim head coach Igor Tudor has started his reign with three defeats.

A lengthy injury list has affected Tottenham's cause and they will still be without eight players for Tuesday's first leg at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, but Simeone has insisted Atlético, who are third in LaLiga, will not underestimate the English club.

"I don't know what it's related to," Simeone told a news conference, via AS.

"If you relate it to them finishing fourth in the Champions League [league phase], then we're not favourites. If you relate it to their [Premier League] position? It depends on how you want to relate it.

"Just like every other match. When you step onto the pitch, you don't remember where you are in the standings or what stage you're at.

"The players want to win, to play well. I don't know any of them who thinks about their league position when they're about to take a shot.

"We don't know how the match will start, but we know their strengths and weaknesses. I know the coach, he's always played his teams with an attacking mindset, regardless of the formation."

This tie sees Spurs midfielder Conor Gallagher return to Atlético two months after his departure.

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Simeone added: "A young man who worked with us with great humility.

"He can play in different positions because of his collective work rate, which benefits the team. He behaved very well and we have very fond memories of his time at Atlético."

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was tracked by Atlético last summer, but Simeone was not asked about the Argentine defender.

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Man City's Rodri escapes ban after 'neutral' comment about referee

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Rodri has escaped a ban after admitting an FA charge following comments made about the officials after Manchester City's draw against Tottenham.

The Spanish midfielder has been fined £80,000 ($107,000) and warned about his future conduct after accusing referee Robert Jones of not being "neutral" during the 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February.

A statement issued by the FA on Monday read: "An independent regulatory commission has sanctioned Rodri for the media comments that he made after Manchester City's Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday February 1.

"It was alleged that the midfielder acted in an improper manner during a post-match media interview by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official and/or match officials, contrary to FA Rule E3.1.

"Rodri subsequently admitted the charge against him. The Regulatory Commission imposed an £80,000 fine and warning as to future conduct following a hearing."

During the draw at Spurs, City were particularly frustrated that replays showed Dominic Solanke kicked through Marc Guéhi's leg to score as the home side came back from 2-0 down.

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Rodri claimed afterwards City had been on the end of similar decisions for "two, three games in a row."

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Andy Robertson 'never not committed' to Liverpool amid Tottenham links

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Andy Robertson has insisted he was "never not committed" to Liverpool despite January interest from Tottenham Hotspur and said his contract saga will not be played out in public.

Liverpool entered talks with Spurs in January after Robertson indicated his interest in a move. The Scotland international has lost his place in the first team this season following the arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth last summer, however he ultimately decided to remain at Anfield amid a host of defensive injuries.

"There was obviously interest there," Robertson said. "There were discussions had with both sets of clubs. But the decision was that I wanted to stay. We stayed at Liverpool and that was the decision made.

"I was never not committed. I've been committed to Liverpool for the last eight and a half or nine years now and I'll be committed until I'm no longer needed. That's always been my mindset. This club has given me everything and I've given this club everything. It's been a fantastic relationship so hopefully that continues and obviously January happened, but it is now gone.

"Now we move forward and like I said, my focus never came off trying to help the lads on the pitch and in training. Whatever was happening behind the scenes happened, and all I can say is that I kept focusing on football."

Robertson is out of contract in the summer and is unlikely to be shortage of suitors should he depart as a free agent.

Reflecting on his future, the 31-year-old said: "I've always said that will stay between me and the club. I don't think it will get played out in public. It is not one of them. I have got an amazing relationship with Richard [Hughes] and with Mike Gordon and Michael Edwards.

"I've had a good relationship with these people and these people brought me to the football club. They have helped make me who I am, so in that respect, we've had a fantastic relationship. I think out of respect to them, and they have respected me, then the conversations will be in-house. When a decision is made, and we're getting to the point where I only have three months left on my contract, it will be announced to you guys."

Robertson was a standout performer for Liverpool as they eased past Wolves in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Friday night. The Scotland international registered both a goal and an assist at Molineux Stadium and believes Liverpool could still end the season strongly despite their inconsistent form.

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"My thought process is I want to win trophies at Liverpool," Robertson said. "That has always been my focus. Every season, I want to win trophies, whether that is an FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, the Champions League, the Premier League.

"I always want to win trophies because the club demands it and the fans demand it. That has never changed. All of our focus is on trying to make this season as successful as possible. It's not gone the way that we wanted in the league -- that is clear. We're out of the Carabao Cup, so we have got two chances. If we have more performances like we did (on Friday) then we have a chance. If we play like Tuesday then we have no chance. So we need to try and find that consistency.

"Hopefully at the end of the season we can all have a smile on our faces and that is obviously what we are working towards."

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