tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Odds on Mauricio Pochettino returning to Tottenham have been slashed yet again.

Igor Tudor suffered defeat against Arsenal in his first game in charge of the Lilywhites, with it still looking unlikely that he will be in charge at the end of the season.

Instead, the idea of Pochettino returning to North London has been floating around for the past few months, with the Argentine having previously showcased a willingness to come back,

As of 8 February, the odds on his return were as low as 2/1, with major bookmakers now offering odds of 5/4 for him to be Tottenham manager for the new campaign, as of 25 February.

Roberto De Zerbi is second-favourite at 5/2, with Tudor priced at 13/2 to keep his job beyond the current campaign.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Would Mauricio Pochettino return be a good thing for Spurs?

For Spurs? Yes. For Pochettino? No.

Tottenham are in desperate need of someone with experience of managing top clubs to come in and change their fortunes, and Pochettino fits the bill perfectly.

Not only did he do a fine job with Tottenham the first time around, but he has gained plenty of expertience of working at clubs with high expectations throughout his career, which is something Thomas Frank lacked.

However, for his sake, a return would make little sense.

Despite failing at Chelsea, his stock is still incredibly high, and he would have many offers in the summer that would mean he wouldn’t have to join a side that has been battling relegation for two years.

The issues in North London can’t be fixed overnight, and Pochettino would risk ruining his reputation by making a return.

Roberto De Zerbi could be one to keep an eye on

While Pochettino is the clear favourite for the job next season, De Zerbi’s immediate availability could be enticing to Tottenham.

But again, the same issues would emerge as the ones that saw Frank’s tenure end in disaster, given the fact that his only spell in the Premier League came with Brighton.

And the relevance behind that point is that the Seagulls are another club with relatively low expectations, and certainly a lot less pressure to deliver success immediately.

It would be a similar scenario to the one that faced him at Marseille, where he won 12 league games from 21, with an average of 1.86 points per game.

Tottenham have a ready-made replacement for James Maddison in the near future.

Spurs’ recent downfall can be put down to a multitude of things, but one of them has certainly been the absence of Maddison.

Without the maestro pulling the strings, Spurs have lacked that creativity in the middle of the park, as well as the goals he brings from midfield.

The 29-year-old is under contract in North London until 2028, making any exit in the near future unlikely, but if that were to be the case, Tottenham have a star in the making in their academy, and he could make the step up.

Armend Muslika could be Tottenham’s next big thing

From Mikey Moore to Will Lankshear, Tottenham have several young players hoping to make a big impact in North London in the coming years.

MORE SPURS STORIES

And Armend Muslika is another, despite being just 16 years old.

The Albanian midfielder has been in excellent form for Tottenham’s Under-18’s this season, with nine goals and three assists in 14 appearances from an attacking midfield role.

His most recent goal involvement came in Spurs’ 4-1 hammering of Arsenal’s Under-18’s last Tuesday, though he hasn’t been able to get on the score sheet since he bagged a brace against Ipswich in November.

Muslika has been with Tottenham since he was 13, and scored 16 goals for Spurs’ Under-16’s in the 2024-25 campaign before being promoted to the next age group.

Like Maddison, Muslika is a midfielder with a clear eye for a goal, and with that currently lacking at senior level, it may not be too long until he starts to make his mark.

When could Tottenham fans see Armend Muslika?

Muslika turns 17 in March, but given the current risk of relegation at Tottenham, he has next to no chance of making a senior squad this season.

However, if things improve from the summer onwards, there is every possibility that the teenager will be handed some minutes in cup competitions.

We have already seen the likes of Luca Williams-Barnett and Tynan Thompson make the matchday squads this season, showcasing that Spurs are prepared to give their youngsters that experience.

And if Muslika can keep up his current form, he could be the next player to make the step up.

Cristian Romero is two yellow cards away from serving another two-game ban for Tottenham.

Romero has been the talk of the town at Tottenham recently, with his red card against Manchester United the reason behind it.

