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Spurs may have failed to win any of their first three Premier League games this season, but summer signing Matheus Fernandes is convinced he has joined a squad set to start fighting for trophies.

The £85m midfielder was wanted by a list of clubs after impressing for West Ham last season, with Man Utd keen on a deal but ultimately unable to go head-to-head with Spurs on the fee.

For Fernandes, it was his conversations with head coach Roberto De Zerbi which persuaded him the north London project was for him.

"I spoke with the Mister and he was the key for this decision," Fernandes told Sky Sports ahead of the Saturday Night Football clash with Everton.

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"You can feel when you speak with him, the energy, the passion about football.

"He spoke with me, he spoke with my dad, he spoke with my mum. So it was not just about me, it was about the people around me. He said to my dad, 'we'll take care' [of] me.

"He's a top manager. You can feel on the pitch, off the pitch as well. And I'm very happy to work with him."

Fernandes made his feelings for De Zerbi clear to the Spurs boss himself when the deal was done.

"The first day of the pre-season, I met him and he was very happy. I was very happy as well for playing for him. I said, 'Look, I chose Tottenham because one of the biggest parts was you'."

It wasn't just De Zerbi's way with words. The Italian's style of football also impressed Fernandes. "For me as a midfielder, I like so much," he said.

Fernandes believes the quality of the Spurs squad can raise his own level of performance, too.

"I believe that I can be a much better player than I was last season," said the 22-year-old Portuguese, who recorded three goals and four assists in the Premier League for the Hammers.

"If you look at the squad, it's a big team with big players, important players, players with experience, players with a lot of quality. So, when you play with better players, I think you play better. So, I believe that I can be much better."

Spurs' players have been unable to turn that perception into more than one point so far. But, despite substantial criticism in the early weeks of the season, Fernandes is full of belief the team will soon start to prove their doubters wrong - and deliver in a significant way.

"I know what it's like: when you win, you are the best. When you lose, you are the worst," he said.

"We just focus on us. If you believe in the club, if you believe in the manager, you know that you need to take some time to learn the timings, everything tactical, and when you arrive there, it's like ketchup. It starts spilling."

Fernandes' first two seasons in English football have ended in relegation, at Southampton and then West Ham. But he is at Tottenham to win.

"This is one of the reasons that I came here, to play for winning something," he said.

"We want to win the games, we want to fight for the titles and, with this squad, it's normal that we want to fight for the titles.

"Now, we didn't win the last three games, so things need to calm. We need to take time. And then, like I said, it's like ketchup, when you win one game, it's going to be more easy."

Fernandes, his Spurs colleagues and the club's supporters will hope that starts on Saturday.

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It has been a winless and goalless start to the new Premier League season for big-spending Tottenham.

Last weekend's 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest saw Spurs fail to have a shot on target for the first time in a league game in over four years as they battled to their first point of the season.

Roberto De Zerbi's new-look side are yet to click after a £332m summer outlay which saw 10 new players arrive.

Having made their worst start to a league season since 2008, Spurs go in search of their first victory on Saturday as they host Everton, live on Sky Sports​​​​​​.

Here, Sky Sports News' Tottenham reporter Michael Bridge answers your questions, while we also look at the stats behind their start and hear your thoughts on their opening three league games...

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Michael Bridge answers your questions...

Spurs94: How concerned are you about the start to the season?

"I'm not concerned. It's only three games, and Spurs would've taken a draw at Nottingham Forest. It's a hard place to go under a very good manager in Oliver Glasner.

"I was at the Brentford game where Spurs were well beaten. I can fully appreciate that Tottenham being under-prepared is unacceptable, so I'll flip it round and say Brentford gave Spurs a good hiding and they fully deserved their win.

"Newcastle could have gone either way, but Spurs weren't clinical enough. But the reason why I'm not concerned is that it's still so early in the season.

"The last three games have shown me a little bit of a realisation that you can't expect it all to click so quickly when there have been so many incomings and departures."

Tony H: Is De Zerbi losing control after coming out and complaining about his medical team after the Forest draw?

Dave Perryman: Do you think it's wrong for De Zerbi to publicly criticise his players and medical staff?

"De Zerbi absolutely did not have any complaints about the medical team. He's working closely with the medical team.

"Let's not forget that in the last couple of seasons Spurs have suffered an injury crisis, with key players missing an entire season.

"Tottenham Hotspur have worked hard over the last few months to ensure that this doesn't happen again, including an investigation which looked into whether the pitch had a bearing on such serious injuries.

"To clarify, De Zerbi doesn't want to take players off at certain minutes, but he's instructed to do so by his medical staff.

