Football London

Mauricio Pochettino spent five years at Spurs, overseeing a runners-up finish in the league, as well as taking the north London club to their first Champions League final

Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham need to be serious challengers for both the Premier League and Champions League titles and claimed winning the Europa League is “not enough”.

Pochettino spent five years at Spurs, overseeing a runners-up finish in the league, as well as taking the north London club to their first Champions League final – where they suffered defeat to Liverpool in 2019.

The 53-year-old, who will take charge of the United States at this summer’s World Cup, was sacked later that year.

However, Spurs have largely fallen away since his departure, and Thomas Frank is already under pressure following a troubled start to his reign. Tottenham supporters have even sung Pochettino’s name at recent matches.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

And Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Pochettino, whose contract with the US national team runs until the World Cup, said: “It is true that Tottenham is a club that needs to think about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

“Their facilities are Champions League (level), and in the past we didn’t have that. But now it is about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

“The fans appreciated (us) because we challenged for the Premier League and the Champions League. To win a Europa League that the team won (last season) is good, because when you celebrate a trophy that is good, but it is not enough.

“It is not enough for a club like Tottenham to challenge for the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup or the Europa League or the Conference (League).

“It is a club that should be, or needs to be in the Champions League, and fighting for the Champions League, and trying to believe you can win the Champions League, and fighting for the Premier League, and believing you can win the Premier League.”

Thomas Frank, meanwhile, has no problem with Tottenham fans singing about former boss Pochettino. Spurs go into Tuesday’s match at home to Newcastle on a run of two wins in 16 Premier League matches and only six points above the relegation zone.

It has sparked fears for survival among the Tottenham fanbase, who in recent weeks have chanted about ex-boss Pochettino.

Pochettino masterminded tilts at the Premier League and Champions League during a largely successful five-year spell between 2014 and 2019, and referenced his “special” connection with the club on the High Performance Podcast on Sunday.

Asked if it was unhelpful to have Pochettino talking about his old team, and supporters singing his name, Frank was diplomatic.

“I met Mauricio a few times. Great guy, a great coach. I think he’s a legend (here),” Frank said.

“I don’t think he won a trophy, but he was part of transforming the club, from where it was at that stage to where it ended being in terms of being close to winning the Premier League title and getting into the Champions League final.

“If you are close, then you are very close to winning it. Sometimes it’s football, it’s margins. Pochettino did a top job here and is a true legend, so if the fans sing his name, it’s well deserved.”

Tottenham sit just six points above the relegation zone and face a genuine threat of dropping into the Championship ahead of Tuesday night's Premier League clash at home to Newcastle United

Tottenham's players are not thought to have relegation salary reduction clauses in their contracts. Thomas Frank's side have been plunged into somewhat of a fight to remain in the Premier League this season.

A run of no win in six league matches has seen Spurs fall to 15th in the table and just SIX points above 18th-place West Ham, who sit in the final relegation spot.

With Wolves and Burnley cut adrift inside the bottom three, it appears that a number of teams - including Tottenham - are battling to avoid one position.

Frank did not want to mention relegation in his press conference on Monday, but the threat of dropping into the Championship is something that Spurs may have to realise if they lose to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

And, should Tottenham be relegated to the second tier, there has been talk that the players could face a salary reduction.

But, according to The Telegraph, ex-staff members who worked under Daniel Levy's era as chairman have said that salary reduction clauses were NOT inserted into contracts during their time at Spurs.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

It's added that sources who remain in contact with the club since Levy's exit believe that is still the case, although the wage bill would drop with relegation and without European football as no bonuses would be applicable.

Tottenham's relegation rivals West Ham, meanwhile, have 50 per cent reductions in player contracts if relegated. Leicester City - who were relegated from the Premier League in 2023 and 2025 - inserted the same clause.

So, if Spurs do get relegated, having a number of players earning more than £100,000 would be a major concern. It would give them a huge financial problem and put a risk to their Profit and Sustainability (PSR) position.

There has been some near concerns that Spurs could face relegation from the Premier League in the past. Last season, Tottenham finished 17th and endured a miserable top flight campaign under Ange Postecoglou.

But it was in 1994 when Spurs won away at Oldham Athletic on the penultimate game of the season to clinch survival and avoid relegation from the top flight for the fifth time in the club's 164-year history.

During a half an hour press conference going into Tuesday's game against Newcastle, Frank was asked about relegation NINE times. Despite this, he only used the 'relegation' word once himself.

