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Tottenham Hotspur honcho Daniel Levy criticised for sacking Jose Mourinho

Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed one of their most optimistic and promising periods under Jose Mourinho, who took over the reins of the club from a fan favourite in Mauricio Pochettino. While the Portuguese’s first few months at the job basically went into getting a hold of things in north London, he started 2020/21 on a very good note and even topped the Premier League at one point.

Come the month of February, Spurs were in their first final since 2008 with a date against Manchester City sit at the Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup’s title decider. In a decision that shocked many, Jose Mourinho was fired by Daniel Levy less than a week before the clash, a call which has been immensely criticised even three and a half years after it was made.

One of the greatest Tottenham figures, Glenn Hoddle has spoken about the issue in an interview quoted by the Mirror. He said.

“I think there is a massive mistake that Daniel Levy made. José [Mourinho] gets him to the [Carabao] cup final and he [Daniel Levy] sacks him on the Monday. That doesn’t make sense to me, and it never will. I don’t understand that at all. You bring somebody in to win a trophy, and he [José Mourinho] has a good record against Pep [Guardiola] as well. Then, no disrespect, but putting a young coach instead who has had no experience – is just woah. It would’ve been a stepping stone.”

Tottenham would eventually lose the game by a 1-0 margin and many fans, players and pundits were left to wonder what would have been had Jose Mourinho been given just a week more in the job. Instead, it was Ryan Mason who took over as the interim coach before Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed as the permanent coach in the summer of 2021.

He did not lost longer than three months into the season as a string of poor results saw another Portuguese relieved of his duties, before Antonio Conte took over and was left frustrated for most of his time at the club. The Italian was also fired in March 2023 and replaced for good by Ange Postecoglou who arrived at Hotspur Way later that year.

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For the first time since Mourinho’s tenure, Tottenham look like a steady ship though it remains to be seen if they can get any closer to sniffing a piece of silverware for the first time in over a decade and a half.

Tottenham Hotspur have incurred a mixed week after it started with another mid-performance in the defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park Stadium last Sunday; however, Ange Postecoglou‘s side made a splendid comeback when the North Londoners enjoyed a morale-picking win against Manchester City in the mid-week in the Carabao Cup.

The performance against the Premier League champions meant that Spurs remain in contention for all trophies for the 2024/25 campaign.

Merson Warns Spurs of Villa Threat

And following that confidence booster on Wednesday, Spurs will be looking to make their Premier League record right when they face Aston Villa in the upcoming Sunday. While Ange will be under pressure to get things right, Unai Emery has proven to be a manager worthy of giving head aches to the best of teams in the English top tier since he took over the Villans.

This fixture represented that fourth-place fight in the previous campaign, and the North Londoners would be looking to take every advantage if Ange is to find himself in a similar position going into the conclusive game weeks of the ongoing campaign.

And speaking about the game, Paul Merson insists that the outcome at White Hart Lane this weekend will shape up the Christmas period for both sides. He insists that it would be a big blow for Spurs Champions League qualification credentials if they were to lose against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Speaking about his predictions around the game for London World, Paul Merson said:

“I thought it was a really bad result for Aston Villa when they lost to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup during midweek. I know they play in the Champions League and compete well in the Premier League, but they should also look to win the cup.

“That exit would have definitely been disappointing for Villa. I’m still going to back them to beat Tottenham though.

Villa’s high line could face problems against Spurs, but I just can’t see them not scoring in this game. It’s going to be a big blow for Tottenham in their attempt to qualify for the Champions League if they lose this game. Villa can open up an eight-point gap over Spurs if they win and that may well be curtains for the north Londoners’ hopes about finishing fourth. I just think Villa have a bit more in them than Tottenham and fully expect them to win here.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa.”

-> Tight wage structure hindered Tottenham from signing England international who Postecoglou wanted

It is a little too early to speak about the end-of-season standings at this point, though that being said, what is your final score prediction for the weekend’s fixture? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tottenham Hotspur have enquired about Vasco da Gama forward Rayan

Tottenham Hotspur are establishing a very exciting core of young players at the N17 currently with a clear focus on future prospects.

In Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and a few more, the Lilywhites have signed some sublime talents with huge potential to unlock. In addition, Ange Postecoglou is seeing some of the academy starlets come through into the starting XI with Mikey Moore having earned his first Premier League start in the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last month.