"He's not challenging them or being divisive. He's working alongside them. They are ensuring that De Zerbi has these players for the long term to hopefully prevent situations like Mohammed Kudus and James Maddison from occurring again."

Spurs4Life: Why are the Spurs fans getting on De Zerbi's back? Do they not remember the rocky start Mauricio Pochettino had?

Rich: How much pressure must there be on De Zerbi to get it right?

"If it wasn't for De Zerbi, there'd have been a very high chance Tottenham would be in the Championship right now.

"Spurs have given De Zerbi the keys to mould the squad how he sees fit. I'm of the opinion that he has earned the right to have those keys.

"He has made tough decisions, including allowing Luka Vuskovic to go to Brighton and to bring in Jan Paul van Hecke for a big fee despite him having a year to go on his contract.

"I must reiterate, it's three games in. For me, the start of the season for Spurs can be seen as post-transfer window.

"I think we won't see the real Spurs until maybe even November because there have been so many changes: new captain, new forward line, new midfield, new defence. It takes time."

Brad Taylor: What are Spurs actually aiming for this season? Top four to six? Top half? Survival?

Dan: Based upon a much slower start to our campaign, would a mid-table finish be more realistic?

"With the outlay, you have to expect that they must finish in European places.

"It won't be made public, but the aim must be to get back into Europe.

"Now, of course, when I say Europe, ideally it's the Champions League. But even if it was Europa League football, people are now more aware than ever that additional home fixtures generate revenue.

"Brad, in my personal view, mid-table is the very least they should be aiming for."

The stats behind Spurs' winless start

Spurs are aiming to avoid unwanted history on Saturday - if Everton keep a clean sheet, then it will be the first time Tottenham have failed to score in their first four league games of a season.

Their struggles in front of goal are a result of a lack of quality chances created.

Despite ranking mid-table for shots attempted in the Premier League this season, Spurs are bottom for expected goals (xG) per shot, as you can see below.

Spurs' overall xG is the third lowest, while only Coventry have underperformed their chances more than Spurs, which you can see below.

Since the start of last season, the average xG per game by a Premier League side is 1.41, but Spurs are yet to reach that average return for xG in any game under De Zerbi.

One of the Italian's issues has been a lack of consistency in his attacking selections. De Zerbi has started with three different attacking combinations in all three league games this season and has used 10 different starters across his front three in his 10 league games in charge.

And it is not just the front line where De Zerbi has faced selection issues. Tottenham have made eight changes to their starting XI in the Premier League this season, the most of any side and their joint-most in the first three games of a campaign in the competition.

Spurs' running stats are another alarming area of concern this season.

Tottenham were only outrun once in De Zerbi's seven games in charge last season as they dramatically escaped relegation on the final day. This season, however, Spurs have been outrun in every game.

In fact, they rank second-bottom for distance run and 16th for sprinting distance in the Premier League this season, having been in the top five under De Zerbi last season.

Higher physical output, improved threat and better attacking quality are all needed to kickstart their season.

Your views on Spurs' start...

RichN: I think it's mad to expect a team with nine or 10 new players, nearly all first 11 players, to gel straight away. It'll take time. Also, still having our previous most creative players in Kudus, Kulusevski, Simons and Maddison either still out or not match fit is a huge handicap for De Zerbi.

Russ K: After the money that has been spent on assembling De Zerbi's 'Dream Team', we should have made a stronger start than what we have. No goals in the first three games is a real cause for concern. We need a goal scorer, and for me, Troy Parrott would have been an excellent addition.

Mitch L: Not too concerned at all; can see improvement at times game by game. Forward line just needs to click and will come in time. Savio is refreshing to see, very direct and will get us goals through his play. Think one or two goals and confidence is back, and we see them kick on.

dbuk1: It's not concerning at all. We have had a big turnaround of players for the first time in my living memory at Spurs. It's been three games, and we still haven't got a fully fit squad. Everyone calm down and give it time!

LF: Not concerning at all. We have signed a number of players who need time to gel. We also have a number of players still returning from long-term injuries who, once fit, will bolster the squad. Mikel Arteta had five to six seasons to get Arsenal where they are now, so give De Zerbi time!

THFC-TrustTheProcess: In the first two games, we were missing attacking players. Savio, Maddison and Kulusevski all out, and Kudus only on the bench after missing pre-season. The expected goals in the last game were miles better than what we produced for most of last season. Just need to start taking our chances. No need to panic yet!

SLB110890: I said when we had Frank, Rome wasn't built in a day! We have 10 new players and got rid of a load of players who only managed to help us just about avoid relegation. To get all those players to gel instantly is unrealistic; be patient and let the Italian build Rome.