That was the second straight red card of his Spurs career, having also been sent off for two yellow cards on two separate occasions, with a four-game ban still being served.

Now, the Argentine is just two yellow cards away from receiving yet another two-game ban, which would see him miss a total of eight games for Tottenham this season.

The threshold for yellow card accumulation is currently set at 10, and that will reset after the 32nd Premier League game of the season.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham have clear call to make with Cristian Romero in summer

Romero is a fantastic defender, but has become nothing more than a liability over the past 12 months at Tottenham.

To have your captain serve a fourth suspension of the season would demonstrate that, and that has been a key factor behind their regression.

Romero’s suspension record this season

Tottenham are lacking the character needed to get them out of their current predicament, and the situation will not change unless plans are put into action in the summer.

The first one has to be to offload Romero, and with ongoing interest from Atletico Madrid, it should not be too difficult to finalise an exit.

Diego Simeone’s side have been linked with the defender last summer, and with the crisis occurring in North London, this summer could be the perfect time for them to execute a deal.

Are any other Tottenham players at risk of suspension?

Fortunately for Igor Tudor, Romero aside, it’s highly unlikely any of their other first-team regulars will be forced to serve a two-game ban.

After the Argentine, Joao Palhinha and Micky van de Ven have the most yellow cards with six, meaning they are still four away from a ban.

It means they would need to pick up a yellow card in each of their next four games to receive a suspension, which is when the threshold is then upped to 15.

Should a player receive 15 yellow cards in the same season, they will be forced to serve a three-game ban.

Conor Gallagher was one of just two Tottenham signings in the January window, and that may have ended up being a mistake already.

It may have been wise for the North London side to bring in more quality across the park due to the situation they find themselves in.

The Lilywhites are embroiled in a relegation battle, with Thomas Frank unable to produce what was expected of his tenure.

Unfortunately, the Dane was ultimately sacked, with Igor Tudor temporarily taking the reins in N17.

Gallagher’s arrival has not provided as much impact as hoped, and fans cannot believe the news that has come out about the midfielder already.

MORE SPURS STORIES

How much is Conor Gallagher earning at Tottenham?

Gallagher arrived at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for £35million, but reports of his wages in N17 have left fans reacting online.

The Guardian have stated Tottenham are willing to rip up their wage structure, and it appears that headway in that regard has already taken place.

In that very same report, it has been revealed that Gallagher is earning £200,000 a week, making him Spurs’ highest earner.

After the news surfaced, supporters were quick to react, with one fan on X stating: “There’s breaking the wage structure, and then there’s just pure stupidity.”

Others followed suit, with most of the reactions being that of disbelief.

Others simply began to question the club’s decision-making in regard to the Gallagher deal, as one fan said, via X: “Gallagher being our highest paid player is everything that’s wrong with our club.”

Overall, the Lilywhites’ faithful have been left far from pleased, and this news will only go further in creating division between the fanbase and the ownership.

Gallagher has struggled to impress for Tottenham

Gallagher came back to England as a midfielder who had plenty of experience in the Premier League, but it has not quite worked out at Tottenham so far.

The England international has been nothing more than OK for Spurs, and with the wages he is on, he has to be providing much more than that.

According to Sofascore, Gallagher has only won 47 per cent of all his duels, showcasing that he is more often than not second-best to the ball.

Additionally, among the three midfielders who started against Arsenal, Gallagher loses the ball more than twice as often as the rest of his teammates per game.

The 26-year-old averages 10.5 possession losses per game compared to Pape Matar Sarr (5.9) and Yves Bissouma (4.0).

He must simply start playing to the reflection of his wage.

Pedro Porro has all the tools to finally spark Igor Tudor’s Tottenham into life

Pedro Porro could be set to return from injury for Tottenham’s Premier League clash with Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just four points clear of the relegation zone, so they are in desperate need of a boost.

Fortunately, in his post-match press conference following the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal, Igor Tudor revealed that he expects to get two players back this week.