While the Greek-Australian boss focuses on getting positive results on the pitch while maintaining an attacking and pressing style of football, the Hotspur Way chiefs keep continuing their work behind the scenes of improving the squad.

According to a report from Brazilian outlet Vascaino, Tottenham are prepared to enter the race for Vasco da Gama talent Rayan.

Vasco da Gama promoted Rayan to the senior side in 2023, and since then, he has made 37 appearances, registering three goals and an assist. The Brazil youth international’s performances have caught the attention of several European clubs, including Lyon, who are understood to have already made an offer to Vasco da Gama for their player.

Rayan has a substantial £53.4 million release clause in his contract, but as he has a contract until December 2025 (Transfermarkt), Vasco are open to selling him for around £15 million as they look to improve their financial situation. Even, their club president, Pedrinho has confessed the need to raise funds in order to improve their finances.

Despite signing Odobert from Championship side Burnley in the summer and Yang Min-hyeok poised to join Spurs from South Korean outfit FC Gangwon in January, Big Ange could do with reinforcements in the offensive department to cover the entire season. The Lilywhites must go in the 2025 transfer interval looking to secure a talent like Rayan, who would bring speed, dynamism, freshness and versatility to White Hart Lane.

-> Ex-scout doubts winter Tottenham move for £30 million rated Premier League striker

The north London giants have recruited a fair few young prospects to their squad in recent transfer windows, and the Vasco product could be the latest in the list. Acquiring Rayan’s signature in a cut-price deal in January would not only beef up Big Ange’s squad but also continue the club’s plans of building for the future.

Tottenham Hotspur have ample of highly regarded young players in their ranks, and Daniel Levy has been tasked with ensuring that all of the starlets take strides in their games along the campaign. One of the players getting some regular minutes for his loan side is Josh Keeley.

Josh Keeley has been starting games between the posts for Leyton Orient in the ongoing campaign, and John Wenham, owner of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, insists that the number one position for his temporary employers is Keeley’s to lose.

Spurs’ young keeper grabs starting role

Following a difficult start to the season in terms of minutes under his belt, the 21-year-old has been named in the starting lineup in last three of Leyton Orient’s League One fixtures. And speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, Wenham insists that the Lilywhites loanee should continue starting for the Os. He said:

“I’m delighted for Keeley. He seems to have that number one position at Orient now and he kept a clean sheet recently, their first for a long time.

“It seems as though the position is now his to lose. Therefore, I fully back him to go on a run and continue starting matches.”

Keeley seeks to break into first-team picture

Tottenham have a bit of a goalkeeping situation at White Hart Lane as the Lilywhites continue to proactively look for a new backup to Guglielmo Vicario in the 2025 transfer intervals, and Ange Postecoglou would be keen to have a look at what the 21-year-old produces in his loan spell for Leyton, and if any opportunity for him to be included among the keeper’s unit at Hotspur Way would arise, the Australian head coach wouldn’t back off from it.

Josh Keeley has an opportunity to make inroads in Tottenham’s keeping unit, however, for that to happen he now has to grab this opportunity with both hands.

-> Tight wage structure hindered Tottenham from signing England international who Postecoglou wanted

Do you think if the 21-year-old keeper impresses in his loan spell, Ange would consider him to be Vicario’s deputy in the coming campaigns? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to cop Cobham Academy talent Josh Acheampong as Daniel Levy looks to compound on his transfer strategy to land highly regarded youngsters from around the country, continent, and beyond. Bagging on the policy, Spurs were looking to steal a highly regarded youngster from Chelsea’s academy as the Lilywhites looked to take advantage of the contract situation in West London.

Josh Acheampong is the third option in the right back slot at Stamford Bridge at the moment and has been very highly rated for his offensive as well as defensive antics. However, he was in a contract standoff with his current employers, and the likes of Real Madrid and Spurs were looking to take due advantage of the situation at hand by offering him not only a more prominent role in the first team but also a competitive contract.

Spurs’ bid to sign Acheampong faces setback

The North Londoners have been looking to bolster their roster with fresh faces, and Levy hoped to entice the player with an understudy role to Pedro Porro, which would have given Acheampong more first team minutes.

However, per the latest report by Football Insider, the Chelsea sensation is likely to agree on a new contract with the Blues after the player was forced out of the first team setup because of the contract standoff, which could have played an integral part in getting the needed break-through.

-> Tight wage structure hindered Tottenham from signing England international who Postecoglou wanted

For Tottenham, this comes as a blow as Daniel Levy and his team continue to look for a new right-back going into the 2025 transfer intervals as they look to sign an understudy to Porro.

