Spurs Web

Three familiar Tottenham Hotspur names featured when Ange Postecoglou was asked to build his ultimate five-a-side team.

Tottenham Hotspur have had several top managers grace the dugout in north London throughout their history. However, not all of those greats can boast of having delivered silverware during their tenure in north London.

The likes of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino, Harry Redknapp and Andre Villas-Boas all tried but failed.

But Ange Postecoglou delivered a trophy in his two seasons as Tottenham boss, ending a 17-year wait, and as such, will always be remembered fondly.

Tottenham trio included in Ange Postecoglou’s five-a-side team selection

The Australian is currently without a job, having been sacked by Nottingham Forest following his departure from Tottenham.

Still, there is no denying that throughout his managerial tenure, he has worked with several top players across the globe.

In his appearance on The Overlap, Postecoglou was tasked with building his dream five-a-side team from players he has managed, and three Tottenham players made the cut.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Asked which goalkeeper he would have in his side, Postecoglou went for Joe Hart, whom he worked with at Celtic.

The Australian, known for his attacking style, opted for just one centre-back, selecting Micky van de Ven, whom he believes can contribute in attack.

In midfield, he chose Cal McGregor, while up top he named two former Spurs attackers, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, with Son named as skipper.

How Spurs have fared since Kane and Son’s departure

Tottenham have no doubt missed both Harry Kane and Heung-min Son since their respective departures.

Kane left in the season Postecoglou arrived in north London, despite completing pre-season, but Spurs still managed to secure a respectable fifth-place finish.

However, the season that followed saw Tottenham end 17th, although the disappointment was papered over by the Europa League win.

Meanwhile, Son left Spurs last summer, and it has been downhill ever since for Tottenham, who now find themselves in 16th place in the Premier League table, five points above the relegation zone.

Speaking about Kane and how good he was for Spurs, Postecoglou said: “People underestimate the role Harry [Kane] played over the past ten years. I only worked with him for a couple of months, but he is the best player I have witnessed close up in my whole career.”

Paul Merson is not very confident about what will unfold at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday between Spurs and Arsenal.

A week and a half ago, most pundits and even Spurs fans would have chalked off the derby as an easy win for Arsenal.

However, things have changed massively since then, with the Lilywhites sacking Thomas Frank and bringing Igor Tudor in for the rest of the season.

The managerial change has been met with a positive reaction from the Spurs fan base, and one would thus expect the supporters to get behind the home side on Sunday.

Paul Merson admits Tottenham v Arsenal is very hard to predict

Additionally, Arsenal come into this game wounded and slightly lacking in confidence after throwing away a two-goal lead against Wolves.

Merson expects the away side to edge out their fierce rivals, but he admitted that he would not be surprised if Tottenham got a result.

MORE SPURS STORIES

When asked to predict the result of the North London derby, the former Arsenal midfielder told Sportskeeda: “I’m sitting here and I don’t know what happens in this game! I thought I’d never say that, but it is what it is. It was one of Arsenal’s worst-ever games against Wolves. There were no patterns of play and they never looked like their usual self.

“Tottenham have a new manager and it’s basically a free swing for them in the derby now. If Tottenham lose, no one cares. The pressure is on Arsenal and if Newcastle lose to City, it just adds to it.

“I find it strange that Eberechi Eze did not start as the no.10 against Wolves. He was brought in to do that. Then why did he not start the game? Mikel Arteta used Bukayo Saka as a no.10 instead. He’s not suited to play there because he’s a proper winger.

“Noni Madueke also started against Wolves and he’s very hot and cold. He will do something amazing and the next thing he does would make you go, ‘why did he do that?’. Madueke is very direct but he has to mix it up. You can’t be direct all the time. He has still done better than what I expected this season though.

“I won’t be surprised if Saka goes to the wing and Eze comes on for Madueke in this game. For me, Eze has to play as the no.10 against Spurs. He’s good in tight spaces and is better than Saka in that role. I’m expecting Arsenal to win but I won’t be shocked if they failed to either. It just seems like they can’t open teams up anymore.”