"Every club should do whatever they can to perform every single game and do everything they can to end as high as possible," Frank said on Monday. "I think if we were a little bit higher then you'd say, 'Is top four the end?' Now it's not as high, then, 'Is relegation the end?' For me, no matter what, I will only focus on the next game.

"At one stage we are hopefully in a better and higher position, and you will ask me about a position higher up in the league, and I’ll say I’ll focus on the next game. That will be my answer."

Tottenham host Newcastle on Tuesday evening in the Premier League knowing they need to pick up points to move away from the relegation fight.

Thomas Frank will go into the game without 11 players through injury and suspension, barring any further unannounced absences. One of the players not taking part is captain Cristian Romero, who is out for four matches following his first half red card in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.

Dutchman Micky van de Ven will take the armband against a Newcastle side also struggling for victories right now and the home fans will be hoping Dr Tottenham does not come to their aid. Only six points separate Spurs from 18th-placed West Ham, who welcomed United on Tuesday, and the Frank's injury-ravaged side cannot allow that gap to close.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold will be reporting live from the match, which kicks off at 7.30pm, and he will bring you all the latest updates below from the Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A number of players have represented both Spurs and Newcastle over the years, some with more success than others

Newcastle United will visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening, with several players having represented both sides in the Premier League era - including current Magpies right-back Kieran Trippier. Some have even moved directly between the two sides, though not all of them wanted to do so.

Les Ferdinand starred for Newcastle during two seasons at St James' Park in the 1990s as they twice finished as Premier League runners-up. His tally of 25 league goals - with no other Newcastle player managing double figures - saw Kevin Keegan's men run Manchester United close in 1995/96 before ultimately finishing four points adrift.

Alan Shearer joined Ferdinand in 1996 in a world record £15million transfer from Blackburn, though the strike partnership couldn't bridge the gap to United the following season. Newcastle's new manager Kenny Dalglish set out to balance the books in the summer of 1997 and Ferdinand was among those sacrificed when Spurs came calling with a £6m bid - not that he wanted to move away.

"I was [at Newcastle] for two years and I would have spent the rest of my career there," Ferdinand would later tell Sky Sports. "I thought it was a great club and thought we were on the cusp of winning something. But I think managers, and certainly British managers that I've come across, they like to change it because if they don't change it and that team goes on to be successful, everyone talks about it being the previous manager's team.

Ensure our latest football headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activateor add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Tottenham weren't the only club interested but the London-born striker knew that's where he wanted to go if he did have to leave Tyneside. However, things didn't go entirely to plan.

"I thought if I am going to leave Newcastle, Tottenham were my boyhood club so that was where I was going to go," he added. "I knew the club was in a bit of turmoil at the time, but after speaking with (chairman at the time) Alan Sugar he utterly convinced me to sign for Tottenham.

"People go through their careers and say they don't have regrets, but from a football perspective that was probably the worst decision I made (joining Tottenham). Tottenham were a club in unbelievable turmoil and I didn't realise how bad it was until I got there.

"In my first five years, I had four different managers and a change of board, so that tells you the type of turmoil the club was in. I made a decision based on pride rather than what was best for my football career."

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Ferdinand said he still enjoyed playing at White Hart Lane but his spell in north London was plagued by that off-field turmoil as well as some injury issues. He managed fewer goals during more than five years at Spurs than he had achieved in just two seasons in the North East, before seeing out his Premier League career with stints at West Ham, Leicester and Bolton.

Newcastle endured a challenging first campaign without Ferdinand, largely due to Shearer sustaining an injury that sidelined him until the new year. Spurs found themselves in mid-table or below during Ferdinand's five full seasons, though he was part of the team which won the League Cup final in 1999.

Paul Scholes reckons that Manchester United should sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur

Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United to sign Cristian Romero. The 27-year-old defender has been at the centre of controversy this season, publicly condemning the Tottenham Hotspur board on numerous occasions before getting sent off against the Red Devils.

Romero first criticised the Lilywhites' transfer policy in December 2024, claiming that a lack of spending was causing them to fall behind their rivals. Then, in January 2026, he hit out at senior officials again, posting a strongly worded message on social media after a defeat to Bournemouth.

Before the Argentina international edited the post, he appeared to accuse the hierarchy of telling 'lies'. In what remained, he suggested that the Spurs directors face the music.

"At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don’t – as has been ­happening for several years now. They only show up when things are going well," said Romero. In the initial post, the second sentence read: "They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies."

