Daily Express

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has given his players Christmas Day off ahead of their clash with Wolves next weekend. The Reds picked up their ninth Premier League victory of the campaign on Saturday night as they overcame a defiant Tottenham 2-1 in north London.

Liverpool made hard work of Thomas Frank’s men, who had Xavi Simons sent off in the first-half before Cristian Romero was also dismissed in stoppage time at the end of the match. The Reds appeared to be cruising following strikes from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. But the finale proved chaotic as Spurs’ nine men pushed for an equaliser at the death after Richarlison had sparked hopes of a comeback with a late strike. Ultimately, the visitors clung on to secure the three points and move level with fourth-place Chelsea.

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According to The Athletic, Slot will not ask his Liverpool players to train on Christmas Day.

And following the win against Spurs, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk explained: “Now we have a couple of days off. We will recover and then we will focus on Wolves. First we have Christmas. Being with your family and being healthy are the most important things in life.”

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Slot is clearly attempting to bring back the feel-good factor at Anfield following a difficult season for the Reds.

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Liverpool stormed to the top of the Premier League table at the start of the campaign after winning their first five league matches. But their form nosedived as the side suffered six defeats in seven Premier League encounters between the end of September and late November.

That run also coincided with a 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat at home to Crystal Palace in October and a humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV at Anfield last month.

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But the Merseyside giants have since overcome Inter Milan at the San Siro and have seen off Brighton and Tottenham to record their first back-to-back league victories since mid-September.

Following their victory over Tottenham, Liverpool players headed straight out for a festive team meal. And for now, it appears Slot will be given the opportunity to lead his side forward after navigating the tricky spell.

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“Three points away at Spurs is very nice,” Slot admitted after Saturday’s match. “For us, the aim was again to win because we need wins to make the league table look a bit better for us.”

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And he added: “They were close, they came close a few times. It’s unbelievable if you play against nine men that in the nine minutes of added time I wouldn’t be surprised if they had the ball for eight-and-a-half minutes. That’s not what you expect.

“Maybe that tells you where we are in the season. We need a few wins to get a bit more comfortable if we have a setback like today where the goalie concedes for 2-1.”

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was forced off with an injury just minutes after coming off the bench to net the opening goal during the Reds' 2-1 win against Tottenham on Saturday evening. And the Merseyside giants are said to be concerned at the extent of the damage caused to the player’s leg.

Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle at the end of the summer transfer window but has endured a tough start to life in the north west. The 26-year-old lacked match fitness when he arrived at Anfield following a disrupted pre-season and had to wait weeks to make his Liverpool debut. He has since suffered a number of injury issues and has started just six Premier League games for the club. And his latest setback has proven to be incredibly worrying for his employers.

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Isak was named on the bench for Liverpool’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but came off the bench at half-time after the hosts had been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Xavi Simons.

The forward illustrated his quality as he opened the scoring 11 minutes into the second-half when he fired the ball beyond the reach of home goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

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But he was challenged by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven as he took his shot, and he stayed on the ground after the ball hit the back of the net.

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Liverpool medical staff rushed onto the pitch to treat the former Newcastle man, but he was unable to continue as he was helped off the pitch.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool fear Isak suffered a significant leg injury and are worried about how much damage has been caused.

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The issue is said to be affecting the lower part of his leg, with the player due to undergo an MRI scan to reveal the full extent of the injury. And it is unclear at this stage just how long Liverpool will be without the potent goalscorer.

Slot was asked about Isak’s injury in the aftermath of Saturday’s match. And the Dutchman admitted: “I haven’t spoken to him about it yet, but it’s a good thing he scored - a good goal assisted by Florian Wirtz. I said players are getting better, the team is getting better.

“It wasn’t perfect today, especially the last 10 minutes, but we pick up points and are developing in a way I want to see.

“That’s what we’d like to see happening a lot. A good finish, a good pass. Let’s not be too negative yet. We don’t know yet, let’s hope he is back with us soon.”

