tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Ange Postecoglou already front-runner to be sacked after he was mocked on Nottingham Forest debut

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Ange Postecoglou already front-runner to be sacked after he was mocked on Nottingham Forest debut - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Ange Postecoglou could already be under pressure at Nottingham Forest before his reign has even properly begun.

The former Tottenham boss was appointed by the East Midlands outfit last week, after controversial owner Evangelos Marinakis made the decision to relieve Nuno Espirito Santo of his duties.

Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham in surprise circumstances, as a dismal domestic campaign seemingly overshadowed the Europa League success in the eyes of the Spurs board.

His return to Premier League management saw his side beaten 3-0 by Arsenal at the weekend, and the 60-year-old could be about to find himself under scrutiny already.

Ange Postecoglou already 10/1 to be next Premier League sacking

Postecoglou was mocked by Arsenal fans as he took charge of Forest for the first time, as his side were serenaded with a chant of “Are you Tottenham in disguise?” during the latter stages of Saturday’s clash.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The former Celtic boss has been a divisive figure during his two-year stint in the Premier League, and that is likely to continue to be the case as he takes the reins at Forest.

The Reds are now three games without a win following their opening day victory over Brentford, and the expectation will be that Postecoglou can come in and quickly begin to get the team back to playing their best football.

Forest have one of the most volatile and unpredictable owners in the league in Marinakis, and with that in mind, it will perhaps come as no surprise to Spurs fans that Postecoglou is already the fifth favourite to be the next sacking in the top flight, according to Oddschecker.

He has only been in the job for a matter of days, but he is already valued at 10/1 to be the next Premier League dismissal, with only Graham Potter, Ruben Amorim, Vitor Pereira and Daniel Farke currently sat at shorter odds.

Tottenham have the right man in Thomas Frank

Postecoglou will always be held in high regard by Tottenham’s fans, given that he delivered them the club’s first major trophy in 17 years.

However, the Lilywhites are undoubtedly now better off with Thomas Frank at the helm.

The Dane is a much less abrasive character than his predecessor, and the stability and calming presence that he provides is exactly what is needed in N17 after the last few years.

Throw in the fact that his team already looks to be resolute and well-organised defensively, and there is little to dislike from his reign so far.

BBC Goal of the Month winner named after Tottenham star Richarlison named in running

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
BBC Goal of the Month winner named after Tottenham star Richarlison named in running - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Richarlison has made an encouraging start to the new season at Tottenham.

The Brazilian has struggled to find both form and consistency in the three years since his move from Everton, but he has already looked like a different player under Thomas Frank.

Dominic Solanke’s injury has left Spurs short of options in the opening few weeks of the season, and the 28-year-old has certainly taken the opportunity that has been handed to him as a result.

The frontman struck a brace in the opening day win over Burnley, and that has already carried him to the halfway mark of his entire Premier League goal tally from last season.

Richarlison finishes second in MOTD’s August Goal of the Month

Richarlison’s future at Tottenham was looking bleak over the summer, but his resurgence under Frank has opened the door to a potential new contract for him at the end of the season.

MORE SPURS STORIES

With that in mind, he will be desperate to maintain the form that he has shown in the last few weeks, which started with that impressive display against Burnley.

The former Everton hero opened his team’s account for the new season in just the 10th minute, before notching his second later in the encounter with a stunning scissor kick.

The strike showcased the level of quality that everybody knows he possesses, but he has been largely unable to produce moments of magic like that throughout his time in North London.

Nevertheless, the goal was recognised by Match of the Day, who nominated it for their Goal of the Month award for August.

Richarlison found himself up against some strong competition, and he ultimately finished second in the running, with 21% of viewers backing him with their vote.

He was beaten by Dominik Szoboszlai’s incredible free-kick in Liverpool’s victory over Arsenal, which claimed a huge 44% of the vote.

Richarlison could be a useful option for Tottenham this season

Richarlison’s performances for Tottenham have left a lot to be desired over the years, but Frank has seemed to have got the best out of him so far.

The striker works hard for his team and leads the line well, and if he can remain in confident form, then we could easily see him return to the type of goalscoring record that he enjoyed during his days on Merseyside.

He had three consecutive seasons of over 10 Premier League goals for the Toffees, and that would certainly be a welcome return for Spurs if he could achieve that again, especially given the additional quality that they have elsewhere.

The challenge for Richarlison will now be for him to maintain this start over the whole season, and if he can manage that, then he may well have resurrected his Spurs career.

