Daily Express

Ange Postecoglou will reportedly depart Tottenham at the end of the season even if he delivers the Europa League trophy. A miserable campaign has Spurs languishing 16th in the Premier League table after an 18th defeat in 2024/25, the latest to Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Their European hopes are pinned on overcoming Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals of the Europa League and then beating either Manchester United or Athletic Club in the final. Postecoglou joked once their final-four place was secured that journalists were "going to have to put up with me for a little bit longer" having seemingly secured a stay of execution by beating Eintracht Frankfurt over two legs.

As The Telegraph claim that Postecoglou will be leaving the club regardless of how far Spurs go in the Europa League. That includes becoming the first head coach since Juande Ramos to lift a piece of silverware, with the Spanish boss doing so in 2008.

Qualifying for next season's Champions League via the Europa League may be enough to keep Postecoglou from directly being sacked, but there is growing certainty that he will not be in charge for the first match of the 2025/26 season.

He may leave via mutual consent, having delivered on his vow to win silverware in his second season, but would also allow the club to go in another direction.

Spurs have been strongly linked with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as a potential replacement for Postecoglou, alongside Fulham's Marco Silva.

Iraola does have a reported £10million release clause that would allow Daniel Levy to bypass any conversation with the Cherries, if the 42-year-old is willing to relocate to north London.

Speaking after a 2-1 defeat to Forest, Postecoglou opted against sending any message to the increasingly-frustrated home fanbase, explaining: "I don’t need to say anything to the fans. The fans are disappointed and angry, I don’t need to tell them anything, they clearly wouldn’t be happy with our results but neither am I and neither are the players."

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The Aussie also rejected any notion that his players were lacking motivation due to their position in the table.

"It’s not like we lost because the players chucked it in," he insisted. "They didn’t lack motivation today, our football was outstanding. We paid the price for lacking focus in key moments, and it’s another game we let slip. It’s happened to us a few times this year and we should learn from these things."

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has been accused of not preparing for Nuno Espirito Santo's surprise Nottingham Forest team selection in Monday's 2-1 defeat. Spurs lost an 18th Premier League game this season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to remain in 16th, despite Espirito Santo taking a risk with his Champions League-chasing visitors.

The former Spurs boss raised eyebrows by handing left-back Harry Toffolo his first Premier League start of the season in north London. His faith was repaid in the second half when Toffolo produced an incredible goal-line clearance to deny Dejan Kulusevski a certain goal. And the 29-year-old contributed to a resolute defensive performance as Forest held onto three valuable points with just 30 per cent possession and four shots to the hosts' 22.

Forest have often used a three-at-the-back formation in matches where they've expected to surrender much of the possession this season.

However, Espirito Santo set his side up with a back four on Monday, using Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood as a strike partnership.

Alan Smith, working on co-commentary for the clash, suggested that Forest's set-up caught Postecoglou by surprise.

"I just wonder if this formation for Forest has just caught Ange Postecoglou cold," Smith explained on Sky Sports.

"I'm really not sure they'd have prepared for it. It's surprised us a bit. It's certainly not how we've been used to them setting up, but it's worked for them."

After full-time Espirito Santo hailed Toffolo and insisted that Forest needed the full capacity of their squad as they hunt Champions League football and FA Cup glory.

The City Ground club meet Manchester City at Wembley this weekend in the semi-finals before their final five Premier League games of the campaign.

Espirito Santo said: "Not only that [Toffolo symbolising Forest's spirit]. We have been talking a lot since the beginning of the season about the importance of the squad.

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"Even though a player doesn't start, I still believe he is going to play a part. And Harry did it. We are going to need them all.

"We are going to go to Wembley with players out and we have to find solutions, so every player in the squad has to commit himself to give a hand. Harry did it and did fantastic."

The feeling couldn't be more of a contrast at Tottenham, for whom it is Europa League or bust ahead of a semi-final tie against Bodo/Glimt.

Loud boos at full-time against Forest emphasised that Postecoglou is under mounting pressure near the end of a disastrous second season.

Ange Postecoglou declined the opportunity to send a message to Tottenham supporters after overseeing his 18th Premier League defeat of the season. Tension has been brewing between Spurs fans and their under-fire manager, and Monday night's 2-1 loss at home to Nottingham Forest will not have done much to mend the relationship.

Champions League-chasing Forest and 16th-place Tottenham have found themselves in unfamiliar territory this campaign. The unlikely gulf between the two sides' recent fortunes was outlined by the visitors racing into a two-goal lead inside 16 minutes thanks to strikes from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.

Spurs spent most of the game on the offensive, racking up 22 shots and enjoying the lion's share of possession. They pulled one back through Richarlison late on, but still came up empty-handed on a frustrating night.

