Spurs Web

Glenn Hoddle has insisted that Tottenham Hotspur were the much better side in the UEFA Super Cup final, and has explained why Spurs fans should be optimistic about their side’s chances in the Champions League on the back of that performance.

Tottenham’s results against the bigger sides were generally very poor under Ange Postecoglou, and the Australian was often criticised for not adapting his style of play when coming up against top teams.

We have already seen that things will be very different under Thomas Frank, who has a history of tweaking his tactics based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent.

That is what he did against PSG, with the Lilywhites setting up in a 3-5-2 formation and nullifying the Ligue 1 giants’ attacking threat for the vast majority of the encounter.

Glenn Hoddle says Tottenham can take a lot of belief from their performance against PSG

While Spurs ultimately failed to get their hands on the trophy, Hoddle was impressed by the fact that the North Londoners were dominant against the European champions for the majority of the encounter.

He insisted that Thomas Frank has found the template to use when his side comes up against top teams in the Champions League, especially away from home.

Speaking on TNT Sports (13/08/25), the Tottenham legend said: “They more than held their own, they were the better team by far. I think Luis Enrique actually sort of apologised in a way when he went up to Thomas Frank at the end there.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“For me, when they analyse the performance, that will give them so much belief going into the Champions League. Playing against this great side that have won the Champions League, ‘we went toe-to-toe and more and over 90 minutes we were the better team’.

“The substitutions made the difference, but at the end of the day, they have got a Champions League to play and I think that’s a template. The way they played there, don’t be surprised if they play Liverpool, if they play Manchester City, if they play Arsenal – that’s a template to play in the Champions League and maybe away from home.

“That is something they will really grasp. They will look at that and analyse and say ‘we were the better team’. So that’s a template now to go on the front foot and go toe-to-toe with these teams. That is a massive performance from Tottenham tonight from a manager’s point of view.

“Yes, it’s emotional and disappointing because you are 2-0 up with 10 minutes to go and you’ve lost the trophy, but at the end of the day I think it’s a real positive night for Tottenham.”

Thomas Frank now has to show another string to his bow against Burnley

There was a lot to like about Tottenham’s performance from Udine, and Spurs fans can be relatively confident after this display that their side will be hard to score against when they come up against the top sides.

However, the Tottenham head coach’s defensive organisational skills have never been in doubt. If anything, some of Frank’s critics have accused him of being too defensive.

Despite Tottenham losing the UEFA Super Cup in a heartbreaking fashion to Paris Saint-Germain, Joao Palhinha saw enough evidence to suggest that the Lilywhites can achieve ‘big things’ this season.

Palhinha made his competitive debut for Spurs at Udine as one of two midfield pivots, along with Rodrigo Bentancur, in front of a back five.

One can certainly see from his disciplined and combative display just why Thomas Frank was over the moon to bring Palhinha through the door, with the Portuguese international proving to be an impenetrable wall ahead of the Tottenham backline.

In fact, it was only after his substitution that PSG got some joy going forward, with both of the Ligue 1 giants’ goals coming in the dying stages of the encounter.

Joao Palhinha insists this is just the beginning of his Tottenham journey

As one would expect, the Spurs players looked distraught at letting the Super Cup slip in the manner that they did, but Palhinha was upbeat about the side’s performance after the full-time whistle.

The midfielder insisted that Tottenham Hotspur have all the tools necessary to achieve big things and is confident that they will show it again in the future.

After his side lost on penalties, the 30-year-old said (via Hayters TV): “I think it’s the beginning of a journey together… Tottenham is a great club and has all the conditions to achieve big things. It showed in the past, and for sure it will show again in the future.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“I share the dressing room with top players, as well as we have a top coach who’s a great human being, and I think we have all the conditions together to achieve big things; we just need to be together and keep fighting.”

Tottenham are going to be hard to score against this season

While it will take a while for Spurs fans to recover from the nature of that defeat, there were undoubtedly huge positives to take from that game.

It is now evident that under Frank, Tottenham are going to be hard to score against, especially with someone like Joao Palhinha mopping up in front of the backline.

Tottenham’s defensive organisation has been excellent across pre-season, barring the clash against Bayern Munich, and there is no doubt that Frank won the tactical battle with Luis Enrique last night.

Guglielmo Vicario had admitted that it is gut-wrenching to lose the UEFA Super Cup in the manner that Tottenham Hotspur did, but insisted that the Lilywhites got their game plan right against Paris Saint-Germain.