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Arsenal.

Igor Tudor has told Spurs fans what to expect on Sunday

Tudor has promised Tottenham fans that his side will be brave on Sunday, which will come as a relief to the supporters, who have been frustrated with the team’s lack of attacking intent this season, especially at home.

The Croat’s first job will be to instil some belief in the Spurs players, whose confidence has taken a battering this season.

Xavi Simons is winning over the Tottenham faithful, and his latest gesture away from the pitch has only strengthened that bond ahead of the north London derby.

Tottenham Hotspur will be happy with how Xavi Simons has been performing in recent weeks after a difficult start to life in north London.

The Dutchman managed just one assist in his first ten outings for Spurs and often struggled to deal with the physicality of the league.

However, that all seems to have changed, with Simons playing with far more confidence, showcasing his dribbling and playmaking skills in the number ten role for Tottenham.

So far this campaign, he has managed nine goal contributions, scoring three times and assisting six in 33 appearances.

Tottenham fans hail Xavi Simons gesture before Arsenal fixture

Simons is not only trying to improve on the pitch but is also getting familiar with the culture of Tottenham.

Ahead of this week’s north London derby, the Tottenham number seven posted a photo of himself with youngsters from the Spurs academy, and captioned it “THE FUTURE. 🤍 #COYS”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham fans have now given their reaction, with many pleased by the gesture the Dutch international showed.

One fan said: “Yer a good lad Xavi”, while another commented: “He seems like he is really trying hard to learn everything about Spurs and works his ass off doing the right thing! Top bloke.”

One more added: “It is great to always have someone who just gets it at the club! @xavisimons been a pleasure witnessing your growth and transformation throughout. You are making it work, you have made it work, that alone is inspiration enough for a great future and especially the young lads.”

Another supporter stated, “I have fallen in love with you, never leave us king.” The praise kept coming, with a fan commenting: “Proper ambassador for the club alongside Madders.”

Another had an on-field request: “Great to see you taking a wider interest in the club and the youth. Spurs through and through. Now announce yourself in the NLD. Game was made for big game players.”

While a final supporter commented: “Thank you for representing our club so well on and off the pitch. Grateful you decided to come here and for all the quality you bring each week. My son and I love watching you play, keep grinding through these hard times, we have your back!!! COYS!!!”

Spurs commitment from Xavi Simons delights supporters

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Simons opted against taking the five days off that were given to Tottenham players following the sacking of Thomas Frank.

The Tottenham number seven instead chose to spend his time off on the training pitch, and that is the sort of commitment many Tottenham fans love.

A former Premier League striker, who is reportedly on Tottenham’s radar, has spoken about the possibility of returning to England in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have struggled for goals this season, and the club may thus be forced to rebuild their forward line in the summer.

It has been revealed that Spurs have already started exploring moves for some big-name strikers ahead of the summer window.

A proven Premier League striker was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham ahead of the January window, and the Lilywhites’ interest in the player may not have gone away.

Tottenham could reignite their interest in Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney has been prolific in the Saudi Pro League since swapping Brentford for Al-Ahli in a £40m move back in 2024.

TEAMtalk have now confirmed that Spurs did consider a January move for the England international, who has scored 58 goals and 15 assists in 76 appearances since moving to the Middle East.

The outlet claims that the Lilywhites are expected to be in the market for a new number nine again ahead of the 2026-27 season. It is suggested that Toney’s name could be considered by the North Londoners again in the summer.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Toney makes an interesting statement about his future

Amidst this transfer update, the former Bees striker has made an interesting revelation when asked about a possible Premier League return.

Toney refused to rule out a return to England, but the centre-forward made it clear that he is very happy in Saudi Arabia.

When asked if we could see him back on these shores, the striker told Sky Sports News: “Never say never. I have goals I want to achieve here first, the club have signed me for a long period of time. I want to repay them and bring trophies. In football and life, you never know what’s around the corner. Who knows what the next step is?