Tottenham forward spotted with arm in sling amid new injury fears away from London

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham forward spotted with arm in sling amid new injury fears away from London - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham are preparing for their return to Champions League action on Tuesday night.

The Lilywhites haven’t played in Europe’s premier club competition since the 2022/23 season, and they will be hoping to get off to a good start against Villarreal.

Spurs have started well in the Premier League, and that has added to the largely positive feel that has been present since Thomas Frank’s arrival at the start of the summer.

The Lilywhites have shown plenty of encouraging signs so far this term, but they may now have a problem on their hands.

Tottenham loanee Alejo Veliz suffers suspected dislocated collarbone

Tottenham chose to loan out Alejo Veliz once again this summer, and the Argentine youngster has headed back to his homeland with Rosario Central.

MORE SPURS STORIES

He has already made eight appearances for his boyhood club this term, and found the back of the net in a recent draw with Deportivo Riestra.

However, he now appears to be facing a lengthy period on the sidelines as he was pictured wearing a sling while leaving the stadium after Sunday’s clash with Boca Juniors, according to La Capital.

The 21-year-old was forced off in the 42nd minute of the encounter, but was then the last of his teammates to leave the ground, when he was stopped by fans who wanted to take photos with him.

Veliz is set to undergo scans on Monday to try and highlight the true extent of the problem, but La Capital add that “everything suggests a dislocation of the right collarbone.”

Spurs may consider recalling Alejo Veliz

Veliz may have only left Tottenham in July for this loan spell, but they could already have a decision to make over his future.

The forward has felt like the forgotten man in N17 at times due to the number of loan stints he has had in recent years, but the Lilywhites still have a duty to look after him physically and ensure that he gets the best possible treatment.

With that in mind, it would be no surprise to see them opt to recall the youngster from his loan if the injury is as serious as first thought.

That would likely be a last resort for Spurs, but the news of his issue is sure to have caused concern at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and they may now have a decision on their hands as to how they choose to handle the situation.

Mathys Tel tipped for Tottenham loan exit as Thomas Frank fall out mooted

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Mathys Tel tipped for Tottenham loan exit as Thomas Frank fall out mooted - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Mathys Tel has had a difficult few months since his permanent move to Tottenham was confirmed.

The Frenchman was on loan with the Lilywhites from Bayern Munich in the second half of last season, and it was turned into a permanent switch for a fee of around £30million in the early stages of the summer.

Tel has since struggled to break into the Tottenham team and has been forced to settle for largely substitute minutes in the opening few Premier League games.

Thomas Frank’s men have made an encouraging start to the campaign, but there is not quite the same level of positivity surrounding Tel at the moment.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Mathys Tel and Thomas Frank issue could prompt loan exit

Tel’s future at Tottenham has come under scrutiny in the last week, following the confirmation that the forward has been left out of the squad for the Champions League.

Frank has since handed the 20-year-old the opportunity to start in the win over West Ham, but there is no getting away from the fact that he has still dealt a crushing blow to the youngster.

A lack of ‘club-trained’ players at Spurs made it a challenging selection for the boss, but it was telling that Tel was one of those whom he opted to omit.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that there could be an ongoing issue between the pair, and that may result in Tel heading for the exit in January.

“I could see Tel making a loan move,” King said.

“I can’t see the point of paying £30m for a player and then not including him in the Champions League squad.

“There’s obviously more there than what we’ve seen for Frank to make a decision like that.

“Something’s obviously not right between the two of them.”

Tottenham shouldn’t write Mathys Tel off

Tel’s future at Tottenham may be looking fairly bleak at the moment, but it is important that they don’t cast the youngster aside too early in his stint in England.

He undoubtedly has talent, and a loan move could actually be the ideal way for him to continue in the next stage of his development, especially if a deal could be agreed to see him remain in the Premier League.

If Spurs could strike a deal with a team in the bottom half of the table, it would ease the pressure on the attacker and allow him to settle into English football a little more.

There could be a temptation to try and sell Tel permanently in January if things do not improve, but the North Londoners need to avoid that eventuality at all costs.

Tottenham vs Villarreal preview: Team news, likely lineups, score prediction

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham vs Villarreal preview: Team news, likely lineups, score prediction - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham open their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night when Villarreal travel to N17.

The Lilywhites are competing at the top table of European football for the first time since the 2022/23 campaign, and will be desperate to give a good account of themselves.

