TBR Football

Luka Modric is one of the best midfielders Tottenham have ever had.

The Croatia international joined Spurs from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2008, and he went on to become a fan favourite at the old White Hart Lane.

The supporters adore him so much that many urged Daniel Levy to re-sign Modric after hearing that he will be leaving Real Madrid this summer.

However, Levy and Modric didn’t always share a great relationship.

Why Luka Modric ‘resented’ Daniel Levy towards the end of his Tottenham career

Daniel Levy is one of the biggest names in English football.

The Spurs chairman has been around for a long time, and although he has come under enormous criticism from the fans, his off-the-pitch work deserves credit.

One of the things Levy is very famous for is how ruthless he is in negotiations when another club makes a move for his star players.

Luka Modric experienced that first-hand when Real Madrid came in for him back in 2012.

“Generally speaking, Daniel Levy is an excellent chairman who fights for Spurs interests. The club’s recent results only attest to this,” he wrote in Luka Modric – My Autobiography.

“However, I resented him because on a couple of occasions he had promised to let me move to a bigger club and then broke his promise.

“For me, one’s promise and one’s word are more important than anything in the club’s or the player’s best interest.”

What Daniel Levy did that drove Real Madrid crazy

Real Madrid usually get the players they want to sign pretty comfortably, but Levy made things extremely difficult for them when they came in for Modric.

The Tottenham chairman had promised the midfielder that he would let him go, but he complicated a deal every time it got close to completion.

In that summer, Modric was even given permission to fly to Madrid to complete the move, but he was then stopped because Levy changed the terms.

“We’ve agreed on everything, you’re flying to Madrid.’ And when, all happy, I would head for the airport, new information would arrive, ‘We have to put it off, there’s a new development’,” Modric wrote in his book.

“The second time that happened, I was on the edge. Falling apart. Tortured by the lack of progress, I remember asking Vanja (his wife), ‘How can Levy be so unfair?’.”

Modric also said: “Levy was driving them crazy: it seemed that every time they reached an agreement, he asked for something else.”

But, finally, after Jose Mourinho spoke to Levy, a deal was agreed and Modric was sold to the Galacticos.

Tottenham Hotspur have just saved their season by winning the Europa League.

Indeed, with victory in Bilbao, Spurs have qualified for next season’s Champions League, and, with that, Spurs have landed a serious financial windfall.

Man United were budgeting an extra £100m to spend on transfers if they’d won the Europa League, but that cash has now ended up in Spurs’ pocket instead.

That should allow Tottenham to spend big this summer, and according to Dean Jones, writing on the Ranks FC Ultras Patreon page, Spurs are now pushing to get three transfer deals done in the very near future.

Tottenham pushing for three transfers

According to Jones, Tottenham are now trying to get three incoming signings sewn up quickly.

According to the journalist, Spurs are pressing ahead to sign Mathys Tel permanently from Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are also looking to bring in Angel Gomes and Johnny Cardoso in the midfield.

“They are pressing ahead in negotiations for Mathys Tel and are also looking to close out agreements for Johnny Cardoso and Angel Gomes. All of this is happening while serious internal conversations are unfolding about Ange Postecoglou’s future. Sunday night in London saw key decision-makers discussing whether to stick or twist with the manager,” Jones wrote.

What Ange Postecoglou said about signing Mathys Tel

Tottenham are looking to sign Mathys Tel permanently, and that’s something Ange Postecoglou already alluded to months ago.

Tel hasn’t been amazing for Spurs since arriving, but he’s only a young player and he has plenty of room to grow and improve.

Back in February, Postecoglou said in a press conference that Tel was signed with the idea of being at Spurs for longer than six months.

“He will play a significant part in our end to the season for sure and beyond,” Postecoglou said

“He wants to make an impact and I expect him to do that.

“He will be a Tottenham player. I think he will show everyone he will be a Tottenham player in the next six months. I didn’t bring him here for six months.”

Of course, a lot has changed since February, and it’s unclear whether Postecoglou will even be at Spurs for much longer.

Indeed, Postecoglou could still be sacked, and there’s no guarantee that Spurs’ next manager would even fancy Tel or Cardoso or Gomes for that matter.