“I’m comfortable here and like being here. I’m doing well, my numbers speak for themselves, and I’m settled. I’m enjoying my football and don’t see why I’d leave to go back to where I was.”

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a centre-forward who impressed against them in the Champions League earlier this season.

Reports indicate that Tottenham are not expected to activate Randal Kolo Mauni’s purchase option after what has been an unimpressive loan spell for the Frenchman in North London so far.

It has been suggested that Spurs may also cash in on Richarlison this summer, which means that the Lilywhites could well be in the market for a new number nine.

An experienced striker, who is posting incredible numbers in the Norwegian league, has now emerged as a possible target for the Premier League side.

Tottenham considering move for Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh

Kasper Hogh has been prolific in front of goal since his move to Bodo/Glimt in 2024, and the striker has taken the Champions League by storm this campaign, with four goals and three assists in nine outings.

Sports Boom say that Hogh’s displays in Europe have caught the attention of several clubs, including Spurs.

The upcoming summer transfer window will be crucial for the 25-year-old, who looks set to make a move to a major European league. Intermediaries have proposed his name to the Tottenham hierarchy ahead of the summer window.

MORE SPURS STORIES

It is revealed that Spurs are not treating Hogh as a primary target at the moment and are instead ‘monitoring’ his situation and viewing him as a low-cost ‘plan B physical option’.

The striker’s 1.90m-plus frame has also attracted the attention of Wolves, who are exploring the signing of a modern target man ahead of the summer.

How much is Hogh expected to cost?

Additionally, the Danish centre-forward is also on the radards of Wolfsburg, Union Berlin, Udinese and Torino ahead of the summer window.

The outlet reveals that Bodo/Glimt brushed aside offers in the 8m–€9m (£7m-£7.8m) range from Norwich and from Scottish Premiership sides in the January window.

The Norwegian club have set a valuation of €15m–€18m (£13.1m-£15.7m) for the forward, which, if met, would make Hogh the club’s record sale.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for a Premier League centre-back, but they will have to battle three European giants for his signature.

According to reports, there are worries at Spurs that Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could ask to leave in the summer after yet another poor domestic campaign for the club.

As a result, it appears that Tottenham Hotspur have started exploring the market for various options, and that includes a player who has shared the dressing room with Romero at international level.

It first emerged in January that Spurs are big fans of Marcos Senesi, who is having an extremely impressive campaign with Bournemouth.

Tottenham battling three European giants for Marcos Senesi

Journalist Matteo Moretto has now revealed that Spurs are showing the most serious interest in the Cherries star, whose current deal at the Vitality Stadium is set to expire in the summer.

However, he revealed that Tottenham face competition from Barcelona, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund for the centre-back.

When asked about Senesi’s future, Moretto told Marca: “Senesi is performing very well at Bournemouth, and there are Premier League teams preparing offers.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

“The interest is strong and diverse: The team most interested is Tottenham, but there’s Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, who are planning to make an offer. Barça is also very attentive to the Senesi situation.”

Several Premier League clubs are also fans of Senesi

It is not only Juve, Barca and Dortmund that are after the Bournemouth man, but also several of the Lilywhites’ Premier League rivals.

This is according to a recent update from TuttoJuve, who claimed that Man United called to ask about Senesi’s availability in January.

Additionally, Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Everton also allegedly explored a move for the 28-year-old centre-back in the winter transfer market.

The North London derby is fast approaching and Tottenham Hotspur’s fan-led tifo display is taking shape rather nicely.

Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping their supporters are able to create a hostile environment on Sunday, as they look to cause further damage to Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes.

The match is equally important in ensuring Spurs move further away from the relegation zone, with only five points currently separating them from 18th-place West Ham.

Those inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will aim to be the 12th man their team so desperately need and plans are already in place to display a Tottenham fan tifo before kick off.

Tottenham tifo message revealed

Tottenham fans can now take a first look at the tifo that will welcome the team on Sunday, and like previous displays, it will span the entirety of the South Stand.