Tottenham were narrowly beaten at home by Liverpool despite putting in a valiant display after being reduced in numbers. The north Londoners were let down by a moment of madness from Xavi Simons, who was dismissed after just 33 minutes for a brainless foul on Virgil van Dijk. He was initially shown a yellow card but it was correctly upgraded to a straight red following a VAR intervention.

It left Tottenham with a mountain to climb, but they dug deep and arguably looked better with one less player on the pitch. Unfortunately for the hosts, it was Liverpool who struck the first blow with Alexander Isak scoring and injuring himself in the process. Hugo Ekitike doubled their lead with 25 minutes remaining, with Cristian Romero at fault for both goals.

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Richarlison offered a glimmer of hope with a late strike for Tottenham, which seemed to inspire the hosts as they piled forward. However, a silly moment from Romero all but ended their hopes of snatching a dramatic equaliser. He was sent off for lashing out in the closing minutes, with his display of rage leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish another red card.

Express Sport rates and slates the Tottenham players following today's defeat...

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Tottenham player ratings vs Liverpool

Guglielmo Vicario - 6

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Made a couple of smart saves to keep the score level until the opening goal, which he probably could have done more to stop.

Pedro Porro - 7

Got himself in the right positions to snuff out counter-attacking moves. Posed a threat with his crossing further forward. A decent display.

Cristian Romero - 3

Wasn't strong enough in defence. At fault for the opening goal and too weak for the second, after which he was booked for dissent. Got a second yellow for losing his temper in stoppage time in another idiotic moment.

Micky van de Ven - 6

Produced a few crucial interceptions and kept the ball moving with some simple passes to nearby team-mates. Was the better of Tottenham's central defensive pairing.

Djed Spence - 7

Caused problems with his mazy running down the left flank and was Tottenham's biggest threat for the most part. Was unfortunate to be on the wrong side of a few questionable refereeing decisions.

Archie Gray - 6

Did okay in the middle of the park without setting the world alight. Job was made harder when Spurs were reduced in numbers.

Rodrigo Bentancur - 5

Ran around a lot but did little worth mentioning apart from a block to deny Florian Wirtz. Doesn't seem to offer much these days. Picked up a late booking.

Lucas Bergvall - 5

Looked lively to start with but saw his influence tail off as the match progressed. Blended into the background after the red card.

Mohammed Kudus - 5

Had opportunities to break away down the right but often killed momentum by slowing play down, which frustrated the home crowd. Pulled off a few nice passes, though.

Xavi Simons - 3

Did okay until he was rightly sent off for raking his studs down the back of Van Dijk's leg. Had no chance of winning the ball and ended up letting his team down in a moment of madness.

Randal Kolo Muani - 6

Had a few attempts on goal, missing a big chance from point-blank range and hitting the crossbar in the second half. Looked dangerous but lacked the clinical edge needed to score.

Substitutes

Brennan Johnson - 6

Came on for the final 30 minutes, replacing Kudus. Looked up for it but couldn't get himself on the scoresheet.

Joao Palhinha - 6

Looked energetic and became frustrated with his team-mates when he tried to lead the press but nobody followed.

Wilson Odobert - 5

Introduced for the final 20 minutes in place of Bergvall. Didn't offer a great deal, in all honesty.

Richarlison - 7

Immediately made a nuisance of himself in the box and scored within seconds of coming off the bench. A great cameo.

Liverpool overcame nine-man Tottenham in north London courtesy of second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. The match was evenly-poised in the opening period but swung in the visitors’ favour after Tottenham were reduced to 10 men 33 minutes into the encounter when Xavi Simons was dismissed after catching the back of Virgil van Dijk’s leg with his studs.

Isak came off the bench at half-time and opened the scoring 11 minutes after the interval. But he sustained an injury in the process of finding the back of the net and was forced off the pitch again. Liverpool doubled their advantage midway through the second period as Ekitike rose well to head the ball into the top corner as the Reds appeared to be cruising. But Richarlison gave Tottenham hope with a goal in the 83rd minute before the home side pushed for an equaliser. Liverpool held firm to claim all three points, however, as Cristian Romero was also dismissed in the dying seconds.