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

In February, the Argentine took another swipe at the board, claiming it was a 'disgrace' that Tottenham only had 11 senior players available to play in the 2-2 draw to Manchester City.

After the game, Romero wrote on Instagram: "Great effort from all my teammates yesterday, they were incredible. I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn't feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available - unbelievable but true and disgraceful.

"We'll keep showing up and taking responsibility to turn this around, working hard and staying together. All that's left is to thank all of you for being there and for always supporting us, the fans."

A week or so later, Romero capped off a disastrous start to the year by getting sent off during Spurs' defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Despite the recent controversy around the Tottenham captain, Scholes wants his former club to secure his signature.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, the Red Devils legend claimed that Romero is unhappy in north London. Scholes said: "Do you know what? I love him. I love watching him play football.

"He’s p***ed off at Spurs, isn’t he? He doesn’t want to be there. He’s having a go at the crowd, he’s having a go at the board, I think his head has checked out a little bit. But I would love him at Manchester United. I just love his character."

Romero recently signed a new contract with Tottenham that doesn't expire until June 2029. Frank has leapt to his skipper's defence, describing him as a 'young leader' who's still perfecting his craft.

"For me, I think he is a leader. He is a young leader, and he’s learning every day," said the Dane. "I’ve said I used the example when I was 30 years old.

"I thought I was on top of the world, but I was no way near the level I am today in terms of leadership and understanding things. And then when you have a player that’s playing with so much passion and aggression, things like that can happen.

"That’s not to say he shouldn’t learn from it, of course he needs learn from it, going forward."

Luka Vuskovic has certainly caught the eye while on loan at Hamburg

Luka Vuskovic has provided an update on his future at Tottenham Hotspur. The 18-year-old defender, who's currently on loan at Hamburg, has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich following his impressive performances in the Bundesliga.

Vuskovic has featured 18 times in the German top flight this season, scoring four goals from centre-half. Playing a key role in the side, the Croatia international helped the newly-promoted outfit distance themselves from a relegation scrap.

Despite only a handful of appearances at the highest level, Vuskovic has earned great praise from the likes of Lothar Matthaus, Vincent Kompany, and Ivan Rakitić. In an interview with Croatian outlet TPortal, the teenager was asked how he manages his newfound fame.

Vuskovic, who Tottenham signed from Hajduk Split for £12million in September 2023, said: "My family, friends and girlfriend keep me grounded, help me and keep me grounded.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

"I was lucky that in all the clubs I have played for so far I had great teammates and coaches who recognized the situation and were very supportive. So I have no problem with that, I haven't taken off, I have great people by my side and everything is fine."

On his future, Vuskovic said: "Yeah, I heard that. I don't know what will happen; we'll talk about that in the summer. Tottenham is also being talked about because I'm their player until 2030.

"So, after my eventual appearance at the World Cup, we'll see what we'll do and how to proceed. As for me, I wouldn't mind staying at HSV, in fact.

"Mario [Vuskovic, his brother, who is unable to play until November 2026 due to a doping suspension] should start playing in the fall, so I'd get the chance to play with him, which is my biggest wish at the moment. You know how football is, you never know what will happen."

Vuskovic has been enjoying life at Hamburg, and he appreciates the trust that Spurs have shown in him. He said: "I talk to their scouting chief, nutritionist and physiotherapist a lot.

"When I was there for two months, they saw that I was a professional and that they didn't have to watch me every step of the way. They trust me with my diet, training and everything, and that means a lot to me."

On whether he's ready to test himself in the Premier League next season, Vuskovic said: "The Bundesliga is also a very difficult league. It's hard for me to say about the Premier League now, but I tell you, I'm not thinking too much about it or stressing myself.

"Let's do this season properly, and then we'll see in the summer what happens next."

On life in Hamburg, Vuskovic said: "I'm enjoying it. I don't know German yet, but I'm learning. The city is beautiful, my favourite by far after Split. The city is incredible; it offers you everything you can think of.

"I live in a very good location, close to the stadium and the city. My friends, girlfriend and family often come over, so it's really great. When I'm here alone, I do all the housework myself; you have no choice.

"But my family often comes over, and my girlfriend often too, so she helps me out a bit [laughs]."

On Hamburg being the 'perfect fit', Vuskovic said: "I couldn't have come to a better club. I think people might like me a little more because of my brother, who's been through everything he's been through.

"It turned out really well. I'm really happy with these 15, 16 games and coming to Hamburg was a complete success."