Tottenham’s Europa League victory back in May earned them the right to compete among the continent’s best clubs once again, and it will be the first time that they have had a taste of the new league phase format.

Villarreal are their first opponents in this year’s edition of the competition, and the La Liga outfit will be hoping to spring an upset on Thomas Frank’s men on Tuesday night.

Form Guide

Tottenham: W, L, W, W, L

Villarreal: L, D, W, W, L

Team News

Mathys Tel has been left out of the Tottenham squad for the Champions League, meaning Frank will be forced into a change at the top of the pitch.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Randal Kolo Muani could come in for his debut, while the boss could also turn to Richarlison to lead the line once again.

Rodrigo Bentancur is likely to come back into the midfield, where long-term absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain a long way from a return to action.

Dominic Solanke remains a doubt for the clash, while Yves Bissouma, Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai are all absent from the Champions League squad.

For the visitors, Spain international Gerard Moreno is facing a race against the clock to be fit enough to feature, and that could see Nicolas Pepe start up front if the veteran isn’t deemed as being ready to take part.

At the other end of the pitch, Juan Foyth is likely to line up against Spurs after spending three years with them earlier in his career.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Sarr, Palhinha, Bentancur, Kudus, Kolo Muani, Simons

Villarreal: Luiz Junior, Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona, Buchanan, Partey, Parejo, Moleiro, Pepe, Mikautadze

Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Villarreal

Tottenham will be eyeing a respectable Champions League showing this season after a bright start under Frank domestically, and they should have little issue with their opening fixture.

Villarreal finished fifth in La Liga last term, and are coming into the game on the back of a defeat and a draw against Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo respectively.

They undoubtedly have players who are capable of hurting Tottenham, and they won’t make it a straightforward evening; however, the hosts will surely have too much for them.

With that in mind, Tottenham News is predicting a comfortable 3-1 victory for Frank’s side.

Tottenham hit back at INEOS in court battle as rejection emerges from new ‘tranche of papers’

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham hit back at INEOS in court battle as rejection emerges from new 'tranche of papers' - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham have returned fire in the direction of INEOS as the ongoing court battle between the two parties continues.

The petrochemicals giants had signed an agreement with the Lilywhites to see their Grenadier vehicle become the club’s official 4 x 4 vehicle partner.

Tottenham were then left frustrated when INEOS, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, began to cut ties with several sponsorship agreements in the aftermath of their chief’s takeover at Manchester United.

The saga has continued to rumble on in the aftermath of Daniel Levy’s departure, and the North Londoners are now beginning to fight back on the legal front.

Tottenham deny Audi agreement as INEOS feud continues

It had looked as though the feud between Tottenham and INEOS would be settled out of court at one stage.

MORE SPURS STORIES

However, that now looks like a distant possibility, as the two parties continue to go back and forth in debate regarding their failed sponsorship deal.

Spurs began the saga by claiming that Ratcliffe and Co. had breached the terms of their five-year agreement, and were demanding £11million in compensation as a result.

INEOS responded by counter-suing the N17 outfit for a fee of £1m, as they pointed to an agreement that had been reached with Audi, one of their key competitors.

Tottenham have now responded, and are claiming that they never reached an agreement with the German manufacturer, which would in turn mean that INEOS had no right to cut ties, according to the Inside Sport section of the Daily Mail.

Mike Keegan writes that “in the latest tranche of papers filed by the high court,” Tottenham have rejected the counter-sue from INEOS.

The Lilywhites are maintaining that they are owed a figure of £4.25m from INEOS, even if their termination of the deal is deemed to be valid, as a result of a payment that was due five days before their agreement broke down.

Tottenham won’t want to compromise with INEOS

Tottenham won’t want to compromise with INEOS, given the obvious connections between them and Manchester United.

In theory, the sums which are at play at the moment are relatively small figures for two hugely successful global companies, but out of principle, Spurs cannot really afford to back down and accept a settlement that is anything less than what they feel they deserve.

They won’t want to be seen to effectively be backing down to Ratcliffe, given their position alongside United as one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Bill Nicholson's genius

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Why do Tottenham wear all-white in Europe? The genius of Bill Nicholson - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Why do Tottenham wear all-white in Europe? The genius of Bill Nicholson

Tottenham continue to wear an all-white kit in Europe, but where did that tradition come from?

After winning the UEFA Europa League last season, Tottenham will compete in the Champions League during the 2025/26 campaign, kicking things off against Villarreal on Tuesday night in North London.