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Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players...

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Liverpool player ratings vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1)

Alisson - 8

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Had a quiet night for much of the encounter but was ultimately forced into a string of fine saves as Tottenham came forward and caused problems. Always inspires confidence when he starts.

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Conor Bradley - 6

Fired a ball across the box early on but struggled to get into the match. Received medical attention on the pitch during the first-half and was replaced by Isak at the break.

Ibrahima Konate - 5

Looks shaky at times and still fails to convince at the heart of the Reds backline. Was troubled throughout and wasn't given an easy ride, even when Spurs were reduced to nine men.

Virgil van Dijk - 7

Was a threat in the air in the Tottenham box as he looked to get on the end of set-piece deliveries. Would have had a sore leg after being caught by Simons, with the Tottenham man given his marching orders. Stood up well as Spurs attacked at will late on.

Milos Kerkez - 5

Pushed up to support the Liverpool attack but was reluctant to deliver the ball into the box at times and was often wayward with his passes when he did attempt to pick out his team-mates.

Ryan Gravenberch - 7

Continues to be a key players under Arne Slot and dictated play in the centre of the pitch. Was too slow at times in the first-half when Liverpool needed urgency after Tottenham went down to 10 men. Wall called upon more and more to protect the backline as Spurs pushed forward in search of a leveller.

Curtis Jones - 6

Played in midfield but dropped back to form a back five during an intense spell of pressure from the home side in the first-half. Was guilty of playing too many sideways passes but was generally solid throughout.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 7

Has been Liverpool’s best player this season but was quiet in attack in the first-half before moving to right-back after Isak came on. Remained at right-back after Isak was taken off and whipped some decent deliveries into the box.

Alexis Mac Allister - 5

Failed to impress and lacks a cutting edge in the final third. May have suited Liverpool better if he had played further back, with Isak starting in attack with Ekitike. Needs to offer more if he is to keep his place in the Reds team.

Florian Wirtz - 8

Looked dangerous in the final third and had a chance with a header midway through the first-half, before firing another effort at goal soon afterwards. Looked to get behind the Tottenham backline but wasn’t always picked out by Liverpool’s creators. Laid on the assist for Isak’s strike and made a nuisance of himself throughout.

Huge Ekitike - 8

Has been in scintillating form in recent weeks and popped up with another goal for the Reds as he appeared to have put the game to bed in north London. Was isolated up front in the first-half but had more luck after the interval as he showed his qualities once again.

Substitutions

Alexander Isak - 7

Introduced to the action at half-time as Slot attempted to make the most of his side’s numerical advantage. Took just 11 minutes to find the back of the net but was hurt while scoring the goal as he was forced off the pitch.

Jeremie Frimpong - 7

Came on for Isak following the Sweden international’s injury and played in an advanced position. Was himself replaced after also picking up an injury.

Federico Chiesa - 7

Came on for Jeremie Frimpong in stoppage time at the end of the match as Liverpool attempted to cling on to the win.

Trey Nyoni - N/A

Came on with seconds remaining.

Andy Robertson - N/A

Featured for a matter of seconds at the end of the match.

Tottenham are bracing themselves for the possibility of a busy January transfer window, as several departures and arrivals could be in the pipeline over the next month. Among those who may be heading out of north London is Brennan Johnson, who has found game-time hard to come by under Thomas Frank.

BBC Sport reports that while Spurs aren't actively seeking to offload the Wales international, they would consider a departure if the right offer comes in. The report suggests that Crystal Palace are among the clubs showing the most serious interest in the 24-year-old, which could lead to a January move.

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This development comes just over two years after Tottenham landed Johnson from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m, where he quickly became an integral part of Ange Postecoglou's squad. The winger had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, scoring numerous crucial goals, and perhaps none were as significant as the one he netted for Spurs in the Europa League final, where he scored the decisive goal against Manchester United.