Jmzrc: I support Brighton, so I'm familiar with De Zerbi's approach. As Lewis Dunk has said, it took time for players to work out the system and what was expected, but when they did, we were flying. De Zerbi is a system manager, so I think Spurs will be strong once the new players bed in. Be patient.

Imran: The lack of creativity in the team concerns me. Any player with it is injured. Can't see Spurs scoring enough goals

Steven Davids: To make so many changes in a short space of time and expect instant results isn't realistic. Patience and support are what the club needs. Better results and performances will come.

Hadcarr: It's concerning but not surprising. A group of individuals will take time to gel into a team. All Spurs can hope for this season is mid-table.

Dwilliams: At the moment I'm not too overly concerned. Yes, the lack of attacking threat in the last few games hasn't been ideal. Let's not forget that this time last season we had beaten Man City 2-0 and were near the top, so a lot can change.

Bravo31: We don't seem any better than last season, defence unsure, no midfield flair or aggression, and no one as an out-and-out goal scorer. Concerned!!

It has been a winless and goalless start to the new Premier League season for big-spending Tottenham.

Last weekend's 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest saw Spurs fail to have a shot on target for the first time in a league game in over four years as they battled to their first point of the season.

Roberto De Zerbi's new-look side are yet to click after a £332m summer outlay which saw 10 new players arrive.

Having made their worst start to a league season since 2008, Spurs go in search of their first victory on Saturday as they host Everton, live on Sky Sports​​​​​​.

Here, Sky Sports News' Tottenham reporter Michael Bridge answers your questions, while we also look at the stats behind their start and hear your thoughts on their opening three league games...

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Michael Bridge answers your questions...

Spurs94: How concerned are you about the start to the season?

"I'm not concerned. It's only three games, and Spurs would've taken a draw at Nottingham Forest. It's a hard place to go under a very good manager in Oliver Glasner.

"I was at the Brentford game where Spurs were well beaten. I can fully appreciate that Tottenham being under-prepared is unacceptable, so I'll flip it round and say Brentford gave Spurs a good hiding and they fully deserved their win.

"Newcastle could have gone either way, but Spurs weren't clinical enough. But the reason why I'm not concerned is that it's still so early in the season.

"The last three games have shown me a little bit of a realisation that you can't expect it all to click so quickly when there have been so many incomings and departures."

Tony H: Is De Zerbi losing control after coming out and complaining about his medical team after the Forest draw?

Dave Perryman: Do you think it's wrong for De Zerbi to publicly criticise his players and medical staff?

"De Zerbi absolutely did not have any complaints about the medical team. He's working closely with the medical team.

"Let's not forget that in the last couple of seasons Spurs have suffered an injury crisis, with key players missing an entire season.

"Tottenham Hotspur have worked hard over the last few months to ensure that this doesn't happen again, including an investigation which looked into whether the pitch had a bearing on such serious injuries.

"To clarify, De Zerbi doesn't want to take players off at certain minutes, but he's instructed to do so by his medical staff.

"He's not challenging them or being divisive. He's working alongside them. They are ensuring that De Zerbi has these players for the long term to hopefully prevent situations like Mohammed Kudus and James Maddison from occurring again."

Spurs4Life: Why are the Spurs fans getting on De Zerbi's back? Do they not remember the rocky start Mauricio Pochettino had?

Rich: How much pressure must there be on De Zerbi to get it right?

"If it wasn't for De Zerbi, there'd have been a very high chance Tottenham would be in the Championship right now.

"Spurs have given De Zerbi the keys to mould the squad how he sees fit. I'm of the opinion that he has earned the right to have those keys.

"He has made tough decisions, including allowing Luka Vuskovic to go to Brighton and to bring in Jan Paul van Hecke for a big fee despite him having a year to go on his contract.

"I must reiterate, it's three games in. For me, the start of the season for Spurs can be seen as post-transfer window.

"I think we won't see the real Spurs until maybe even November because there have been so many changes: new captain, new forward line, new midfield, new defence. It takes time."

Brad Taylor: What are Spurs actually aiming for this season? Top four to six? Top half? Survival?

Dan: Based upon a much slower start to our campaign, would a mid-table finish be more realistic?

"With the outlay, you have to expect that they must finish in European places.

"It won't be made public, but the aim must be to get back into Europe.

"Now, of course, when I say Europe, ideally it's the Champions League. But even if it was Europa League football, people are now more aware than ever that additional home fixtures generate revenue.

"Brad, in my personal view, mid-table is the very least they should be aiming for."