Do you think Spurs will sign a new right back this winter window? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night, successfully eliminating them from the Carabao Cup. Under the torchbearer that is Ange Postecoglou, the team aims to end a 16-year trophy drought this season, with a quarter-final clash against Manchester United on the horizon.

Tottenham have developed a knack for defeating Manchester City in recent years. Timo Werner opened the scoring, followed by a stunning strike from Pape Matar Sarr, which left Manchester City stunned. Erling Haaland curled the ball in from approximately 25 yards to halve the deficit, but it did not prove enough.

Recognition of a key strength

In an interview with Sky Sports following the match, Guardiola acknowledged that Tottenham’s pace has truly impressed him during Postecoglou’s tenure.

“An incredible top side they are so fast and I am really pleased. We play so good. If you play a game that quick they attack quicker, we played really good,” he said.

“Of course, in the second half there was transitions they could have finished the game – I know perfectly how good we played.”

For a club that has struggled to secure silverware in recent decades, Spurs have certainly given Guardiola some significant challenges. While it might be slightly unfair to label Tottenham as the weakest of the big Six which we know who holds that spot—given their consistent presence in the top six—the Lilywhites do boast a commendable record against a manager who has dominated English football since his arrival.

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Tottenham’s recent form has certainly kept fans on their toes. Following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, Spurs bounced back with an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester City. The standout in this performance was Dragusin, who showcased that he does indeed possess the qualities to start among the squad.

Ange Postecoglou, who brought the young defender to North London from Genoa nine months ago, has consistently emphasised that Dragusin would get his chance—and it seems that belief is beginning to pay off.

Serie A powerhouses Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli are eyeing a potential move to bring Radu Dragusin back to Italy as reported by TBR. However, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly reluctant to part with the £26 million Romanian international. Dragusin has had limited Premier League starts—just five so far—due to the impressive form of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Nonetheless, his standout performances in cup matches have caught the attention of scouts and added weight to his reputation, fuelling interest from Italian clubs.

What the future holds for the Romanian

Radu Dragusin’s links to Napoli have resurfaced recently, but his camp is taking a measured approach, fielding enquiries while keeping their options open rather than actively seeking a move. Agent Florin Meana recently underscored this stance, making it clear that Tottenham are not entertaining the idea of parting with the promising defender. Spurs are evidently keen to retain Dragusin’s potential, indicating their confidence in his long-term role within Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Earning £85,000 per week, Radu Dragusin has attracted the interest of the Italian Powerhouses and Bayern. The 2023 Serie A champions, who had previously missed out on signing the 22-year-old when he chose Tottenham last winter, are keen to revisit their interest while Milan and the Old Lady are monitoring the Romanian’s progress.

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Tottenham star berates team for lacking desire to win vs Crystal Palace

“Why would I be happy”- Postecoglou cuts a frustrated figure as Tottenham fall to Crystal Palace

Ange Postecoglou Reflects on Spur’s Mistakes That Allowed Palace Victory

Radu Dragusin was among the standout squad players as Tottenham once again halted Pep Guardiola’s progress in cup competitions. Ange Postecoglou applauded not only Dragusin’s strong performance but also highlighted the contributions of teenage talent Archie Gray and the commanding presence of Rodrigo Bentancur. We shall see where the future takes Dragusin.

Tottenham right-back Djed Spence has missed the last few games with a groin problem

It looks like several of Tottenham Hotspur’s players could be absent for some upcoming big games. We are just at the start of November and injuries are starting to take their toll.

One of those players is Djed Spence. It has been a bizarre couple of months for the right-back at the club. The chiefs at the Hotspur Way decided to omit the 24-year-old from the Europa League group-stage squad despite his impressive performances in the pre-season. And Tottenham announced that the player has signed a new contract extension at the club.

Just when Djed Spence thought the contract extension would now allow him to break into Ange Postecoglou’s side, he got injured. The Englishman has been hampered of late by a groin strain suffered in training, missing the last three games.

Sports scientist and physiotherapist Dr Rajpal Brar claims Spence will miss Spurs’ Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Sunday. The renowned injury expert feels that the player will “take some time” to gradually reintegrate into the squad owing to the setback of the groin injury.

Spence is trying to rejuvenate his career at Spurs after spending the last 18 months out on loan, and the last thing he needed was injury. The Lilywhites’ decision not to include the former England youth international in the Europa League squad before handing him a contract extension is something not many Spurs fans have understood, but by doing, so they have at least shown faith in the player.