Asked if he had a message for the fans after another painful result, Postecoglou said: "I don’t need to say anything to the fans. The fans are disappointed and angry, I don’t need to tell them anything, they clearly wouldn’t be happy with our results but neither am I and neither are the players."

As the season wears on, more and more of Tottenham's focus is taken away from domestic duties and towards the Europa League. They booked their spot in a semi-final against Bodo/Glimt next month by beating Eintracht Frankfurt over two legs.

Given that Spurs can no longer be relegated or secure European qualification via their league standing, performing in the Europa League is now of primary importance. But Postecoglou rejects the notion that his players have downed tools in the Premier League.

"It’s not like we lost because the players chucked it in," he insisted. "They didn’t lack motivation today, our football was outstanding. We paid the price for lacking focus in key moments, and it’s another game we let slip. It’s happened to us a few times this year and we should learn from these things."

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Both Forest goals made painful viewing from a Spurs perspective, with Guglielmo Vicario helping Anderson's strike into the Tottenham net, and Micky van de Ven losing track of Wood from a cross. Postecoglou is eager to see those kinds of errors stamped out down the home stretch.

He continued: "It’s another game we’ve lost where we shouldn’t lose. We make things difficult for ourselves in key moments. Concentration, giving up poor goals. It’s another loss, it’s another unacceptable loss and it’s frustrating."

Dominic Solanke remains confident in Tottenham's ability to overcome any challenges despite a tough season that has seen them lose 21 matches across all competitions - but admits the entire squad know they need to work on being more consistent as a team.

Spurs' record signing played a critical role in their Europa League semi-final qualification as they beat Eintracht Frankfurt away from home. Ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, Solanke said: "On our day we're good enough to beat anyone. It's just about doing that, really." Reflecting on the significant victory in Germany, he added: "In games like Thursday it's important to produce these big performances and big moments and that's what we did."

Solanke, who endured an 11-match goalless streak, finally broke his drought with a penalty in Frankfurt, but said of his run without scoring: "This stuff happens in football.

"You go through phases where you don't score for a while but today was a big moment and this is what we live for, these big games and big moments. I had to stay cool to take the penalty but obviously I was delighted to score in a big game like this."

Inside Tottenham's camp, there's a buzz of anticipation that this could be the year they end their 17-year trophy drought and reign supreme in Europe.

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Yet Solanke cautions that without more consistency, their Europa League ambitions could falter. He said: "We all know we need to be more consistent from game to game. When you have a game like Thursday's, you need to go out there and show no fear and get the job done.

"There's no second chances in knockout football so we knew we had to go and get the job done and that's what we did. The Europa League was something we had our eyes on from the beginning of the season.

"We're not far off it now so hopefully we can keep producing these performances in Europe and the Premier League throughout the rest of the campaign and kick on."

Atletico Madrid are eager to seal a deal for Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero ahead of the Club World Cup. Diego Simeone has identified the Spurs defender as his primary target, with hopes of snapping up the 26-year-old Argentine for less than £45million.

Confidence is surging in Madrid that the World Cup champion would be open to a switch to Wanda Metropolitano after nearly four campaigns at N17. The La Liga giants are on the hunt for two central defenders this summer and have also eyed Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera as a potential recruit alongside Romero.

With Cesar Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel, and Reinildo Mandava's contracts expiring in June, and Clement Lenglet set to return to Barcelona post-loan, all four could miss the Club World Cup and might exit Atletico during FIFA's "exceptional registration window" from June 1 to June 10.

Ange Postecoglou has cast uncertainty over the participation of key Tottenham players Son Heung-min and James Maddison as they prepare for a domestic encounter with Nottingham Forest. The Spurs talisman Son was notably absent from the squad's awe-inspiring triumph in the Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt, nursing a foot complaint that kept him off the pitch and even away from travelling to Germany.

Addressing concerns about Son's absence and his role within the team, Postecoglou informed: "He was in contact with the boys." Explaining the decision to bench his captain for the midweek game, Postecoglou said: "We discussed whether he should come along but I felt that to have the best chance of Sonny being available for the semis, we left him behind. Madders is probably a bit sore so a doubt for Monday. Sonny is still out."

As Nuno Espirito Santo steers his squad towards their next Premier League clash, the urgency mounts with Champions League ambitions on the line and Forest presenting fresh challenges in tomorrow night's grudge match.

Postecoglou emphasised the significance of relishing the triumphant moments following Tottenham's crucial midweek European victory, amidst a season speckled with challenges. After the match, he shared: "It was good, there was a fair bit of joy in the dressing room after.

"We had to pack up pretty quickly because we had a flight back, but it's important that you enjoy those moments when they come along. After a difficult season it's important that people enjoy those moments."

Amidst all this, it is understood that Postecoglou still enjoys the backing of the Spurs' top brass, but his role is anticipated to go under review once the season wraps up.