The stats behind Spurs' winless start

Spurs are aiming to avoid unwanted history on Saturday - if Everton keep a clean sheet, then it will be the first time Tottenham have failed to score in their first four league games of a season.

Their struggles in front of goal are a result of a lack of quality chances created.

Despite ranking mid-table for shots attempted in the Premier League this season, Spurs are bottom for expected goals (xG) per shot, as you can see below.

Spurs' overall xG is the third lowest, while only Coventry have underperformed their chances more than Spurs, which you can see below.

Since the start of last season, the average xG per game by a Premier League side is 1.41, but Spurs are yet to reach that average return for xG in any game under De Zerbi.

One of the Italian's issues has been a lack of consistency in his attacking selections. De Zerbi has started with three different attacking combinations in all three league games this season and has used 10 different starters across his front three in his 10 league games in charge.

And it is not just the front line where De Zerbi has faced selection issues. Tottenham have made eight changes to their starting XI in the Premier League this season, the most of any side and their joint-most in the first three games of a campaign in the competition.

Spurs' running stats are another alarming area of concern this season.

Tottenham were only outrun once in De Zerbi's seven games in charge last season as they dramatically escaped relegation on the final day. This season, however, Spurs have been outrun in every game.

In fact, they rank second-bottom for distance run and 16th for sprinting distance in the Premier League this season, having been in the top five under De Zerbi last season.

Higher physical output, improved threat and better attacking quality are all needed to kickstart their season.

Your views on Spurs' start...

RichN: I think it's mad to expect a team with nine or 10 new players, nearly all first 11 players, to gel straight away. It'll take time. Also, still having our previous most creative players in Kudus, Kulusevski, Simons and Maddison either still out or not match fit is a huge handicap for De Zerbi.

Russ K: After the money that has been spent on assembling De Zerbi's 'Dream Team', we should have made a stronger start than what we have. No goals in the first three games is a real cause for concern. We need a goal scorer, and for me, Troy Parrott would have been an excellent addition.

Mitch L: Not too concerned at all; can see improvement at times game by game. Forward line just needs to click and will come in time. Savio is refreshing to see, very direct and will get us goals through his play. Think one or two goals and confidence is back, and we see them kick on.

dbuk1: It's not concerning at all. We have had a big turnaround of players for the first time in my living memory at Spurs. It's been three games, and we still haven't got a fully fit squad. Everyone calm down and give it time!

LF: Not concerning at all. We have signed a number of players who need time to gel. We also have a number of players still returning from long-term injuries who, once fit, will bolster the squad. Mikel Arteta had five to six seasons to get Arsenal where they are now, so give De Zerbi time!

THFC-TrustTheProcess: In the first two games, we were missing attacking players. Savio, Maddison and Kulusevski all out, and Kudus only on the bench after missing pre-season. The expected goals in the last game were miles better than what we produced for most of last season. Just need to start taking our chances. No need to panic yet!

SLB110890: I said when we had Frank, Rome wasn't built in a day! We have 10 new players and got rid of a load of players who only managed to help us just about avoid relegation. To get all those players to gel instantly is unrealistic; be patient and let the Italian build Rome.

Jmzrc: I support Brighton, so I'm familiar with De Zerbi's approach. As Lewis Dunk has said, it took time for players to work out the system and what was expected, but when they did, we were flying. De Zerbi is a system manager, so I think Spurs will be strong once the new players bed in. Be patient.

Imran: The lack of creativity in the team concerns me. Any player with it is injured. Can't see Spurs scoring enough goals

Steven Davids: To make so many changes in a short space of time and expect instant results isn't realistic. Patience and support are what the club needs. Better results and performances will come.

Hadcarr: It's concerning but not surprising. A group of individuals will take time to gel into a team. All Spurs can hope for this season is mid-table.

Dwilliams: At the moment I'm not too overly concerned. Yes, the lack of attacking threat in the last few games hasn't been ideal. Let's not forget that this time last season we had beaten Man City 2-0 and were near the top, so a lot can change.

Bravo31: We don't seem any better than last season, defence unsure, no midfield flair or aggression, and no one as an out-and-out goal scorer. Concerned!!

In his latest Sky Sports column, Paul Merson says Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United all have defining matches this weekend, even though it is early in the season.

Spurs are still without a win or a goal in the Premier League after three games and will play against an unbeaten Everton team on Saturday Night Football, live on Sky Sports, in front of their expectant fans.

Meanwhile on Sunday, the Manchester derby takes place as Michael Carrick's inconsistent United team take on a City side facing their first big test in the post-Pep Guardiola era.

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Read below for the Magic Man's thoughts on two massive fixtures...