EXCLUSIVE: Joe Cole fires Cristian Romero clear message after 'destructive' Tottenham behaviour

Cristian Romero capped off a disastrous start to the year for Tottenham Hotspur, on and off the pitch, with a jab at the hierarchy and a red card at Old Trafford

Joe Cole has urged Cristian Romero to keep his feelings in-house as Tottenham Hotspur fight for survival in the Premier League. The 27-year-old defender has been at the centre of attention during what has been a disastrous start to the year for the Lilywhites, on and off the pitch.

Last week, Romero publicly condemned the Spurs hierarchy for their failure to invest in the squad. Thomas Frank leapt to his captain's defence in an effort to defuse the situation, only to throw himself into the firing line a few days later.

Despite Romero's spiky comments, the Dane started his skipper against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Argentina international was given his marching orders inside the opening half hour, extending Tottenham's winless streak to seven games.

Spurs dropped to 15th in the Premier League, with just six points separating them from West Ham in the bottom three. The Lilywhites will now be without Romero for four games, notably missing the North London Derby.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Speaking to football.london ahead of this week's Premier League fixtures, which will be broadcast on TNT Sports and discovery+, Cole urged the Argentine to keep his thoughts in-house. The Chelsea legend said: "Romero, first of all, is a top defender, but I think how he’s handled himself has left a lot to be desired.

"His behaviour, in terms of the online stuff, which is very difficult for me to comment on because it wasn’t around properly when I was playing, so I don’t know how to react. I just know that the dressing room is sacred.

"Especially when you're a senior player, and you've got to lead, he should be keeping these feelings in-house and talking to people and doing things the right way

"But as a footballer, he's superb. As a person, I'm sure he's a lovely person, but his actions and his behaviour have been destructive to his team, to his club and his teammates."

Cole sympathised with Frank, who's under immense pressure to transform Tottenham's fortunes. The TNT Sports pundit added: "Thomas Frank has the hardest job. He's a great manager, and if it works at Tottenham, great, but if it doesn’t, wherever he goes next, he’ll be absolutely fine.

"I have no idea what they're going to do, but what they should do is do a very, very good appraisal. Let him have his first season, do an appraisal and see where the problems lay.

"Is it problems with the quality of the players that are coming in? Is it a problem with culture? How long does that take to change, and how long do you want to give Thomas Frank?

"I think Thomas Frank’s a top manager, I've seen him work. I think the club is in a very, very difficult place to work as a football manager, and he’s in a very difficult environment."

Cole added: "Your best bet if you’re Spurs is leaning into Thomas Frank and asking what he needs to get the team right, and leave all of that to someone who understands it, and everything else, the commercial stuff, can be done by the businessman.

"The football, leave that to Thomas Frank..."

Tottenham will be looking to return to some sort of positive form while Newcastle United look to do the same with both managers having their futures in doubt

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United both risk suffering their 11th Premier League defeat of the season as they meet in a bottom-half showdown on Tuesday night. Tottenham’s recent four-match unbeaten run was halted by a 2-0 loss at Manchester United on Saturday, while Newcastle endured a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Brentford later that day.

Tottenham’s 2025-26 domestic campaign under Thomas Frank has been plagued by misfortune, setbacks, and a mounting injury list. Their visit to Old Trafford encapsulated their season’s woes: Cristian Romero received a record-equalling red card—adding to his turbulent spell at the club—while goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes handed Spurs their 10th league defeat. The situation worsened when Destiny Udogie was forced off with an injury.

While Spurs have found some respite in the Champions League, with the round of 16 still on the horizon, their immediate priority is to distance themselves from the relegation battle. The reigning Europa League champions are now just six points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United, having failed to win any of their last seven Premier League games and managing only one victory in their previous 11 home league fixtures. Saturday’s defeat also marked the fifth straight league match in which Tottenham have conceded at least two goals—a worrying trend as their defensive injury woes deepen.

Both managers are under growing scrutiny, with Thomas Frank and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe facing increasing pressure. Howe described Newcastle’s recent 3-2 loss to Brentford as a “harsh reality,” marking the Magpies’ third consecutive defeat in all competitions following losses to Liverpool and Manchester City. It was also their third straight Premier League defeat and extended their winless run to five matches since beating PSV Eindhoven.

Newcastle’s struggles have left them in the lower half of the table, though they remain closer in points to the top six than to the relegation zone. Howe has acknowledged that the team has failed to meet expectations during this challenging spell. Their away form has been particularly concerning, with the Magpies scoring more than once in just two away league fixtures this season—against Everton and Burnley.