Ahead of the game, Frank admitted that the only thing that is important in a final is to win, and in that respect, Spurs failed, with the Parisians emerging victorious on penalties.

However, most Tottenham fans will come away from that performance very optimistic about what the season has in store, with the Premier League side getting the better of the European champions for large parts of the encounter.

Every player who started for Spurs put in a massive shift, and a senior Spurs star has now confessed that the result is a bitter pill to swallow.

Guglielmo Vicario confesses defeat against PSG is ‘difficult to accept’ for Tottenham

Vicario has now remarked that he is proud of the display that he and his teammates delivered in his home town of Udine and claimed that there are positives to take from the performance.

However, the Italy international admitted that it was not a happy homecoming for him, given how Tottenham Hotspur were punished late on despite being in complete control of the game.

Vicario told Sky Sport Italia: “Unfortunately, this is football and it is very difficult to accept, especially as I think we did well tonight and they punished us with two situations. It is objectively tough to lose on penalties.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“I think we did what we set out to do, from start to finish. We were close, but it was not enough. I think we had the right approach. I am proud of these lads because at the end of the day, starting with the idea of playing in a certain way and seeing that through, it ought to give us strength going forward.”

Vicario says Thomas Frank had the right game plan

The 28-year-old revealed that the players had worked on the system in training in the days leading up to the clash and did exactly what was demanded of them.

Despite the result not going their way, the Spurs number one said that it was evident that the Lilywhites had the right tactical approach to stop the European champions.

The goalkeeper added: “We followed to the letter what Thomas had asked us to do and what we tested in training. It had objectively worked, because we knew PSG struggled on set plays, and we hurt them twice in those situations, and we were dangerous in other opportunities.

“Of course, PSG have quality, and you need a bit of luck in football. It’s a learning experience, and we take it going forward.”

Gary Lineker believes Tottenham could be set for a dramatic rise under Thomas Frank this season, but Alan Shearer is far from convinced the club will climb as high as his fellow pundit expects.

Of course, Thomas Frank will be looking to improve on Tottenham Hotspur’s abysmal Premier League campaign last term, which saw them finish in 17th place.

That poor finish saw Ange Postecoglou lose his job, with Frank now handed the opportunity to get Tottenham back to the top, where they feel they belong.

The season is set to kick off this week, with Spurs facing Burnley in their Premier League opener at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Alan Shearer questions Gary Lineker’s bold Tottenham prediction

Speaking ahead of the season opener, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards all shared their views on where Spurs could finish this campaign under Frank.

On ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast, Lineker expressed optimism over Tottenham’s chances, suggesting they could push into Europe.

He said: “I’d sense an improvement will happen this season. I think they’ll be well organised, probably play slightly differently to they did under big Ange. Big improvement incoming, I think the European spots are what I’m gonna go for.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Shearer, however, was quick to question the claim. He responded: “Do you? That far, do you? That’s a big ask to go from 17th to qualifying for Europe, isn’t it? In terms of getting in the top six, isn’t it? It’s a big one. I see them obviously improving, but I do not see that much improvement. I’ve got them like Man United, seven, eight, nine, something like that.”

Richards then joined the conversation, stating: “Yeah, top six for me, Spurs, top six,” prompting Shearer to reply with surprise: “Really?” Lineker closed the exchange with a laugh: “You’ve got a lot of teams in the top six, Micah.”

Tottenham’s ambitions still do not match Daniel Levy’s words

Daniel Levy stated that his aim for Tottenham is for them to win the Premier League and the Champions League, in an interview this summer.

However, the club chairman’s spending this transfer window has not reflected those ambitions, with the rest of the big six currently outspending Tottenham despite the Lilywhites finishing the lowest of the six.

However, with the window still open, reports claim that Tottenham are still looking to bolster their squad further, with Savinho and Eberechi Eze now on their list.

But should Tottenham fail to land those targets, then Frank would need to punch above his weight as he did during his time at Brentford.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze has been gathering steam over the last few hours, and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed what the Crystal Palace star has just done amidst an impending offer from Spurs.

It was reported by Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe on Thursday morning morning that Spurs are preparing their opening offer for Eze following their talks with Crystal Palace.

According to an update from talkSPORT earlier on Thursday, Tottenham are hoping to land Eze for around £55m, but it is unclear how such an offer would go down with Palace.