'Everton is a cup final for Spurs'

Spurs have to beat Everton this weekend. It's a cup final for them - I'd go as far as to say this is their season on the line.

If they lose to Everton, then you starting thinking: this is going to be another grind of a season. Here we go again. You would start really, really worrying as a Tottenham fan.

But if they go and beat Everton, you start going two games without a defeat, they'll be on four points. Then all of a sudden you can build from there.

It's not as big as the Spurs vs Everton game on the final day of last season. If they lost that game, they were going to Lincoln.

But, at the moment, I just don't see this team putting five or six wins on the trot together. So this is a big football match.

The start Spurs have had is Brentford away, Newcastle at home and Nottingham Forest away. If they lose to Everton and have one point from four games, you start to worry.

If they beat Everton, then they've got every chance of beating Aston Villa at home next week. If they don't beat Everton, they're not beating Villa. That's how it works. It's a snowball effect.

When you win football matches, you expect to win the one after. But if you don't, the confidence goes.

'I still don't see Man Utd in my top five'

Man Utd have got the Manchester derby - and their season is in the balance too. If you beat Man City, you're flying. If you get beat by Man City, here we go again.

It would be one point from two games including the Everton game. And other teams are winning around you.

I've said all along: I don't think Man Utd have bought very well. The squad isn't big enough. It's nowhere near enough.

Defensively they're nowhere near good enough. They let in two goals against Everton - and they were two good goals, but one of them was from the edge of the box. Everybody's behind the ball.

When you're winning, put another forward on. Don't take a forward off and put a defender on. Don't give that team the opportunity.

Instead, if you put a forward on for a midfielder or a forward, it changes the game completely. If you're the other manager, you think: 'Oh no, what am I going to do?'.

Instead, Man Utd just invited pressure on. Just don't do that, especially if you're a big team.

If you're Coventry and you go in front at Everton, you of course put a defender on 100 per cent. But when you're Man Utd, I don't see the need to do that.

If you're dictating the game, Everton don't get that chance for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

So I am worried - and this is why I didn't put Manchester United in my top five at the start of the season. Nothing's changed for me since then. When you draw games, it hurts you.

'Time to find out how good Man City are'

I don't think Man City have been great. But sometimes I look at teams when they keep winning and they haven't played well as a real worry for the other sides.

Sometimes wins can cover cracks - but City have got Erling Haaland scoring goals. And they kept a clean sheet against Coventry last time out, that's a positive for them.

City have got some big games coming up against Man Utd and Liverpool. That's the test to know where City are under Enzo Maresca.

If City win those two games and the match against Sunderland in between, they're not going to be far off the top come the end of the season.

If they don't get at least two points out of those two games, then Arsenal could run away with the league title a bit. I have Chelsea down for third in the league and they're already miles off Arsenal.

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Spurs may have failed to win any of their first three Premier League games this season, but summer signing Matheus Fernandes is convinced he has joined a squad set to start fighting for trophies.

The £85m midfielder was wanted by a list of clubs after impressing for West Ham last season, with Man Utd keen on a deal but ultimately unable to go head-to-head with Spurs on the fee.

For Fernandes, it was his conversations with head coach Roberto De Zerbi which persuaded him the north London project was for him.

"I spoke with the Mister and he was the key for this decision," Fernandes told Sky Sports ahead of the Saturday Night Football clash with Everton.

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"You can feel when you speak with him, the energy, the passion about football.

"He spoke with me, he spoke with my dad, he spoke with my mum. So it was not just about me, it was about the people around me. He said to my dad, 'we'll take care' [of] me.

"He's a top manager. You can feel on the pitch, off the pitch as well. And I'm very happy to work with him."

Fernandes made his feelings for De Zerbi clear to the Spurs boss himself when the deal was done.

"The first day of the pre-season, I met him and he was very happy. I was very happy as well for playing for him. I said, 'Look, I chose Tottenham because one of the biggest parts was you'."

It wasn't just De Zerbi's way with words. The Italian's style of football also impressed Fernandes. "For me as a midfielder, I like so much," he said.

Fernandes believes the quality of the Spurs squad can raise his own level of performance, too.

"I believe that I can be a much better player than I was last season," said the 22-year-old Portuguese, who recorded three goals and four assists in the Premier League for the Hammers.

"If you look at the squad, it's a big team with big players, important players, players with experience, players with a lot of quality. So, when you play with better players, I think you play better. So, I believe that I can be much better."

Spurs' players have been unable to turn that perception into more than one point so far. But, despite substantial criticism in the early weeks of the season, Fernandes is full of belief the team will soon start to prove their doubters wrong - and deliver in a significant way.