Porro and Kevin Danso are thought to be the pair returning to action, which should help ease the pressure on Spurs’ threadbare squad.

Pedro Porro can make big impact for Tottenham

Porro has been out injured since the 2-2 draw with Burnley at the end of February, missing five games in the process.

MORE SPURS STORIES

In that time, Spurs have won just one match, beating Frankfurt 2-0 in the Champions League, losing three and drawing one in the Premier League.

The right-back has created five big chances in the top flight this season, a better record than every single Tottenham player bar Xavi Simons (6).

Porro has also registered two assists and helped the Lilywhites’ defence keep seven clean sheets during his 23 appearances.

Porro has been criticised at times over the past few years at Tottenham, but the stats prove that they are a much better team with him in it, both going forward and defensively.

The Spaniard could thrive in Tudor’s five at the back system, playing in a more advanced role and having more of an impact on the Spurs attack.

What do Tottenham need to do to stay up?

Relegation to the Championship would be unthinkable for a club the size of Tottenham, but it is quickly developing into a realistic possibility.

Tudor’s side are two places and four points above the relegation zone, but with West Ham United finding some form in recent weeks, nothing is assured.

Tottenham currently sit on 29 points from 27 games, so they are on track to pick up 41 points by the end of the season.

In most other campaigns that would see them comfortably stay up, but given the strength of the league this year, Spurs will have to reach 45 points to feel assured of safety.

A lot of work in the transfer market awaits Tottenham this summer.

ENIC came under fire for Tottenham‘s lack of investment in the recent winter transfer window, with many Spurs fans feeling a lack of ambition was shown and key areas of need weren’t addressed.

And in the wake of their crushing 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in Sunday’s North London derby, that school of thought appears to have a lot of merit to it, with the Lilywhites in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

Spurs are still yet to register a Premier League win in the calendar year of 2026 so far, and if Igor Tudor wasn’t aware of the size of the job he’s got on his hands in N17 between now and the end of the season, he does now.

So, whether it’s Tudor in the dugout for next season and whether it’s Premier League or the unfathomable prospect of Championship football, Tottenham’s transfer decision-makers have a huge summer window ahead.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham should build from back to front this summer

There are a myriad of reasons why Tottenham find themselves in the predicament they’re in, with problems in attack, midfield and defence, as well as a mountain of injuries posing further questions of the club’s medical department.

However, every successful team is built around one thing: a rock-solid defence, and that’s certainly something Spurs don’t have.

Spurs have conceded two or more goals in their last seven-straight Premier League games, dating back to a 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on 7 January, which is instantly putting their attack behind the eight ball.

In those last seven games, Spurs have only failed to score in one game, which shows the potential for this team to be far and away from any relegation worries had even just a couple of clean sheets been achieved.

As such, big questions now are rightly being asked of Guglielmo Vicario in between the sticks, with the Italian international in the midst of perhaps his worst season in N17 since signing in the summer of 2023.

Serie A giants Juventus have been credited with an interest in the 29-year-old, who just isn’t showcasing the consistency levels and assurance required for Tottenham to feel confident in him moving forward.

Whether it’s trying to kick back up the Premier League table or mounting a promotion push from the Championship next season, Spurs have to operate from a safe platform at the back, and Vicario isn’t providing that.

Do Tottenham have Vicario’s replacement in-house?

Tottenham do have a couple of senior goalkeepers on their books in the form of Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin respectively, but the jury remains out on both of them.

Kinsky is only 22, and whilst has shown promise in a number of his Tottenham appearances so far, the Czech international has also shown his youthfulness and inexperience too with some poor displays.

Meanwhile, Austin is 27 and is a product of Tottenham’s academy system, but he’s only ever made three competitive appearances for Spurs, only one of which coming in the Premier League.

Therefore, it’s likely that neither of these two would be deemed viable starting options for next season, and so Spurs have to get their next goalkeeping addition bang on in arguably the most important position on the pitch.