Tottenham Hotspur's quest for a new gaffer has hit a snag with Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Marco Silva of Fulham considered key to their clubs by their owners, both having been touted as possible replacements for Spurs' current boss Ange Postecoglou. With Bournemouth and Fulham managers in the spotlight, the North Londoners face a tough fight to secure their services.

Iraola's Cherries clashed with Silva's Cottagers at the Vitality Stadium on Monday, where a rapid strike from Antoine Semenyo sealed a 1-0 win for the home side, pushing them above Fulham into eighth position.

The two sides now find themselves neck and neck, each amassing 48 points - a striking eleven points ahead of Postecoglou's Tottenham with just six fixtures left to play. Despite the precarious situation, Chairman Daniel Levy hasn't made a move to dismiss Postecoglou, although the ex-Celtic leader might be in jeopardy should he fail to steer Spurs to Europa League success.

Summer recruit Iraola, replacing Gary O'Neil, expressed his contentment at Bournemouth back in late March, remarking "I want to do my job the best I can. I don't know how far we can go, where we will finish," prior to the FA Cup exit at Manchester City's hands.

In recent developments reported by BBC Sport, Bournemouth's bigwig Bill Foley is reportedly UK-bound to initiate contract extension discussions with Iraola, whose current contract concludes after the forthcoming season. There's rising anticipation that the former Rayo Vallecano chief might pledge his future to the south coast squad for an extended spell.

Khan, in his address to BBC Radio 5 Live, couldn't help but glow about the season saying, "We're having a tremendous season," Khan shared with BBC Radio London, "We have got a great team, we have a great coach with Marco Silva and we have a great squad,".

His effusive commentary didn’t end there as he continued to extol every facet of the team. "We have so many great players, a great dressing room, these are really great people on and off the pitch. And we have the best fans. It is a really exciting time at Craven Cottage and at all our matches. The team has had a really great season and everyone is really proud of them and really looking forward to the run-in."

He showered further accolades on Silva: "Marco is a huge, huge asset to Fulham Football Club," he raved. "He is such an amazing person and he is so important to the football club."

Khan encapsulated his feelings with a ringing endorsement, expressing a personal connection and an overarching ambition for continuity: "Marco has a great relationship with my father and myself, and we really love Marco and we want him to stay at Fulham Football Club forever. He is a huge part of what we have got going for the future and the present and he is a great man."

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who previously managed Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, will make a goodwill visit to his former club's staff at their London hotel before their quarter-final match against Tottenham this week. Glasner's presence could act as a lucky charm for the German team, who are enjoying a remarkable season, sitting third in the Bundesliga and competing in the Europa League quarters.

Glasner shared his thoughts on the upcoming match, though without confirming whether he will offer any tips on how to face Spurs, saying: "I will visit them the day before (the Tottenham game) in their hotel - not the players but of course many of the staff are still working there. I am pretty sure Frankfurt are having a fantastic season, they are positioned third in the Bundesliga and also in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. These games are so important for the club and fans - and I know there will be many at the Spurs stadium.

"I really know what a good team Tottenham is and I expect a very good quarter-final with two attacking teams. These are two teams with a lot of pace in their squads - I am looking forward to watching this game but I will watch it on TV."

Frankfurt, under Glasner's leadership, secured the Europa League title by defeating Rangers in the 2022 final and went on to make a strong showing in the Champions League the following year, advancing from the group stage alongside Tottenham.

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou may find himself under increased pressure, with winning the Europa League potentially his only hope to salvage his job. Big Ange is now in the last chance saloon to uphold his impressive record of securing a trophy in his second season at every club he has managed.

This season, Premier League matches involving Spurs have seen more goals than any other team - a staggering 105 in 31 games, with only Liverpool (72) outscoring Tottenham's 58.

However, their ongoing defensive frailties, exacerbated by injuries that have led Postecoglou to utilise 16 different defensive combinations, make Frankfurt the favourites to progress.

Meanwhile, Glasner's Palace have suffered just one more Premier League defeat this season than third-placed Nottingham Forest.

Andrea Berta is set to miss out on a seven-figure transfer bonus which could have been a big help in his first window at Arsenal. The Italian was recently appointed as the club's new sporting director, and he will need to hit the ground running ahead of what promises to be an important summer for the Gunners.

Even more frustratingly for Arsenal is the fact that north London rivals Tottenham are partly to blame. Spurs beat Southampton 3-1 on Sunday, with a brace from Brennan Johnson and a stoppage-time penalty from Mathys Tel guaranteeing the Saints' relegation from the Premier League.

A £1million cash windfall from Aaron Ramsdale's transfer to St Mary's has been taken off the table as a result. The England goalkeeper left the Emirates Stadium and headed to Southampton last summer for an £18m fee which would have been bumped up to £19m if a survival bonus was triggered.