"I know what it's like: when you win, you are the best. When you lose, you are the worst," he said.

"We just focus on us. If you believe in the club, if you believe in the manager, you know that you need to take some time to learn the timings, everything tactical, and when you arrive there, it's like ketchup. It starts spilling."

Fernandes' first two seasons in English football have ended in relegation, at Southampton and then West Ham. But he is at Tottenham to win.

"This is one of the reasons that I came here, to play for winning something," he said.

"We want to win the games, we want to fight for the titles and, with this squad, it's normal that we want to fight for the titles.

"Now, we didn't win the last three games, so things need to calm. We need to take time. And then, like I said, it's like ketchup, when you win one game, it's going to be more easy."

Fernandes, his Spurs colleagues and the club's supporters will hope that starts on Saturday.

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Mauricio Pochettino has always been good company - warm, engaging and likeable. Having had a few weeks to reset away from the spotlight, there were enthusiastic hugs all round for the Sky Sports News team as we all swapped summer stories. His, though, has been rather busier than ours.

The former Tottenham boss guided the USA team to the last 16 of the World Cup, where the host nation's dreams of victory came to a crashing halt against Belgium, but that barely tells the story of an extraordinary few weeks for the Argentine.

There was Donald Trump - there was always going to be - and the changing-room team talk. There was Trump, FIFA and Folarin Balogun's suspension of his suspension, and along the way, Pochettino became something of a fashion icon.

Then a few weeks later, another significant headline - Pochettino had, a little surprisingly perhaps, signed for four more years with the USA.

Where to start? I smile before jesting, and Pochettino just laughs and says he's ready. His reflections on the World Cup seem like as good a place to get going.

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For Pochettino, the biggest takeaway is how much he and his coaching staff, including his long-term lieutenant Jesus Perez, have learned.

"We are much better coaches now," he insists. It is revealing because the World Cup has reinforced his appetite to keep learning and evolving. He talks about the importance of the smallest details, the difficulty of getting every decision right and the challenge of translating his ideas to a group of players who spend far less time together than a club side. He adds, "Everything needs to be perfect."

There were times during the tournament when life must have felt a little wild, I suggest. There's managing at the World Cup, then there's managing at a home World Cup for a nation whose President rather enjoys the spotlight. Unsurprisingly, Pochettino chooses his words carefully, focusing on the support and backing Trump gave the side.

At the time, he was asked about his role in getting the Balogun suspension suspended, and he admitted the "politics and manipulation" did overshadow the game against Belgium. Pochettino understood the anger around the situation, but his role was much simpler - "If you pay attention to the noise, you become crazy." FIFA allowed Balogun to play and he says, "When the letter arrived the day before the game confirming Balogun was available, the decision was straightforward."

Balogun has been in the headlines again over the past few weeks after his proposed move from Monaco to Everton collapsed late on Deadline Day. Pochettino has not spoken to him yet. He has deliberately given him some space because he knows it would have been a difficult situation. He would, he says, have liked to see Balogun playing in the Premier League. Instead, he remains at Monaco, and Pochettino hopes he can get himself into a good place.

'I hope to return to Premier League in future'

There was of course the fashion too. Pochettino has always taken his style seriously, but I am not sure even he could have imagined the impact his touchline navy ensemble would have had. It created its own headlines - not least because Wayne Rooney went out and bought it. "I saw him. He looked good on him, like a top coach," he laughs.

It really was a summer that had it all.

Then, as the footballing world moved on from the World Cup, the rumours linking Pochettino to a number of clubs looking for a manager began. But that speculation was short-lived with the news that he was staying with the USA.

If Pochettino sees out his contract until 2030, six years away from club football feels a long time. Is that his Premier League story over? He disagrees, and for him his desire is not only to be back in English football, but to compete for honours.

"I have the ambition," he says. "My dream now is to be in the USA for four years, but after that, why not? We are still young, and I think coming back is always my goal; to win the Premier League, to be in the Premier League and to build a project with the possibility of winning."

"I love the football here. I think to have the chance again is one of my wishes and I hope that happens."

Did Poch come close to Spurs return?

That unfinished business takes me back to an interview I did with Pochettino 18 months or so ago - he spoke about wanting to one day return to Spurs. At the time, Tottenham were struggling under Ange Postecoglou. Since then, Postecoglou has gone, and Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor have arrived and departed as the club got perilously close to the drop.

So did that call to rescue the club ever come? Pochettino says of a return: "Always I say, one day, why not?"

So was it ever a possibility this time? Pochettino says: "People talk and maybe we receive some approach, but it never was close." Not this time then.