It will read: “North London since 1882”, a message Tottenham supporters have sought to push in recent years due to Arsenal’s controversial North London forever anthem.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spurs began playing their home matches on the Tottenham marshes when the club were first established and they have stayed true to their roots by remaining in the same area of the city.

The same cannot be said of Arsenal, who were founded in Woolwich and only began to call North London home in 1913.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should be rocking for the North London derby

Tottenham’s home has not always been a happy place. In fact, more often than not, it has been the place where Spurs have recorded many of their domestic defeats.

However, the Igor Tudor era is about to begin, which could signal a fresh start and necessary change at the club. Now is the time to get right behind the team, and it certainly seems like this is what the loyal followers of Spurs aim to do this weekend.

Let’s hope the latest Tottenham tifo spurs the Lilywhites onto victory!

Tottenham’s 12 Premier League fixtures under Igor Tudor:

Tottenham Hotspur boss, Igor Tudor, has now revealed some of the early conversations he has had with his players and whether he has picked his captain for Sunday’s derby clash.

Igor Tudor has spent the last few days settling into life at Tottenham Hotspur ahead of what will be a hectic next few months.

The former Juventus man, however, looks up to the task, as he made it clear that he is at Tottenham to work and that the club is 100% going to avoid relegation.

He also spoke about understanding the demands of Tottenham and the reason for the swift impact he has had at clubs he has previously managed.

Undoubtedly, Spurs will hope he can deliver similar success as they aim to stay clear of the relegation places.

Tottenham boss Igor Tudor opens up on Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin talks

Tudor has also been getting familiar with the players at his disposal. He is not a total stranger, though, having worked with five current Tottenham players in the past.

Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski and Randal Kolo Muani have all worked under the Croat at different stages of their careers.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The 47-year-old has now revealed details of the conversations he has been having with his players as he continues to settle in.

Discussing his early talks with the leadership group and the messages he wanted to send, Tudor explained that clarity on values and style has been central.

Speaking to Tottenham’s official channels, he said: “No, the conversation was what I said now. It is about everything. You cannot say we speak about this, then we speak about this.

“You need to speak about players, but also about concrete things on the pitch, what you want. Because the players need it and they want to have clarity about what we want.

“This was the goal to send two messages about people, about men, about values, and about how we want to play. To get these things together and working.”

Reflecting on his previous spell working with Cristian Romero, Tudor addressed their history and the defender’s development.

He added, “Yes (I worked with him before). I sent him out (on loan to Atalanta). No, he told me that now ‘You sent me to Atalanta’. He went to Atalanta and then he made his fantastic career and became what he became.”

Spurs reunion gives Igor Tudor familiar foundations

Turning to his past work with Radu Dragusin, Tudor acknowledged spotting his potential early. He continued: “Yes, he was a young player in the period I was there (Juventus).

“I recognised in him immediately the skills – he was good already. He was young. He is still young, but not like he was four or five years ago.”

He also reflected on the Croatian links to Tottenham and the memories attached to them. He added: “My best friend was here – Stipe Pletikosa, the goalkeeper.

“Also, the best player in the history of Croatian football, Luka Modric. Of course, nice things happened 10-15 years ago. It is past a bit of time but it is nice.”

Finally, when asked about his captain for the north London derby with Cristian Romero suspended, Tudor kept his cards close to his chest. He said: “We will see on Sunday…”

Igor Tudor has addressed how he intends to shape Tottenham Hotspur amid a mounting injury crisis, ahead of the north London derby.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will have hoped for a positive injury update ahead of the north London derby against Arsenal.

However, that was not the case, with Igor Tudor only confirming that Dominic Solanke trained for two days, although the Englishman has a throat issue. He also stated that some of the other injured players could return next week.

Speaking about the fitness of his Tottenham squad, he said: “Probably no, Solanke has some problem with his throat, but he made two days training. All the others, some are next week.”

Tottenham injury crisis forces Igor Tudor to rethink Spurs system

That leaves Spurs in a similar position to when they last faced Newcastle United, with no fit wingers available for selection.

At the back, if Tudor deploys three centre-backs, he will have to rely on a makeshift option, with Cristian Romero suspended and Kevin Danso injured.