Had he been fit now, the ex-Middlesbrough star would have been perfect to play in the cup competitions while giving first-choice right-back Pedro Porro some valuable rest. Spence has played just four games this season but is yet to make a single start.

-> Ex-scout doubts winter Tottenham move for £30 million rated Premier League striker

The attacking full-back will be raring to attain full fitness and come back stronger than ever. Having impressed in the Carabao Cup tie against Coventry City and even scored the vital equaliser, fans will be hoping to see more of him in the coming months.

Tottenham, currently sitting in 8th place, face a concerning setback as Micky van de Ven may not return until the new year after sustaining a suspected hamstring injury during their 2-1 League Cup victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, October 30. The 23-year-old Left-back exited the pitch in tears just 14 minutes into the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, signalling the potential severity of the injury.

Micky van de Ven’s injury has raised serious concerns for Tottenham fans after he clutched his hamstring during an otherwise routine challenge against Manchester City’s Savinho. The centre-back immediately signalled to the sidelines, ending his night early. Van de Ven has dealt with hamstring issues before, missing 12 games across competitions last season.

Set to be a huge blow for the Lilywhites

Since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2023, Micky van de Ven has swiftly become a crucial part of Tottenham’s defence, thanks to his incredible speed, having clocked the fastest time of the season at 37.38 km/h against Brentford. With Cristian Romero also exiting early in the match against Manchester City, Spurs fans express worries over a potential defensive injury crisis as they face a packed schedule in the weeks ahead.

Starting in his usual left-back position, Micky van de Ven showcased his trademark pace, swiftly tracking back to block Savinho’s advance in the first half. However, concern quickly set in as he clutched his hamstring shortly after, raising worries among fans. Postecoglou later confirmed that van de Ven felt discomfort in his hamstring, though the full extent of the injury remains unclear.

“Micky felt something in his hamstring. I haven’t got the full update on him, but he definitely felt something, and we’ll see how he is,”

Ange Speaking in the post match conference.

The full extent of Micky van de Ven’s injury is still undetermined, as per Premier Injuries, but his absence will undoubtedly be felt, especially given his recent standout performances and increasing importance to Tottenham’s backline stability.

Since joining Tottenham, the Dutchman, who earns £50,000 per week, has made 39 appearances and contributed to five goals, underscoring his impact on both ends of the pitch.

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Tottenham star berates team for lacking desire to win vs Crystal Palace

“Why would I be happy”- Postecoglou cuts a frustrated figure as Tottenham fall to Crystal Palace

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Tottenham will sorely miss Van de Ven’s pace and defensive reliability, especially with a demanding schedule ahead. As they prepare to face Aston Villa, Galatasaray, and Ipswich Town, Ange Postecoglou’s side will need to quickly adapt to his absence to maintain their composure.

Tottenham Hotspur had been subject to extensive links with a move to bring Conor Gallagher in the past summer transfer window, with Ange Postecoglou having identified the England international as an ideal player for his style and someone who can make massive impact at White Hart Lane. The Cobham graduate was linked with Spurs since the Australian head coach took over the reins at N17, and that showed how the club believed the 24-year-old to be the right personnel to take over the reins in North London.

Gallagher would have brought that grind into the midfield, complemented by his technical prowess in the middle of the park.

Wages stumble Spurs’ Gallagher pursuit

However, with how things worked out, the North Londoners could not land his signatures, with the England international eventually moving to Atletico Madrid, and Tottenham insider Paul O Keefe has come out with the exacts of the reasons behind Spurs not eventually signing the 24-year-old. He insists that Tottenham didn’t sign Gallagher owing to hefty wages.

Daniel Levy has created a strict wage structure at Hotspur Way that prioritises long-term financial stability while ensuring that the player’s wages remain within certain intervals to avoid disrupting the balance on wage books, and by the looks of it, Gallagher’s wage demands came out too hefty for what Levy was willing to offer, in turn making it difficult for the Lilywhites to compete with Atletico Madrid and conclude a much anticipated transfer.

At some point, if Tottenham are to sign highly regarded talents, Tottenham and Levy will have to give a bit of leeway to their wage structure as they look to compete at the top of the league.

-> Ex-scout doubts winter Tottenham move for £30 million rated Premier League striker

Do you think Tottenham should have matched the wages Atletico offered Gallagher? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.