While he ended the club's lengthy trophy drought, it hasn't been easy for the star since. Postecoglou's departure in turn meant Johnson has struggled to regain his place in the team.

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Thomas Frank has only given him six Premier League starts so far this season, preferring other players over him in the squad. Consequently, a departure could be on the cards for Johnson - depending on the kind of offer Tottenham are waiting for in the market.

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Speaking about Johnson's struggles this season, Frank said: "I'm very aware that Brennan's got some very good qualities. One of them is scoring goals, running in behind and arriving in the box. I really like everything about him. He also scored goals this year as well. Four, I think, in total. So I'm very aware of them.

"So it's all about how you create that team, where we perform, how we get the best players in, where do we play them. Is it Mo [Kudus] to the right, is it Brennan? Who plays the No.10? What kind of player do we play in a different position to make it click?

"And then we also need a little bit of depth, because we play every third or fourth day, to keep the freshness, the energy. So that's a challenge."

While Johnson's immediate future remains uncertain, Tottenham themselves encounter several obstacles in the transfer market. The winger's market worth has plummeted to unprecedented lows since his arrival at the club, dropping to €35m (£30m) according to transfermarkt's value tool.

This presents a considerable hurdle in securing an agreement for the 24-year-old. Should he depart, Tottenham will confront serious questions regarding the depth of their offensive options.

The side has failed to produce many convincing attacking performances during Frank's tenure, so far, a situation worsened by crucial personnel shortages within the squad. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke have all been absent throughout the campaign, representing a significant setback within the forward ranks.

Without those stars, and the lack of impact from Johnson so far, it remains to be seen how well Spurs can do under Frank in an attacking sense, as pressure ramps up on him over his job. The Danish coach pleaded for time, following his side's recent defeat to Nottingham Forest.

"It's pretty evident if no-one gets the time, no-one can turn it around. This is not a quick fix," he said.

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a surprise Premier League return, with Tottenham urged to pursue the former Liverpool boss by the club's former chairman Lord Alan Sugar. Klopp has remained out of management since his emotional farewell to Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season, after almost nine years transforming the Merseyside giants. He has since accepted a role as Red Bull's head of global football, though speculation about a managerial comeback refuses to subside.

Recent reports have connected him with the Real Madrid job as Xabi Alonso endures a challenging period at the Bernabeu, but now an unexpected return to England has been suggested. Lord Sugar has urged Spurs to target Klopp as their next boss, with current manager Thomas Frank facing growing pressure following an erratic start to the season.

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The north Londoners find themselves stuck in 11th position in the Premier League table after Sunday's crushing defeat at Nottingham Forest. It marked their sixth top-flight loss already this term and has intensified doubts over Frank's future.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) following the match, Lord Sugar suggested the club should launch an ambitious bid to secure Klopp as the Dane's replacement.

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"With the massive fortune of the Lewis family it would be a win-win situation if they hired Jurgen Klopp in January," wrote Sugar. "Loads of money for players and a great manager. Who agrees?"

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Yet, it seems Klopp himself might not concur. The 58-year-old has shown little desire to return to the dugout, although he hasn't completely ruled out the idea.

One thing he has unequivocally dismissed is the prospect of managing another English top-flight team apart from Liverpool.

"If you ask me, 'Will you ever work as a manager again?' I would say now no," Klopp stated following his decision to leave Anfield.

"But I don't know obviously how that will feel because I never had the situation. What I know definitely – I will never, ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool, 100 per cent.

"That's not possible. My love for this club, my respect for the people is too big. I couldn't. I couldn't for a second think about it. There's no chance.

This is part of my life, we are part of the family, we feel home here. There's no chance to do that. But all the rest, will I ever work again? Of course, I know myself, I cannot just sit around."

Liverpool could be without up to seven first-team players for their upcoming match against Tottenham on Saturday. Arne Slot lamented having only 13 outfield players available for the Reds' recent clash with Brighton. Despite a brace from Hugo Ekitike securing a 2-0 victory for Liverpool, the win came at a cost as injuries further reduced Slot's squad options.