Thomas Frank has already demonstrated that his side will be able to hold their own after coming close to beating last season’s Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain, in the UEFA Super Cup, ultimately losing out on penalties, with Micky van de Ven issuing an apology to supporters.

Fans might notice their side wearing all-white on European nights at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, rather than the white shirt and navy shorts combination they’ve become accustomed to in domestic competition.

It is a tradition which stretches back 64 years, and Tottenham News takes a closer look at the history behind Spurs’ decision to wear all-white in Europe.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Bill Nicholson’s genius inspires famous Tottenham tradition

Tottenham were founded in 1882, and in the early days, the North London club wore a navy blue kit with a scarlet shield and white breeches.

However, in 1898, Tottenham began to wear white shorts with navy blue shorts, colours that remain synonymous with the club in the present day.

On Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup matchdays, these are the colours that will be worn by Tottenham for home matches – but in Europe, they wear all-white, a tradition which was inspired by arguably Tottenham’s greatest legend – Bill Nicholson.

Nicholson’s record as a player and manager for Tottenham

Nicholson switches to all-white in Europe for practical reasons

In September 1961, Tottenham played their first-ever competitive European fixture against Polish side Gornik Zabrze.

When the players made their way onto the pitch, they were wearing white shorts instead of their traditional navy. Some supporters might have heard that Nicholson made this switch because of his admiration for Real Madrid, who won the first five European Cups in the 1950s.

However, the real reason is far less romantic, but also an example of the genius that made Nicholson the greatest manager in Spurs’ history.

Top managers are always looking to gain even the slightest advantage, and Nicholson believed that playing in all-white would improve the players’ visibility.

Floodlights weren’t as useful as they are in the modern game in the 1960s, and the players were often playing in gloomy conditions.

Therefore, Nicholson thought that by playing in all-white, the players would be able to spot each other a little easier, which would give Tottenham that edge.

That strategy clearly paid dividends to some end, as in 1963, Spurs would lift the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and to this day, other than on a handful of occasions in the 1990s, Tottenham have always worn all-white in Europe, a tradition which will continue this season under Frank.

Ange Postecoglou to eye Dominic Solanke deal as Tottenham transfer raid mooted in January

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Ange Postecoglou to eye Dominic Solanke deal as Tottenham transfer raid mooted in January - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Ange Postecoglou could look back towards Tottenham when it comes to finding targets in the January transfer window.

The Australian has just taken charge of Nottingham Forest, and saw his side beaten 3-0 by Arsenal in his return to Premier League management for the first time since his dismissal by the Lilywhites.

Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham in controversial circumstances after he won the Europa League, and they are now set to be reunited with their former boss much quicker than they would have expected.

Thomas Frank’s side take on the Reds on 13 December, and that clash could be swiftly followed by Postecoglou attempting to raid Spurs’ ranks in January.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham/Everton/Aston Villa scout Bryan King.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Nottingham Forest tipped to target Dominic Solanke in January

Dominic Solanke was linked with a Tottenham exit earlier in the summer, as he has largely struggled to make an impact in N17 since his move from Bournemouth last summer.

The frontman notched just nine Premier League goals last term and has been sidelined with injury so far this season, while Richarlison has made a promising start.

The Brazilian’s form, combined with the deadline day arrival of Randal Kolo Muani, could see the 28-year-old fall down the pecking order by the time that he returns from injury.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – expects Postecoglou to raid his former employers in January, and sees Solanke as a potential option for him.

“I think Postecoglou will look at Spurs’ squad,” King said.

“He’ll be looking at anyone who isn’t getting regular games, that’s for sure. Maybe somebody like Solanke could be of interest to him.

“If he’s not going to be in the starting XI for Spurs, he needs games to get back in the England team.

“He must have an eye on the World Cup next summer, and if he isn’t playing regularly, then he won’t go.”

A loan move away from Tottenham could suit Dominic Solanke

Solanke’s future at Tottenham could certainly be up in the air if Richarlison continues to impress in the coming weeks.

The former Bournemouth star hasn’t really had the opportunity to impress Frank so far, but it is also unlikely that he will settle for playing a bit-part role in the squad.

With that in mind, a potential loan move to Forest may not be the worst outcome for him or Spurs, as it would allow him to return to playing week in, week out.

Randal Kolo Muani to debut amid three changes – Tottenham predicted XI vs Villarreal

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Randal Kolo Muani to debut amid three changes – Tottenham predicted XI vs Villarreal - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Thomas Frank faces some big selection decisions as Tottenham prepare to open their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night.