What about some of those other jobs - at one point AC Milan looked like a possible destination.

"We were not open during the World Cup to talk with different clubs that were interested," he says.

But were there clubs interested? "Yes, always," he says as if that is the norm. "Yes, always have different, you know, options," he teases.

I try again - did any of them come close to taking your attention? "We never gave the opportunity to be close. We always closed the door before it got close."

Poch assesses old clubs Spurs and Chelsea

So what of where his old club Tottenham are right now, because I joke it is never dull at Spurs.

"They are investing like other clubs", and Pochettino sees the logic after a couple of difficult seasons. Tottenham have changed their approach and are spending big on players who already know the Premier League. I think back to how close Pochettino was to delivering Spurs glory in the league and Europe and how little he spent by comparison - what would he have given to have had £300m to spend? There's a mischievous smile, and he pretends he couldn't possibly understand what £300m is.

So does he think this new strategy will work? "You never know," he replies. "We need time to see if that works or not.

"Like in all the games, when you make a decision like a coach that can work well or not. I think it's a different strategy and a different way to operate. I always wish the best for Tottenham because it's in my heart."

There's also been a big shift in direction at his former side Chelsea. The head coach role he held two years ago has now been changed to manager, while there has been a significant change in transfer policy with the club buying Premier League-ready players rather than projects under Xabi Alonso.

Pochettino is reluctant to make direct comparisons, but he sees similarities in the ambition of both clubs, and concedes "buying players like this you can expect to fight, to be a contender for the Premier League."

Chelsea's defeat to Arsenal has already provided an early reality check, but Pochettino is urging patience with Alonso.

"Of course they are disappointed after the defeat against Arsenal, but I think we need to give time to Xabi's first season after three games in the Premier League," he says.

"I think we need to give time, and of course for Tottenham the same."

For Pochettino, Arsenal are very much in pole position.

"Mikel [Arteta] is the best coach in the Premier League today," he says. "Knowing what he needs to do, it's going to be tough to beat them."

LISTEN: The latest Transfer Talk podcast!

On the latestTransfer Talk Podcast, Pete Graves is joined by Sky Sports senior football journalist Peter Smith and Sky Sports' Dougie Critchley to discuss Alexis Mac Allister's bombshell quotes about his contract situation at Liverpool.

PLUS the panel talk Fulham's poor start to the season, Manchester United's defensive issues, Everton's lack of options in attack and Ipswich's huge summer spend.

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Brazil recall Pedro, Alisson and Cunha omitted

Joao Pedro has been recalled to the Brazil squad at the first time of asking after his surprising World Cup snub, but Alisson, Matheus Cunha and Thiago have been omitted.

Pedro was controversially left out by Carlo Ancelotti for this summer's tournament - a decision that looked even worse after Brazil's last-16 exit to Norway.

The forward has started the season well after enjoying a full pre-season with Chelsea and now returns for two fixtures against Australia, plus a game against India, while Brentford's Thiago makes way.

Alisson is an eye-catching absentee. He was Brazil's No 1 at the World Cup and started for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Cunha has two assists in three Premier League games for Manchester United this season and featured regularly at the World Cup.

Arsenal's Gabriel and Bruno Guimaraes are in Ancelotti's squad, as are Manchester United's Andrey Santos and Manchester City's Vitor Reis.

Esteveo has been recalled after the Chelsea winger missed the World Cup through injury.

Nottingham Forest's Jair Cunha has been handed his first senior call-up.

'Arsenal didn't buy that X-Factor signing' - Merse assesses Gunners' CL chances!

Paul Merson has his say on whether Arsenal will have a chance at claiming Champions League glory.

Follow their opening game away to Napoli here...

Live Commentary - Napoli vs Arsenal | 09.09.2026

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Should Man Utd have invested more in defence?

On the Transfer Talk Podcast, Dougie Critchley and Peter Smith discuss Manchester United's lack of defensive depth.

Have Everton left themselves short in key positions?

On the Transfer Talk Podcast, Dougie Critchley discusses whether Everton have left themselves short in key positions, such as striker and full-back.

LISTEN: The latest Transfer Talk podcast!

On the latestTransfer Talk Podcast, Pete Graves is joined by Sky Sports senior football journalist Peter Smith and Sky Sports' Dougie Critchley to discuss Alexis Mac Allister's bombshell quotes about his contract situation at Liverpool.

PLUS the panel talk Fulham's poor start to the season, Manchester United's defensive issues, Everton's lack of options in attack and Ipswich's huge summer spend.

Captivate This content is provided by Captivate, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only.

Papers: Hammer blow for Man Utd as target agrees new contract

The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday's newspapers...