The same update explained that the Lilywhites are not keen on activating the attacking midfielder’s £68m release clause, which expires tomorrow, but added that the Eagles may still hold out for the full value.

Eberechi Eze wants to join Tottenham Hotspur

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed on his YouTube channel that the England international has made it clear to the Selhurst Park hierarchy that he wants to join Spurs.

He confirms that the North London club are now preparing their opening offer for the 27-year-old and are prepared to enter into negotiations with Palace.

Romano adds that a move for Eze does not affect Spurs’ pursuit of Savinho, which is still very much on, but Thomas Frank’s men would have to stump up more than €60m (£51.6m) to land the Man City star.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham know what it will take to land Eze

It was reported by TEAMtalk a couple of days ago that Spurs have a clear understanding of Crystal Palace’s demands for Eze after holding week-long talks with the Eagles.

If Tottenham are now pushing ahead with a move for the former QPR man, that means that they believe that a deal is within their means.

However, given how the Morgan Gibbs-White saga turned out earlier this summer, Spurs fans will be wary of celebrating until Eze is pictured holding up a Tottenham shirt.

Cristian Romero admits that it was hard to lose the UEFA Super Cup final in the manner that Tottenham Hotspur did, but he made a promise to Spurs fans ahead of the new season.

While Spurs went into the final in Udine as massive underdogs, they will be wondering how they managed to lose that game, given the position they got themselves into.

For 85 minutes, the North London side managed to keep PSG at arm’s length and had a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the final five minutes of normal time.

However, the French giants fought their way with two quickfire goals to level the game, before emerging victorious on penalties.

Cristian Romero insists Tottenham are stronger for the experience

Romero was confirmed as the new Spurs captain the day before the final, and he led the side out at Bluenergy Stadium as he and his teammates delivered a heroic display.

The centre-back admitted that it hurts to throw away the game towards the end in the manner that Spurs did, but insisted that they will be stronger for this experience, and vowed that the team will fight to be back in stages as big as this one.

The Tottenham captain wrote: “It hurts to lose like this, no doubt, but it will make us stronger as a team. We’ll work and fight to relive these moments together. Thankful to all the fans for the incredible support on the road today. See you at home on Saturday, family @SpursOfficial.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

A lesson for Tottenham but plenty of positives to take

Before the game, Thomas Frank insisted that the Super Cup clash was only about winning, rather than a game he was looking to take any lessons from.

While that was the right attitude from the Dane, who tactically got the better of his opposite number, Luis Enrique, there is no doubt that he will take valuable lessons from that clash, now that the dust is settling.

One of those is the fact that he can count on these players to show tactical discipline and execute the game plan he envisions, even against the best sides in the world, which bodes well for Tottenham going into the new season.

Amidst suggestions that an opening offer is on the way from Tottenham Hotspur for Eberechi Eze, a new report has shed light on how much the Lilywhites are willing to pay for the Crystal Palace star this summer.

Over the past few days, several sources have suggested that Tottenham have leapfrogged Arsenal in the race for Eze.

According to reports, Spurs now understand exactly what it will take to land Eze following their talks with the Eagles over the last week.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe revealed that Spurs are ready to make an opening offer for Eze as they step up their pursuit of the England international.

Tottenham are hoping to sign Eberechi Eze for less than his release clause

According to a new report in talkSPORT, the North Londoners prefer not to trigger the 27-year-old’s £68m release clause, which is valid until Friday evening.

The outlet claims that Tottenham value Eze at closer to the £55m they paid to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham earlier this summer.

It is unclear if Palace will entertain any offer below the attacking midfielder’s release clause valuation even after it expires.

MORE SPURS STORIES

However, the report adds that Spurs remain optimistic that a deal can be struck for the former QPR man and have made Oliver Glasner’s men aware that they plan to try.

Eze would be expensive in more ways than one

The Crystal Palace star would not only require a huge transfer outlay but would also command big wages at Tottenham.

Eze currently earns £100,000 per week at Selhurst Park, making him one of the South London club’s highest earners.

Dominic Solanke has shown his support for Mathys Tel after the young winger suffered racial abuse in the aftermath of Tottenham’s penalty shootout defeat to PSG.

It was not to be last night for Tottenham Hotspur, who came very close to clinching their second European trophy in the space of three months, after a 17-year wait for silverware.