Spurs are playing a risky game here in looking at new signings before their managerial situation is sorted.

Ange Postecoglou is a hero at Tottenham Hotspur after ending the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy and 41-year wait for European glory.

The North London club have enjoyed incredible celebrations over the last week to mark the winning of their third UEFA Cup/Europa League title.

But despite the Australian manager delivering one of the most momentous days in the club’s history, his job remains under some scrutiny.

TBR Football revealed on Monday that Postecoglou has asked Daniel Levy for more time following what has been Spurs’ worst ever Premier League campaign.

Now, a huge decision awaits Levy, who must choose whether to stick or twist with the 59-year-old, although the answer is simple after watching how he was treated during the title celebrations.

Tottenham legends all wanted pictures with Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou was a very popular figure during the club’s parade around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following the final game of the season.

Staff and legends all wanted pictures with the Spurs boss, showing just how highly regarded he is amongst those associated with the club.

Tottenham fans sang Postecoglou’s name loud and proud against Brighton as they also showed their unwavering support for their head coach.

With near enough the whole Tottenham Hotspur Stadium showing their strong feelings towards Postecoglou, it feels like the decision has already been made for Daniel Levy.

Daniel Levy’s simple Ange Postecoglou decision at Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur have faced many obstacles this season, including an exceptional number of injuries, and the Spurs chairman needs to factor that in when making his final verdict.

Meanwhile, Postecoglou has opted to save his best players for Europe, which has subsequently seen their form in the Premier League sacrificed.

It’s simple, Levy would now be taking arguably one of the biggest gambles of his tenure at Tottenham by removing the club’s first trophy-winning coach since Juande Ramos.

The chairman needs to build on the unity which Postecoglou has forged at the club and hand him the tools over the summer to compete across all competitions.

The future of Ange Postecoglou remains clouded in uncertainty at Tottenham.

Despite winning the UEFA Europa League – the first trophy Spurs have won since the League Cup in 2008 – it is yet to be confirmed whether the Australian will remain in charge for next season, after a worrying Premier League campaign.

Tottenham finished 17th – failing to even reach 40 points – and were a tad fortunate that the bottom three were so poor, or else relegation easily could have happened.

It remains to be seen what happens with Ange Postecoglou, although a new dimension has now been added to the situation after an update on Gian Piero Gasperini – a manager Daniel Levy admires.

Gian Piero Gasperini could leave Atalanta

Sky Italy now report that the Italian could depart Atalanta this summer, after nine years in Bergamo.

Gasperini – who Tottenham approached in May 2021 before hiring Nuno Espirito Santo, according to Corriere della Sera – raised the prospect of an exit during a meeting with Atalanta chiefs on Tuesday, believing he may have taken the Serie A side as far as he can.

The 67-year-old led Atalanta to the UEFA Europa League in the 2023/24 campaign before Spurs took the title last season, and has also guided the Bergamo-based outfit to UEFA Champions League qualification in two successive campaigns.

Gasperini – who was linked with Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp left – has been asked by Atalanta to make a decision on his future as soon as possible, in order for them to be able to plan appropriately should he depart.

What Cristian Romero has said about Gian Piero Gasperini amidst Tottenham uncertainty

Cristian Romero has been linked with an exit from Spurs himself along with Postecoglou, as Atletico Madrid are keen to sign the Argentina international.

However, hiring Gasperini could result in the South American staying in north London, as he absolutely adores the Grugliasco-born tactician.

Speaking to AS in August 2021, Romero said: “It was Gasperini who helped me grow. I think he was the best coach I have had in my career. I improved a lot with him, I thank him for everything.

“He’s a coach who, if he sees that you want to grow and improve, he will stay with you until death.”

Tottenham Hotspur had their greatest moment for a generation last week as they lifted the Europa League in Bilbao as they beat Manchester United.

Spurs weren’t brilliant on the night, but they managed to get over the line.

Ange Postecoglou is still under pressure, but, right now, he’s a hero in north London.

A number of big names were in Bilbao for the game, Gareth Bale, Glenn Hoddle and Rio Ferdinand were amongst the punditry team for the match, while Ian Wright was also there watching from the stands.

Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show, Ian Wright has been discussing his experience of watching the game in the stadium, and, as you can imagine, as an Arsenal legend, he had to act quickly at full-time.

Ian Wright sneaked out of the stadium after Tottenham’s Europa League win

Wright was in Bilbao to watch Spurs vs United.

The pundit is always very balanced towards Tottenham, but, due to his Arsenal affiliations, he’s not the most popular man among Spurs supporters.

At full-time, Wright says he sneaked out of the stadium like a thief in the night in order to not get caught up in any celebrations or draw any attention.

“I couldn’t believe it, do you know what? I was there and I just had to sneak out like a thief in the night. I went to watch it, I can’t believe I went to watch Tottenham and Man United, but you can’t help but be happy for the Tottenham fans, and I’m happy for Ange because if you hang in there, you get something, and that’s what he did,” Wright said.

Ian Wright’s record vs Tottenham

Wright didn’t want to get caught up in Spurs fans’ celebrations, and it’s easy to understand why.

An Arsenal legend would’ve been an easy target for ridicule in Bilbao last week, and it’s fair to say Wright has had his fair share of stick from Spurs fans over the years.

Back in his playing days, Wright was never afraid of winding up Tottenham supporters, and he also loved scoring against Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur are Europa League winners after beating Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao last week.

Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, but they’ve still managed to qualify for the Champions League next season owing to their victory last week.

Tottenham broke Inter Milan’s record as the lowest-placed side to ever win a European trophy, and speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show, Michael Owen has shared his theory on why Spurs have been able to win the Europa League this year despite being so poor.

Owen believes that one rule change implemented by UEFA this season was the reason Spurs won the Europa League.

Michael Owen shares Tottenham Europa League theory

Owen spoke about Tottenham’s Europa League win.

The pundit says that the Europa League final is the worst game of football he’s ever watched, theorising that Spurs never would’ve won the Europa League if Champions League sides still dropped down into this competition.

‘As a total neutral I’m doom and gloom for Tottenham. The only reason they won that competition is because no Champions League sides now drop into the Europa League. Did they play anybody any good?” Owen asked.

“Even the final, it was probably the worst game of football I’ve ever watched, it was so bad. I rarely ever want to switch over the game, but that final, I mean…”

Which teams would’ve dropped into the Europa League?

Tottenham won the Europa League the first year after this rule change, and that may not be a coincidence.

Indeed, Spurs were terrible domestically, but they were able to triumph in Europe, partly down to the lack of quality competition.

In previous years, eight Champions League teams would’ve dropped down to the Europa League after the group stage, and, based on the Champions League table this year, some quality sides would’ve joined the competition.

Of course, it’s all hypothetical and impossible to predict, but would Tottenham have won the Europa League if the likes of Juventus, Man City, Sporting and Monaco dropped into the competition? Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter.

Aston Villa suffered a major blow over the weekend as they just missed out on Champions League qualification.

The Midlands club missed out on finishing in the Premier League’s top five in controversial circumstances.

Unai Emery’s team were unhappy with some of the decisions which went against them in their defeat to Manchester United.

With their failure to get back into the Champions League, Villa could miss out on a minimum of £30 million, according to reports.

Therefore, Tottenham Hotspur could sense this as a chance to prise away one of their previous targets from Villa Park.

Tottenham should try to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa

Spurs should now attempt to relaunch their bid to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa after they missed out on the Champions League.

Tottenham tried to sign Ramsey last summer, however, Villa were not keen to sell their academy talent at the time.

But with no Champions League football next season and the possible need to offload players, Ramsey could be the player who is offloaded.

The 23-year-old would be straight profit having come through the academy at Villa Park and his sale could help relieve any potential financial struggles facing Villa.

The midfielder would not be cheap though, as Villa value Ramsey at £50m, which could make a deal for the North London club rather tricky.

Ange Postecoglou never got the midfielder he was after last summer, but now with his team back in Europe’s elite competition, he might finally get his wish.

Who else could Tottenham sign from Aston Villa?

Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United this summer following a decent loan spell at Villa Park.

The 27-year-old finishes the season with 11 goals and nine assists and he could now be a good option for Postecoglou’s team.

United value Rashford at £40m which could be decent value for a player who has just impressed in a new environment.