Joe Gomez was substituted in the first half due to a hamstring injury, while Dominik Szoboszlai also had to leave the pitch after hurting his ankle. Mohamed Salah, who replaced Gomez, will also be absent as he leaves for Africa Cup of Nations duty. Slot could only name eight substitutes, one less than the maximum allowed, for the match against Brighton. His bench included two players, Wellity Lucky and Calvin Ramsay, who have yet to make their Premier League debuts.

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Liverpool can expect Conor Bradley to return for the North London trip, following his suspension during the Brighton win. However, due to the ongoing injury crisis, Slot may need to rely on the club's academy to fill his matchday squad.

He has already confirmed that Gomez is expected to miss the Tottenham match, and Szoboszlai is also doubtful.

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Jeremie Frimpong's availability remains uncertain as he nears recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in late October. "If I have a player who goes off with a muscle injury like Joe (Gomez), that's normally not a positive thing," Slot shared.

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"I would not expect him to be in the squad next week [at Tottenham Hotspur]. But sometimes you get a positive surprise.

"People now maybe understand a bit better why I was always so cautious not to play him so many games. I assume many people thought, 'If you have a defender, if you have a right full-back, why don't you play him?'"

"And Dom (Szoboszlai), it was his ankle. It didn't look great when I just saw him. But he has unbelievable mentality so let's hope for the best.

"The good thing is that Conor Bradley comes back from a suspension and normally Jeremie Frimpong will train with us also.

"But we're also going to miss Mo (Salah) because he is going to go to the Africa Cup of Nations."

Liverpool are already dealing with the absence of Cody Gakpo and Wataru Endo, both confirmed by Slot last week to be out for several weeks due to muscle and ankle injuries, respectively.

Giovanni Leoni continues to be a long-term absentee, having been ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury suffered during his debut for the club in September.

In the meantime, it remains uncertain why Trey Nyoni was absent from the matchday squad for the Brighton game. Additionally, young players such as Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns (both suffering from hamstring injuries) and Kaide Gordon (meniscus injury) continue to be out of action due to their respective injuries.

Ruben Amorim was spotted visibly frustrated in the technical area during Manchester United's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday evening. The 40-year-old head coach vented his exasperation to his backroom team, specifically targeting Leny Yoro for his criticism.

In footage circulated by a supporter on social media, Amorim was captured gesticulating wildly as he settled back into his seat, before shouting in his native Portuguese: "The ball has gone for half an hour, what is Leny doing?" The precise moment during the match when this outburst took place remains uncertain.

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Earlier this month, Amorim suggested Yoro 'thinks too much' after the 20-year-old appeared dejected on the substitutes' bench following his withdrawal in the 54th minute during United's 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace.

"I also spoke with him because he thinks too much," Amorim said. "He makes a mistake in the game and then he struggles because he's too young and he wants to do everything so well. He's growing with games and with setbacks, it's not easy for him as a young guy.

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"He cannot give that [reaction] to the people, the way he came to the bench. He understands that but he was really frustrated."

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"It shows he cares. He knows it wasn't his best game but he did some things well and I showed him that. He's fit and ready for the next challenge."

United were unable to preserve their lead at Old Trafford, despite going ahead on three separate occasions. Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha struck in rapid succession to make it 4-3 with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Amad and Casemiro also got on the scoresheet but a late Bournemouth equaliser saw more points squandered at Old Trafford.

"It's really disappointing, we are really disappointed," said Amorim after the match.

"Crazy game. It might look like we lost the two points in the second half but I think we lost them in the first half. We dominated and created so many chances. We had to go to half-time with a different result.

"In the end we deserved more. It was a fun game for everyone at home. I think we started really well. We did a very good first half. The result should be completely different.

"And then, again, I think six minutes into the second half, similar to Nottingham [Forest], we lost the concentration and they scored two goals, but we managed to get back into the game.