Tottenham owners are reportedly ready to rip up the club’s wage structure this summer.

According to a report from The Guardian, Joe Lewis and Tottenham‘s ENIC ownership are looking to conduct a significant overhaul of the first-team squad at the end of the season.

The report claims that this will take place if Spurs avoid Premier League relegation this term, as relegation to the Championship would naturally accommodate sizeable changes in this department anyway.

It’s reported that there is an acknowledgement from within Tottenham that there has been an underinvestment in player wages for a number of years.

This comes after comments made by former manager Ange Postecoglou on The Overlap, with the Australian criticising the club for not being able to attract certain players due to not offering competitive salaries in comparison with their rivals.

MORE SPURS STORIES

How does Tottenham’s wage bill compare to rivals?

As detailed in the aforementioned report from The Guardian, Tottenham’s wage bill is the smallest of the “big six” clubs in the Premier League.

In the most recently published financial accounts for the 2023-24 season, Spurs’ annual wage bill was listed at £222million, which in comparison with Man City’s £413m, shows the stark contrast in spend.

Recent signings such as Conor Gallagher and Xavi Simons will see that figure increase, but still not to a level where the Lilywhites are competing with the top clubs in the division.

Meanwhile, it’s stated that just 42 per cent of Tottenham’s revenue for the 2023-24 season went into the wage bill, which for the Premier League, is considerably low.

It shouldn’t have taken Championship reality to kick Spurs into action

So, whilst Tottenham chiefs look ready to finally loosen the purse strings and bring their wage bill spending to a level that will compete with the biggest clubs in England, Spurs fans won’t be kissing their feet.

The reality is that this has been far too long in the making, and it simply reads like a boardroom that is only now realising relegation can happen to this football club if they don’t stump up the cash.

That’s simply not good enough, and only gives further merit to the words of Postecoglou about Tottenham having everything to be a big football club infrastructure-wise, but not acting like one financially.

The prospect of Championship football has seemingly woken Tottenham chiefs up, but it should never have had to get to that stage for them to assess their spending and realise change is needed.

Mick McCarthy believes nerves will be building up at Tottenham now during the relegation battle.

Tottenham have a four-point gap to 18th place, but with 11 games still to go, that distance can be easily made up by those below them.

Former Premier League manager McCarthy has been in similar situations during his career and brings plenty of experience to the table in terms of trying to stay up.

McCarthy believes the north London club will be “worrying greatly” about their status in England’s top flight, following another defeat at the weekend.

Spurs are currently in 16th place and the 67-year-old has spoken about how that can be an uncomfortable position to be in.

MORE SPURS STORIES

What has Mick McCarthy said about Tottenham?

Tottenham have a little bit of breathing room in the battle at the bottom of the table, but they may not be feeling that small sense of relief, according to McCarthy.

McCarthy, who has been in Spurs’ position before, has shared his experience with fighting relegation, saying on The Mangers podcast: “Tottenham will be panicking.

“If you are fourth from the bottom, and yes, I have been there with Wolves. You are constantly worried about their results, and it almost takes the focus off what you are doing and looking behind you.

“You have to really get back at it; this is what we are doing, and let’s concentrate on what we are doing. I think Tottenham will be looking behind them and worrying greatly.”

The former Republic of Ireland international manager has also issued his thoughts on the Lilywhites’ survival hopes, expressing he is “not that confident” they can avoid the drop.

Igor Tudor has been handed the difficult task by ENIC of doing just that, and the Croatian will be confident in his ability to do so.

However, recent form has not painted a great picture for the N17 outfit.

Tottenham’s form is a real cause for concern

Over the last 12 games in the Premier League, Spurs are statistically the worst team in England’s top flight.

They have only accumulated seven points from the 36 available, with even bottom strugglers Wolves picking up more.

It is not a sustainable return for a team looking to stay up this season. Momentum is important in the race, and a prolonged period of poor results could knock confidence down even further at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

If the tide does not turn quickly, then relegation would almost be a certainty for the North London club, as West Ham and Nottingham Forest have been trending upwards recently.