Tottenham put in a good shift for the majority of the game, before crumbling in the final ten minutes, allowing PSG to draw level after Spurs had held a two-goal lead.

Right in the thick of it was Mathys Tel, whose performance on the night left a lot to be desired, as the 20-year-old could have done better tracking the runs of Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele, who both combined to create PSG’s second on the night deep into added time.

Dominic Solanke sends message to Mathys Tel after Tottenham defeat

To compound his misery, Tel, who stepped up as one of Tottenham’s penalty takers during the shootout, fired wide, handing PSG an advantage.

This has sadly led to unwanted racial abuse towards the young Frenchman from social media users, abuse that has no place in society.

Dominic Solanke has now spoken out, sending a heartfelt message to his teammate, praising his bravery while condemning the vile behaviour from those responsible.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking via his Instagram story, Solanke wrote: “Pathetic. Will it ever stop.. Anyone can miss a penalty. Big up bro for taking one.”

Tel’s bravery on the night deserves recognition, as the winger put himself in a difficult position by stepping up in one of the highest-pressure moments in a penalty shootout.

Tottenham respond to racial abuse aimed at Mathys Tel

There is simply no room for racism in this sport, and anyone who chooses to hurl abuse at players who wear this badge is not a supporter of the club.

Tottenham, in a statement posted on their social media platforms, confirmed they are working with the authorities to ensure those responsible face appropriate punishment.

The statement reads: “We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat.

“Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards – hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to spout their abhorrent views.

“We will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take the strongest possible action against any individual we are able to identify.

“We stand with you, Mathys.”

Savinho’s agent has now informed Tottenham Hotspur what it would take for them to secure his client’s services, and it is not good news for the North London club.

Spurs Web relayed reports a couple of days ago that Tottenham’s £43m offer for Savinho has been turned down by Man City.

It has since been claimed by several sources that Spurs are expected to return with an improved offer for Savinho, with Thomas Frank’s side not prepared to give up on their pursuit of the 21-year-old just yet.

However, it has now emerged that the Lilywhites will have to spend a club-record transfer fee to secure the Brazil international’s signature.

Savinho’s agent reveals Man City’s demands to Tottenham

This update comes from journalist Jorge Nicola, who has said on his latest YouTube video (as relayed by Sport Witness) that after Tottenham had their first offer turned down, they held direct talks with the winger’s agent.

Savinho’s representative informed the London side that Man City would only be willing to let their client leave if they were willing to pay €80m (£67m).

If Tottenham pay that fee, it would make the former Girona man the club’s record signing, eclipsing the £65m they paid for Dominic Solanke last summer.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Nicola adds that Spurs are also negotiating a deal for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, whose signing would also require a huge financial outlay from Daniel Levy.

Savinho’s transfer intention is clear amid Spurs interest

It is unclear if Tottenham will be willing to part ways with such a big fee, but the one thing working in their favour is the player’s intention to join.

It has been reported by a number of sources that Savinho is keen on a move to Spurs if the club can strike a deal with Man City.

Tottenham are poised to make their move for a long-standing target, with a formal bid expected to land on the table in the coming days.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Eberechi Eze for a long time now, with every new report often seeming like a meme.

However, in the past few days, those reports have surfaced once more, with claims that Tottenham are once again in the chase for the Palace attacking midfielder.

Eze, who enjoyed a prolific spell at Selhurst Park last season, scoring 14 goals and assisting 11, while also clinching the FA Cup title, has also attracted interest from Tottenham’s bitter rivals, Arsenal.

Tottenham preparing bid for Eberechi Eze

The summer window is nearing its close, with a little over two weeks left before it shuts, meaning Tottenham have to move quickly to secure Eze this summer.

Paul O’Keefe, has taken to social media platform X, to report that reporting that Tottenham are now preparing their first official bid for Eze this summer.

MORE SPURS STORIES

It is understood that Eberechi Eze has a £68 million release clause that is active until Friday, according to various sources. Reports indicate that Tottenham have contacted Palace to clarify the structure of Eze’s release clause, to determine whether they might trigger it.

Tottenham are still active in the transfer market

Mike McGrath has also revealed that Tottenham are looking to step up their pursuit of Eze in the coming days, with the Lilywhites keen to secure a new number ten following James Maddison’s injury.

It is understood that while Thomas Frank is happy with his squad, he is open to Tottenham signing the right players this summer.