The midfield is also stretched, with Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur injured, while Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski are unavailable.

MORE SPURS STORIES

It raises questions about how Tudor will set up and what his style of play will look like with so many absentees.

Addressing the tactical dilemma and the impact of injuries, Tudor explained that mentality comes before system when players are missing.

Speaking to Tottenham’s official channels, he said: “I would say it is more difficult when you do not have players. But then it is easy to choose a system. As I said on Tottenham television, it is always the style after the mentality.

“That system can be, as you know, during the game the players are moved, it can be changed. It is only starting position after it is all about fluid and movement, without ball of course. Then you need to choose for the characteristics of the players.

“The available players. If you have wingers, fantastic wingers. You play with the wingers. If you have fantastic strikers, you play with strikers, or midfielders (etc). That is the key, but it is not about the system. That is the last thing that is important for this start.

“As I said before, you need to become a team, you need to become the group of the people with values, who give something more, who watch after each other, who do not watch themselves, but each other to help them.

“This is, for me, basic. After, all the quality can come out, because this is a team who is full of quality, I believe, full of talented players with good motivations who can run. So, there is plenty of potential. To come out with potential, some basics need to be done.”

Spurs still have quality despite injury setbacks

Of course, despite the injury problems, Tottenham still have enough quality to hurt teams, even Arsenal on Sunday.

Spurs also have the advantage of a 12-day rest coming into the north London derby, which should keep them fresh physically and mentally.

Tottenham boss Igor Tudor has outlined his plan to tackle Arsenal on Sunday during the north London derby despite an injury crisis.

It is no secret that Igor Tudor has a big task on his hands as he aims to steady the ship at Tottenham Hotspur.

The injury situation has not helped his cause, with as many as 12 players set to miss out on Sunday in the north London derby.

Still, the expectation is for results to improve, as Tottenham cannot afford to lose any more games, given how close they are to the relegation zone.

West Ham United, 18th in the Premier League table and five points behind 16th-placed Spurs, have been finding some form.

The Hammers could reduce the gap between themselves and Tottenham to two points should they manage a win against Bournemouth and Spurs lose to Arsenal.

Igor Tudor explains the need for a strong mentality on Sunday against Arsenal

Tudor is well aware of the task at hand and has now outlined how he plans to deal with the lack of fit players during the encounter with Arsenal.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking to the official Tottenham channels, the Croatian acknowledged the scale of the injury problems, described the limited numbers available in training, and stressed that mentality will be key despite the circumstances.

He said: “Yeah, a very particular moment, as you know, this very rare situation that we find, 10 players injured, some with big injuries also.

“So we made training with 13 players, so it is how it is. It is not fantastically beautiful, but it is in this case a bigger challenge to succeed, to come out from this situation, which is now, of course.

“13 we will have, for sure, and it is quite enough to achieve what we want on Sunday. And that is the first of all.

“Of course, I understand the importance of this game, this is a derby, you know, north London derby. Everybody expects the points, the three points from us.

“We are aware of this, but what was my goal in these first sessions we made is that we became a team, that we became a team in the right meaning of the word, you know, the team who want to suffer when it needs to suffer.

“To fight, to run, to have the right mentality. Also, you know, this is the start. Also, I was working on a lot of things, not everything because football is not only about that.

“It is about having a clear idea of what we want to do. Very, very specific things we want to do with the ball, without the ball, when we are pressed or when we are low. So we work a lot, but the start is always about mentality. That is because the people come before the football player.”

Tottenham will need fans to spur them on against the Gunners

Arsenal also have injuries of their own, with the likes of Merino, Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka all doubts.

However, their injury list is nothing compared to that of Spurs, who will almost certainly feature several academy players on their bench.

Tudor’s view of the situation speaks to his mentality and determination to put up a fight, as he opted against using the injury crisis as an excuse.

With Tottenham short of fit players, the new boss will no doubt be hoping the 12th man – Spurs fans – can spur his side on as they look to end a four-year winless league run against the Gunners.