The FA urged to send letter to Tottenham as damning Archie Gray footage emerges

Archie Gray could get away without punishment after Tottenham lost 4-1 to Arsenal on Sunday.

The Lilywhites fell to defeat in the North London derby as Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres netted two each at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Igor Tudor had one moment to shout about on his maiden voyage in N17 as Randal Kolo Muani netted an equaliser against the Gunners.

The Frenchman grabbed his first Premier League goal to cause wild celebrations in the home end just seconds after Eze had scored his first of the afternoon.

It seems as if the excitement overtook Gray, as he was seen smashing the ball into the away end, something which may land him in hot water.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The FA told to pen letter to Archie Gray after Arsenal antics

The travelling fans certainly weren’t happy when the Englishman took his chance to take a cheap shot after Kolo Muani’s strike.

Footage from Dylan White via TikTok shows the 19-year-old taking aim at the Arsenal supporters seconds after Spurs made it 1-1.

This has understandably gone down badly on the red side of North London and certainly doesn’t paint Gray in the best light.

There is a concern among Spurs fans that the youngster could face a retrospective punishment for his unsporting behaviour.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett hopes that a letter will be sent to Igor Tudor about the incident rather than fining or suspending Gray.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Hackett said: “I have seen many different types of reaction and celebration to goals by players.

“Rather than issuing a sanction of fine or suspension, I would hope, in the interest of fans safety that a letter from The FA might be sent to the manager of the players club requesting that he offer appropriate advice to avoid a repeat of this action.”

Gray could still face FA charge at Tottenham

There are previous incidents that echo what the teenager did in North London that won’t make for good reading.

Just four months ago, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder faced an FA charge for improper conduct after kicking the ball into the stands and hitting a fan at Southampton.

There was a difference in this case as the Blades’ boss was actually sent off by referee Adam Herczeg at Bramall Lane, whereas Gray avoided punishment.

Wilder eventually saw his charge thrown out after review from an independent Regulatory Commission, but the Tottenham man may not be so lucky.

He will be waiting with bated breath and hoping that a suspension isn’t in the pipeline, especially with the position the Lilywhites are in right now.

Igor Tudor has already realised the magnitude of the challenge in front of him at Tottenham.

Spurs were beaten 4-1 by Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday, leaving them just four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

The Lilywhites were level at half-time, as Randal Kolo Muani quickly cancelled out Eberechi Eze’s opener, but collapsed after the break.

Viktor Gyokeres scored a brace, one goal either side of Eze’s second of the afternoon, as Mikel Arteta’s side cruised to victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Igor Tudor speaks out after Tottenham defeat

As soon as Tudor came in to replace Frank, he spoke about galvanising the squad and the fanbase to help turn the current situation around.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The North London derby provided the Croatian with the perfect opportunity to spark that change, but in the end, Arsenal were far too good.

After the game, Tudor highlighted internal problems and bad habits at Spurs, as well as hitting out at the lack of physicality among the players.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Premier League winner Chris Sutton pointed out the massive U-turn that the interim Tottenham boss had made.

Sutton said: “What is really astonishing with Igor Tudor is, his first press conference, he was so positive, 100 per cent certain they’re going to stay up.

“It’s taken him one game for the doom and gloom to set in.”

Silver lining for Tottenham and Igor Tudor

Clearly, Tottenham have struggled with injury issues this season, and are still badly hampered by player unavailability.

However, for Tudor to directly attack the physicality of those on the pitch against Arsenal shows there is a lot of work to be done.

There is one silver lining for Spurs, though, with the former Juventus boss confirming that he expects two players to return from injury for the trip to Fulham next up.

While Tudor didn’t specify the duo that would be back in the squad, Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso seem to be the most likely candidates.

Given the current situation, with Tottenham just four points clear of the relegation zone, both Porro and Danso need to have an immediate impact upon their return.