The Lilywhites take on Villarreal in their opening encounter of the league phase, and they will be desperate to get off to a positive start as they return to the top table of European football for the first time since 2022/23.

Tottenham dismantled West Ham 3-0 at the weekend, and there are several players who will surely have staked a claim to earn a more regular place in the side in the aftermath of that win.

The return to Champions League action will be a hugely important night for Spurs, and with that in mind, Tottenham News predicts the lineup that will take on their Spanish visitors.

Kolo Muani debuts, Djed Spence and Lucas Bergvall benched

Randal Kolo Muani’s arrival at Tottenham has prompted plenty of excitement from fans after his deadline-day loan move from PSG, and they could finally get their first glimpse of their new star here.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Mathys Tel has been left out of the squad for the Champions League, meaning a change up front is guaranteed after the youngster led the line on Saturday.

Richarlison has made a bright start to the new campaign, but Frank may prefer to throw his new addition in at the deep end and hand him the chance to impress on the big stage with his first start.

Kolo Muani’s inclusion is likely to be one of three changes.

Rodrigo Bentancur was rested in Saturday’s trip to E20, but he will surely be recalled to the XI in place of Lucas Bergvall.

The 19-year-old completed 92% of his passes and notched a goal and an assist against West Ham, but Bentancur’s experience is likely to be preferred on this occasion.

In the backline, Destiny Udogie could be set for his first start since the opening game of pre-season, as Djed Spence may drop to the bench as Frank tries to add a little more balance to his team.

Tottenham need early wins in the Champions League

Tottenham’s return to Champions League action is eagerly anticipated in N17, and it is vital that they get off to a good start in this year’s league phase.

Frank’s men face some favourable fixtures in the early gameweeks, and wins will be invaluable given that what are arguably their toughest two tests are set to arrive in the final few games.

Clashes with PSG and Borussia Dortmund are certainly challenging, and will place even more importance on their ability to get up and running with a good start.

Frank was sensible in rotating a little for the visit to West Ham, and it should allow him to get his strongest XI out for their continental opener as a result.

Tottenham star who Harry Kane called ‘an animal’ is Thomas Frank’s best signing

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham star who Harry Kane called ‘an animal’ is Thomas Frank’s best signing - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham had a busy summer transfer window with eight signings joining the ranks in N17.

Thomas Frank was keen to overhaul the options at his disposal after taking the reins, and there have already been plenty of positive signs from his new-look side.

Tottenham cruised past West Ham with a 3-0 victory on Saturday, as they notched their third clean sheet from their opening four outings in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites find themselves sitting second in the early league table, and one new signing has already established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Joao Palhinha is the best new signing at Tottenham

Joao Palhinha’s arrival at Tottenham prompted plenty of excitement from fans, and he has certainly lived up to expectations so far.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Bayern Munich loanee was previously referred to as “an animal” by Spurs legend Harry Kane during their time together last term, and it’s clear to see why.

The former Fulham star is energetic and combative in the middle of the park, and his robustness in the challenge will be a nightmare for opposition players to go up against.

Palhinha combines superb reading of the game with a calm and understated quality on the ball. He will never do anything particularly eye-catching, but there is an inevitability about the way that he goes about his business.

He hardly ever misplaces a pass, and that was evident during the win over West Ham.

The 30-year-old covered every blade of grass at the London Stadium, and made keeping possession looking effortless at times.

His presence in the midfield has played a large part in Spurs looking like a much more steely proposition this term, as opponents simply never have an easy ride in the middle of the park anymore.

The likes of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus were certainly more spectacular signings in the summer, but no one has had the same level of impact on the team as Palhinha.

Permanent Joao Palhinha deal is a no-brainer for Tottenham

Tottenham have the option to buy Palhinha for £27million at the end of the season, and it is surely a no-brainer of a decision for them to trigger that clause.

He may be turning 31 next summer, but £27m is hardly an excessive fee in the context of the current market, and he is certainly fit enough to manage at least another two or three seasons in his prime.

While the clause doesn’t come into play until the end of the campaign, Spurs should do everything they can to make it abundantly clear to Bayern that they intend to take up that opportunity.

This will be especially important given the uncertainty surrounding Rodrigo Bentancur’s future, as the Uruguayan could potentially leave for free at the end of the season.

The North Londoners know that they will have the first opportunity to land him permanently, and they absolutely cannot afford to pass that up.