Despite these difficulties, Newcastle have enjoyed recent success against Tottenham, winning five of their last seven Premier League meetings with the Lilywhites. However, their most recent encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, with the now-suspended Cristian Romero netting both goals for Spurs.

Tottenham vs Newcastle Betting Tips

Draw/Newcastle - 4/9 ( Betfred )

Over 2.5 goals - 4/6 ( Betfred )

Gamble responsibly

Everyone at The Inside Track and Reach are committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.

EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham plan slammed as search for 'next Gareth Bale' backfires and Daniel Levy point made

Joe Cole has sympathised with Tottenham Hotspur supporters after a frustrating couple of years in the Premier League, with Thomas Frank having struggled to endear himself to fans

Joe Cole has slammed higher-ups at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for 'always recruiting maybes'. Since the Lilywhites last finished in the top four of the Premier League, which was in May 2022, they've forked out £786m (€903m) on arrivals while recuperating just £260m (€298m).

Despite such an outplay on players, Tottenham have struggled to cement themselves a place in the Champions League. Ange Postecoglou, of course, ended the north Londoners' trophy drought last season, beating Manchester United in the final of the Europa League.

But, while Spurs finally qualifed for the Europe's top flight competition again, they ended the Premier League campaign in 17th place, and just 13 points above the drop zone.

The Lilywhites haven't enjoyed as much of a return on their eye-watering investments as they would've hoped, and Cole has urged club officials to rethink their model.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Speaking to football.london ahead of this week's Premier League fixtures, which will be broadcast on TNT Sports and discovery+, the Chelsea legend said: "Tottenham are always recruiting ‘maybes’, they’re always recruiting to develop and to sell.

"That’s always been the case, and what happens is, when you haven’t got a structure which is as good as Brighton or Brentford, which is a little bit more consistent, you're going to have eras where you go a year, 18 months, two years where none of the signings are working.

"You're going to have times when they're all working and you get a Gareth Bale, and you get a Luke Modric, and players like that, and you can ship them. I think they’ve just had a spell where they’ve bought badly."

Cole added: "On top of that, I think the frustration for the fans has been growing because there doesn't seem to be any communication coming out of the club with, ‘What are we?’ You know, 'Are we competing?'

"The best and the worst thing that has happened at Tottenham in recent decades is getting to the Champions League final because it put them in a false sense of where they're at in the scheme of things.

"They’ve lost Daniel Levy as well, which I think was – he done a great job – part of that era where they was just looking to develop players and build the business rather than win on the pitch. The fans, I think they feel a bit lost at the fans at the moment."

Earlier this month, Johan Lange reflected on the January transfer window. The Tottenham sporting director welcomed two new faces to the club, signing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and Souza from Santos for a combined fee of just under £50milion.

In an interview with club media, Lange claimed the 'highly frustrating' wave of injuries impacted his approach, stressing the need to remain 'disciplined'. The Dane also stated that Spurs have owners who are 'very willing to invest', despite complaints from sections of the fanbase.

Lange also admitted that Tottenham are in a better financial situation than most Premier League clubs, but he cited the Premier League's spending rules as a constraint. Towards the end of the interview, Lange insisted that he has 'big ambitions of strengthening the team' in the summer.

Here's the Tottenham team that we reckon Thomas Frank will select to face Newcastle United on Tuesday in the Premier League

Tottenham are in desperate need of a victory against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Thomas Frank is without 11 players through injury and suspension, including losing captain Cristian Romero for four matches and the Dane has confirmed that Dutchman Micky van de Ven will take the armband and is expected to play alongside Radu Dragusin.

The question is whether Spurs stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation they started the game at Old Trafford with or revert to the back three that had brought them some joy until that first half against Manchester City. Joao Palhinha will be key to the formation and whether he takes his place in defence or midfield.

Much could depend on the fitness of Djed Spence. The versatile full-back is available according to Frank and if he's fit enough from the off then he will likely start in a back four with Destiny Udogie out for between four and five weeks with a hamstring injury.

If Spence is on the bench and Souza starts on the left then a back three might protect the teenage Brazilian on his home debut.

Up front, the three attacking midfielders who started the game with Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons playing either side of Conor Gallagher could all be given another chance together behind Dominic Solanke. Odobert found himself sacrificed for Dragusin after Romero's red card on Saturday.

Here's the team we reckon Frank will select for a big match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.