"We score two goals again and then we have to finish the game. A throw-in in our possession, we need to think about, not to go again but to take calm and to close the game.

"In the end, it was a fun game."

Oliver Glasner will reportedly leave Crystal Palace when his contract at Selhurst Park expires next summer. And the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham could be tempted to bring him in following his endeavours in south London. Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson in the Palace dugout in February 2024 after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt eight months earlier.

The Eagles were in danger of being relegated when the Austrian was appointed after sinking to 15th in the Premier League table. But he ultimately led them to a 10th-place finish. His first full season at the helm ended with FA Cup glory as Palace defeated Manchester City in the final to also secure European football. And Palace are currently fifth in the league table, with the side also enjoying a strong start to life in the UEFA Conference League.

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According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Glasner has no intention of renewing his Palace contract beyond the end of the season. The 51-year-old instead wants to take charge at one of the Premier League giants. And Palace have set their sights on appointing Getafe boss Jose Bordalas as his replacement.

Glasner was linked with the managerial position at Manchester United after current Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim came under huge pressure in September following a dismal run of form from his team.

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The north west giants lost three of their opening six league matches this season and were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the second round after suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of League Two outfit Grimsby.

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But United have since improved, with the Red Devils losing just once in their last 10 league outings. And Amorim’s job appears to be safe for now.

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Chelsea could soon be on the hunt for a new manager, with current boss Enzo Maresca inferring at the weekend that he was lacking the backing of the club’s hierarchy.

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And Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher admitted on Monday evening that he cannot envisage Maresca still being in charge at Stamford Bridge next season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank finds himself under huge pressure after a disappointing start to his Spurs reign.

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The Lilywhites have won just two of their last nine league matches and have fallen to 11th in the table as a result.

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Glasner was asked about his links with United and other “top clubs” during an interview with Kicker in the autumn.

And the Palace boss refused to rule out a move as he explained: “I follow all the rumours - and that's all there is - neutrally and completely relaxed. Focusing on the daily work with my players and coaches, and trying to enjoy it as much as possible.”

Tottenham have reportedly made a decision on Thomas Frank's future after a humbling 3-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest. Spurs are languishing in the bottom half of the table, after Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou in the summer. They had been on the back of a three-match unbeaten run before losing at the City Ground but pressure continues to intensify on the Danish coach.

Spurs have lost as many league games as they have won this season and complaints have grown inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with sections of the crowd unhappy with Frank's style of play. Next up for Spurs is a resurgent Liverpool side before travelling to London rivals Crystal Palace.

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And the BBC claim that Spurs have no immediate plans to sack Frank and there will not be a knee-jerk reaction to defeat by Sean Dyche's Forest side.

The inside feeling is that there had been signs of improvement in recent weeks and the loss is unlikely to prompt a change of plan from the club's hierarchy.

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However, there is not universal backing for Frank within Spurs. He had faced increased internal scrutiny following defeat to Fulham on November 29, which ensured that they had claimed just won win from eight matches.

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But there has not been any serious consideration to sacking Frank, with the club acknowledging that there will be setbacks in their long-term plan under the former Brentford boss.

CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who left Arsenal for Spurs, opted to keep the faith with Mikel Arteta when he was struggling during the early stages of his tenure in north London.

And Frank believes that he, too, will be afforded time to succeed at the club. "I can't see why not," the head coach about the prospect of senior figures backing him.

"I think it's pretty evident that if no one gets the time, no one can turn this around. This is not a quick fix.

"I do everything to control my emotions, which is a hurricane inside me, because, of course, it's deeply frustrating that we are not doing better today after three good performances.

"I think it is extremely important to be calm and measured and of course, have very, very direct and clear messages at the right time, so they're not in doubt of what I think.

"I'm very honest about where we are as well. I was also very honest, today was a very bad performance, no two ways about that.

"But I also know that to change this will take some time. No one will want to hear about that. It's just reality.

"I think the ones who have followed the club and the team, I think it's fair to say there's been a few not too consistent performances and that's the thing. We are working very hard."