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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."

- UCL talking points: Spurs simply awful as all Prem teams fail to win

- Tottenham's Antonín Kinsky thanks supporters after Atlético 'nightmare'

- 'Killed his career': Schmeichel, Hart among goalkeepers to show support for Spurs' Antonín Kinsky

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.

- Under-pressure Tudor to remain in charge for Liverpool clash - sources

- 'Killed his career': Schmeichel, Hart among goalkeepers to show support for Spurs' Antonín Kinsky

-The Jukebox Man: All you need to know about Harry Redknapp's Cheltenham horse

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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- 'Everything wrong' as Tottenham lose historic 6th in a row

- 'Killed his career': Goalkeepers to show support for Spurs' Antonín Kinsky

"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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Transfer rumors, news: Next Tottenham manager candidates emerge

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Transfer rumors, news: Next Tottenham manager candidates emerge - ESPN
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Tottenham Hotspur could replace manager Igor Tudor before the end of the season, while Barcelona eye Spurs' most promising young defender.

Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's winter grades | Women's grades

TRENDING RUMORS

- Tottenham Hotspur are in the midst of a fierce relegation battle to stay in the Premier League, but it hasn't stopped them from looking for their next manager. According to the Telegraph, Spurs have held talks with Roberto de Zerbi, and the return of Mauricio Pochettino has also be discussed. However, there could be another short-term change in the dugout even sooner. The Telegraph also reports that Spurs are weighing their options with interim boss Igor Tudor losing all three of his games in charge so far. TeamTalk reports that former striker Robbie Keane, who is in charge at Ferencvarosi, could be an option, while club legend Glenn Hoddle has offered his services in the Daily Mail.

- Barcelona are closely monitoring Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic, Sky Germany have revealed. The 19-year-old is on loan at Bundesliga club Hamburg, where he has been a regular starter. While the German outfit are said to be "pushing" for a second loan spell next season, Spurs instead want to integrate him into the first team. Barcelona have added Vušković to their center back shortlist.

- Trabzonspor are unwilling to meet Manchester United's £40 million valuation for goalkeeper André Onana, according to the Manchester Evening News. Onana has spent this season on loan at the Turkish club, where he has made 21 appearances in the league to date. As things stand, Trabzonspor would be unwilling to make the transfer permanent, meaning the Cameroon international is likely to return to Old Trafford this summer.

- Juventus are yet to advance on a deal to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer, as per Fabrizio Romano. The Austria midfielder held talks with Juve back in January, but a deal is no closer to being completed two months on. The Italian giants are still assessing several midfield options, with Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali also linked with a move in recent weeks.

- Arsenal and Manchester United are "watching" Hertha Berlin wunderkind Kennet Eichhorn, according to journalist Christian Falk. Dubbed the "next Toni Kroos," the 16-year-old has been a sensation in the 2.Bundesliga, and as such, is wanted by a host of clubs around Europe. A host of Bundesliga clubs also want to sign Eichhorn, including Bayern Munich, who have been tracking his development for a long time. The German youth international has a release clause in his contract that means he could be available for less than €10 million this summer.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN's resident scouting expert Tor-Kristian Karlsen on Eichhorn:

Usually lined up in a double pivot, Eichhorn has impressed most with how effortlessly he's taken his composed, mature game from academy level to senior football. There's no panic in possession or sense of being affected by the occasion. He operates as if he has all the time in the world by scanning, receiving and distributing the ball with the same natural rhythm that made him stand out in Hertha's youth ranks.

Inevitably, the Toni Kroos comparisons have started to emerge. While Kroos was more advanced at the same age, Eichhorn shares the same clarity in decision-making, the sublime first touch, the ability to receive the ball on the half-turn, and the innate sense of when to speed the game up or slow it down.

He already averages close to four progressive passes per 90 minutes, which indicates how willing he is to advance the play. However, his distribution range is wide as he can recycle possession under pressure, penetrate central lines or switch play with a 35-40 meter diagonal that changes the attacking dynamics in a split second.

OTHER RUMORS

Nicol: Trent Alexander-Arnold does not understand the art of defending

Steve Nicol discusses Trent Alexander-Arnold's defensive performance for Real Madrid vs. Celta de Vigo.

- Napoli will move quickly to try and tie midfielder Scott McTominay down to a new bumper deal. The Scotland international continues to attract interest from the Premier League. (Goal)

- Juventus are monitoring Brentford right-back Michael Kayode. Scouts from the Serie A club have been to watch his last two matches. (Nicolo Schira)

- Aston Villa are monitoring Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile and could make a move for the Italy international in the summer. (Nicolo Schira)

- Greuther Fürth defender Reno Münz is "one to watch" for the summer transfer window, with several Bundesliga clubs showing an interest in him. (Sky Germany)

- Arsenal are leading the race to sign Leon Goretzka, despite the player holding concrete talks with Atletico Madrid earlier this year. (Christian Falk)

- Antoine Griezmann has decided to stay at Atletico Madrid for another season, despite attracting interest from MLS club Orlando City. (L'Equipe)

- Manchester City are sure to offer England international Phil Foden a new contract when his existing deal expires at the end of next season. (The Athletic)

- Aston Villa and Manchester United are monitoring Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. (Ekrem Konur)

Source

Transfer rumors, news: Next Tottenham manager candidates emerge

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Transfer rumors, news: Next Tottenham manager candidates emerge - ESPN
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Tottenham Hotspur could replace manager Igor Tudor before the end of the season, while Barcelona eye Spurs' most promising young defender.

Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's winter grades | Women's grades

TRENDING RUMORS

- Tottenham Hotspur are in the midst of a fierce relegation battle to stay in the Premier League, but it hasn't stopped them from looking for their next manager. According to the Telegraph, Spurs have held talks with Roberto de Zerbi, and the return of Mauricio Pochettino has also be discussed. However, there could be another short-term change in the dugout even sooner. The Telegraph also reports that Spurs are weighing their options with interim boss Igor Tudor losing all three of his games in charge so far. TeamTalk reports that former striker Robbie Keane, who is in charge at Ferencvarosi, could be an option, while club legend Glenn Hoddle has offered his services in the Daily Mail.

- Barcelona are closely monitoring Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic, Sky Germany have revealed. The 19-year-old is on loan at Bundesliga club Hamburg, where he has been a regular starter. While the German outfit are said to be "pushing" for a second loan spell next season, Spurs instead want to integrate him into the first team. Barcelona have added Vušković to their center back shortlist.

- Trabzonspor are unwilling to meet Manchester United's £40 million valuation for goalkeeper André Onana, according to the Manchester Evening News. Onana has spent this season on loan at the Turkish club, where he has made 21 appearances in the league to date. As things stand, Trabzonspor would be unwilling to make the transfer permanent, meaning the Cameroon international is likely to return to Old Trafford this summer.

- Juventus are yet to advance on a deal to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer, as per Fabrizio Romano. The Austria midfielder held talks with Juve back in January, but a deal is no closer to being completed two months on. The Italian giants are still assessing several midfield options, with Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali also linked with a move in recent weeks.

- Arsenal and Manchester United are "watching" Hertha Berlin wunderkind Kennet Eichhorn, according to journalist Christian Falk. Dubbed the "next Toni Kroos," the 16-year-old has been a sensation in the 2.Bundesliga, and as such, is wanted by a host of clubs around Europe. A host of Bundesliga clubs also want to sign Eichhorn, including Bayern Munich, who have been tracking his development for a long time. The German youth international has a release clause in his contract that means he could be available for less than €10 million this summer.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN's resident scouting expert Tor-Kristian Karlsen on Eichhorn:

Usually lined up in a double pivot, Eichhorn has impressed most with how effortlessly he's taken his composed, mature game from academy level to senior football. There's no panic in possession or sense of being affected by the occasion. He operates as if he has all the time in the world by scanning, receiving and distributing the ball with the same natural rhythm that made him stand out in Hertha's youth ranks.

Inevitably, the Toni Kroos comparisons have started to emerge. While Kroos was more advanced at the same age, Eichhorn shares the same clarity in decision-making, the sublime first touch, the ability to receive the ball on the half-turn, and the innate sense of when to speed the game up or slow it down.

He already averages close to four progressive passes per 90 minutes, which indicates how willing he is to advance the play. However, his distribution range is wide as he can recycle possession under pressure, penetrate central lines or switch play with a 35-40 meter diagonal that changes the attacking dynamics in a split second.

OTHER RUMORS

Nicol: Trent Alexander-Arnold does not understand the art of defending

Steve Nicol discusses Trent Alexander-Arnold's defensive performance for Real Madrid vs. Celta de Vigo.

- Napoli will move quickly to try and tie midfielder Scott McTominay down to a new bumper deal. The Scotland international continues to attract interest from the Premier League. (Goal)

- Juventus are monitoring Brentford right-back Michael Kayode. Scouts from the Serie A club have been to watch his last two matches. (Nicolo Schira)

- Aston Villa are monitoring Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile and could make a move for the Italy international in the summer. (Nicolo Schira)

- Greuther Fürth defender Reno Münz is "one to watch" for the summer transfer window, with several Bundesliga clubs showing an interest in him. (Sky Germany)

- Arsenal are leading the race to sign Leon Goretzka, despite the player holding concrete talks with Atletico Madrid earlier this year. (Christian Falk)

- Antoine Griezmann has decided to stay at Atletico Madrid for another season, despite attracting interest from MLS club Orlando City. (L'Equipe)

- Manchester City are sure to offer England international Phil Foden a new contract when his existing deal expires at the end of next season. (The Athletic)

- Aston Villa and Manchester United are monitoring Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. (Ekrem Konur)

Source