Ramsdale's defeat at old foes Tottenham made 100% sure that Arsenal will never see that cash, as Southampton come to the end of a miserable season.

Having been the Gunners' No. 1 as recently as 2023, Ramsdale has let in 74 Premier League goals during a sobering campaign, while Arsenal are in line to finish second with David Raya between the sticks.

One of Berta's summer tasks will be to properly replace Ramsdale and find Raya's long-term deputy. Arsenal plugged the gap by signing veteran goalkeeper Neto on a season-long loan, but he has hardly played, and will surely return to Bournemouth at the end of the season.

Senior figures at the Emirates have reportedly been scouting Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia. The extra £1m could have been useful to Berta in pursuit of the Spaniard, whose £21m release clause would make him an expensive back-up.

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Arsenal's other transfer priorities will also require Berta to spend some serious cash. Manager Mikel Arteta is set to be given a new striker, with Kai Havertz's injury emphasising the need for greater depth.

Central midfielder Mikel Merino has been forced to deputise up front during the German's absence. The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak are all believed to be of interest to the Gunners.

Reinforcements may also be required in central midfield, where Jorginho and Thomas Partey are approaching the end of their contracts. Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is widely expected to be snapped up for a handsome transfer fee after extensive talks were held in January.

Tottenham ended a four-match Premier League run without a win by beating Southampton 3-1 and condemning their visitors to relegation. A first-half Brennan Johnson brace and a late Mathys Tel penalty provided a much-needed positive result for head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Johnson first converted in the 13th minute after Djed Spence got in behind Southampton's defence and cut the ball back for the winger. Another excellent move saw Johnson poke past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after James Maddison's cushioned header to make it 2-0 just before half-time.

Southampton's struggle to provide much threat encapsulated their season and this is the earliest a team has been relegated in Premier League history. Mateus Fernandes struck a consolation in the 90th minute but it was far too late. Tel restored the two-goal advantage with a penalty six minutes into added time.

Here is how Express Sport rated the Spurs players, with three stars earning an eight out of 10.

Guglielmo Vicario - 6/10

Spurs’ goalkeeper had very little to do and faced just one shot on target before the 60th minute. A late flurry of chances for Southampton saw Fernandes score.

Pedro Porro - 7

This was a typically all-action display from Porro at right-back. He created three big chances and was unfortunate not to get an assist.

Cristian Romero - 8

Whatever Southampton threw at Spurs, Romero generally dealt with superbly. In the second half, the Argentine made a great block to deny Kamaldeen Sulemana's cross from reaching a Southampton player. One nervy moment saw him deflect an effort onto the post in the first half but this was otherwise an excellent performance. Spurs must keep Romero in the summer.

Ben Davies - 6

With Micky van de Ven rested after hobbling off against Chelsea in midweek, Davies stepped into central defence and performed okay.

Djed Spence - 8

Spurs’ injury crisis earlier this season presented an opportunity to Spence to step up. The former Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest defender has excelled and grabbed his second assist of the season.

Lucas Bergvall - 7

There is a lot to come from Bergvall next season. He has shown glimpses of being an excellent No. 8 and was central to a couple of Spurs’ best attacks. The Swede’s all-round game is very impressive.

Rodrigo Bentancur - 7

Bentancur played several penetrative passes which nearly unlocked Southampton’s defence. He was taken off just before the hour-mark, replaced by Pape Matar Sarr.

James Maddison - 7

Despite some inconsistency, Maddison has still been relatively productive this season. His perfectly weighted header found Johnson to score Spurs’ second goal. The 28-year-old’s overall performance was very good - he was involved in much of the positive work Spurs did.

Brennan Johnson - 8

Johnson has been a rare highlight of Spurs’ season and his two goals set his side on their way to a comfortable win over a really poor Southampton team. The Wales international converted from Spence’s cut back before finishing on another good move, laid on a plate to him by Maddison. These were his 10th and 11th goals of a solid personal campaign.

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Dominic Solanke - 6

Those around Solanke did the damage against Southampton. His link-up play was good and helped to create several chances, but other than a shot that was saved by Aaron Ramsdale, the 27-year-old had few threatening moments of his own.

Son Heung-min - 6

Son has scored only twice in the Premier League in 2025 and sometimes looks slightly lost. Often receiving possession on the touchline with his back to a defender, Spurs need to get their best attacker closer to goal. Son was hooked before the hour.

Substitutes

Pape Matar Sarr - 6

Spurs lost a little bit of control in midfield after Sarr replaced Bentacur.

Wilson Odobert - 6

Odobert has an excellent opportunity in the final months of the season to prove he is Son's long-term successor. It has been a frustrating season for the former Burnley star, who has suffered a couple of injuries.

Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, Mathys Tel - N/A

Gray and Bissouma were introduced with 10 minutes to go and had little impact, while Tel was a late replacement for Solanke and scored with a 96th-minute penalty.