Transfer news: Manchester United suffer hammer blow after top target Lewis Hall agrees five-year Newcastle deal - Paper Talk

Sky Sports

Paper Talk: 'Asonishing' Haaland bags brace vs Porto

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Hayen: Vardy an important add-on for Burnley

Nicky Hayen has backed Jamie Vardy to be a vital source of goals for Burnley as they bid to turn around their season after a winless start continued in a 1-1 draw at Wrexham.

The 39-year-old Vardy, signed as a free agent over the weekend, served a one-match ban at the Racecourse Ground and watched on as Zeki Amdouni fired Burnley in front before Jacques Ekomie levelled.

It left Burnley still in the bottom three with only three points from six matches, but Hayen believes Vardy can help lift them up the table.

"First of all it's goals, that's why we brought him in and what is really important is he's an experienced player but also an intelligent player," he said.

"How we play, we create spaces and the goal we scored with Zeki, with Jamie he has such intelligent runs that he doesn't need a lot of chances before he scores goals. In his career that's what he had.

"This will be an add-on for our team but also our offensive players can learn a lot from him about movements on the ball and off the ball."

Man Utd's £1bn rebuild faces toughest test?

Michael Carrick transformed Manchester United's fortunes after his appointment in January, steering the side from seventh to third and clinching their return to the Champions League.

But, after a disappointing start to the new campaign, how will they handle the challenge of juggling three games per week? And has their rebuild neglected one key part of their squad?

Man Utd have highest transfer net spend since 2022 but Champions League return will test depth - Between the Lines

Sky Sports

O'Neill: Chelsea youngster Mheuka looks a player

Martin O'Neill is expecting big things from on-loan Chelsea forward Sam Mheuka.

Mheuka had a goal disallowed against St Mirren at the weekend and has looked a threat during two substitute appearances for Celtic so far.

"I expect him to do well," O'Neill said.

"He's just getting to know the players. He's getting to know what's expected of him in terms of style of play, what we do with the ball and what we do without it.

"It's essentially what he does with the ball that will determine not only his time here, but his future in the game and he looks a player.

"We definitely have got better options up front than we had last season."

'He's fully involved' - Alonso says Estevao has big future at Chelsea

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso says Estevao does have a future at the club despite not featuring much this season.

He's BACK! Merse lauds Vardy move as Burnley's signing arrives to watch Wrexham match!

Paul Merson lauds Jamie Vardy move as Burnley's signing arrives to watch their game against Wrexham due to currently serving a match suspension.

Analysed: How important is Mac Allister for Liverpool?

Do Alonso's Chelsea lack too much control to challenge for PL triumph?

Sky Sports News' Dave Reed analyses how Chelsea have changed under Xabi Alonso and sees how they lack control on the pitch.

Merse unconvinced by Maresca's Man City: They've lost the 'fear factor'

Paul Merson says Enzo Maresca's side haven't clicked yet and admits teams have lost a 'fear factor' they used to have when playing Manchester City.

Alvarez and David not expected to start against Liverpool

Diego Simeone has admitted the transfer speculation around forward Julian Alvarez was not helpful before the transfer window closed with the Argentina international unlikely to start Atletico's Champions League opener at Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Alvarez recently missing two days of training citing illness after being told he could not move to Barcelona.

Fellow striker Jonathan David is also not expected to play from the off at Anfield after he only signing on loan from Juventus on September 1, having made just two substitute appearances this season.

"Jonathan has only just arrived, Julian is getting better," Simeone said.

"I don't see he could start tomorrow, but I am sure he (David) could help at some point in the game."

Can Man Utd's squad handle three games a week?

Sky Sports' Between the Lines takes a closer look at how Michael Carrick's Manchester United squad is set as they prepare to take on multiple competitions this season.

EXPLAINED: Man Utd's transfer spending since 2022! How has their defence not evolved?

The Premier League Show take a deep dive into Manchester United's transfer spending since 2022, with the club fielding the same back four on Sunday as Erik ten Hag's first game four years ago.

Stamatelopoulos leaves Motherwell by mutual consent

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has left Motherwell by mutual consent "to pursue opportunities elsewhere".

The 27-year-old Australian forward joined the Steelmen on a three-year contract from Newcastle Jets in July 2024.

Stamatelopoulos scored 12 goals in 45 appearances in his first season and a half at Fir Park before joining Sydney FC for the second half of last season.

He has not featured this term under new boss Alfred Johansson.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the fans," the striker told the Motherwell website.

"Everyone associated with the club welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home. The fans, staff and players have all been amazing during my stay in Scotland.

"This is football, and it's the right time for me to move on."