An ambitious move from Spurs could see them testing the waters for Morgan Rogers by using their involvement in the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup as a selling point.

Tottenham Hotspur have a lot of decisions to make following their Europa League final win.

Spurs were on track to have their worst season in a long time, but Ange Postecoglou winning the Europa League has completely changed the narrative.

However, despite that, TBR Football exclusively revealed that Postecoglou is expecting to get sacked in the coming days.

Many Spurs fans feel that could have a big impact on Cristian Romero’s future at Spurs as we head into the summer transfer window.

On Instagram, Romero posted a message that suggested that the club must ‘continue’ on the same path. Tottenham supporters think they know what his post means.

Tottenham fans think Cristian Romero will only stay if Ange Postecoglou is not sacked

“We must continue; this is the path,” Romero wrote in his latest Instagram post.

That has convinced Tottenham fans that he has made it clear to Daniel Levy and the club that if the current path under Postecoglou does not continue, he will leave.

One Tottenham fan said: “His future is entirely dependent on the manager’s future. The club just need to announce they’re moving forward with Ange & make moves in the market immediately.

Another wrote: “Staying together doesn’t mean the club with Daniel Levy, it means with ANGE. The only way he will stay is with Ange, he has to stay. ANGE IN.”

“Yeah, he’s gone if Ange gets sacked, tough decision for Levy,” said another.

Another Spurs fan tweeted: “In other words, Ange should not be sacked!”

“He’s clearly telling Levy not to sack Ange,” wrote another.

Daniel Levy must know what to do with Ange Postecoglou now

Finishing 17th in the Premier League was a terrible look, and that is the reason why Levy is thinking about sacking Postecoglou.

However, the Europa League win could be massive for Spurs.

That is the sort of result that could galvanise the whole squad, and the fact that all the players seem to be behind Postecoglou means it must be him who takes them forward.

Sacking the Australian now could lead to problems in the Tottenham dressing room, especially if Romero leaves because of Levy letting Postecoglou go.

We agree with the Spurs fan above, we think keeping Postecoglou will help Tottenham tie Romero down to a new contract.

Tottenham Hotspur won the Europa League last week, securing their first trophy for 17 years.

One would imagine that this would be a time for jubilation and celebration at Spurs, but, there are still some massive underlying issues at Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou could still be sacked, and the reality is that Spurs were the 17th-best team in England this year.

Daniel Levy has a decision to make on Ange Postecoglou, and speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast, Carlton Cole has now given the Spurs manager an important piece of advice.

Cole reckons Postecoglou should take it upon himself to resign at Spurs after winning the Europa League, claiming that it would be a mistake for him to simply hang around and wait for this cycle to repeat itself next year.

Carlton Cole’s advice for Ange Postecoglou

Cole shared his verdict on what Postecoglou should do now.

The pundit says Postecoglou should resign at Tottenham, go out on a high and preserve his pride rather than risking being sacked in a few months’ time.

“Look, if I was Ange, as I said, in the last episodes, in the episodes before, win this, drop the mic, see you later. Like, don’t make the mistake of hanging around. Just hanging around, waiting for the abuse and then getting run out,”

“I know there’s money involved as well, so it’s never easy losing a pound note, but for your pride and actually your future, because now you can say, do you know what? When all is said and done, I have secured the club silverware. I’ve done enough here.”

Managers who were sacked shortly after winning a trophy

Ange Postecoglou is in a precarious position in that he’s just won a trophy, but his job still isn’t safe.

We’ve seen this before on numerous occasions where managers have been sacked just weeks or months into a new season despite winning a trophy the previous year.

The reality is, winning silverware can’t save you in the long-term, and if the rot has already set in, you’re in trouble.

Tottenham’s squad are said to be divided on Postecoglou, and while he may well get a vote of confidence this summer, it may not be long before questions are asked at the beginning of next season.

After winning the Europa League and qualifying for next season’s edition of the Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur must spend wisely in the summer.

Richarlison urged Spurs to go for more trophies after celebrating their famous European success and the Lilywhites very well could if they make the right signings.

In the past, Tottenham have made costly mistakes in the transfer market, famously investing poorly in their squad after raking in a club-record fee for Gareth Bale’s sale to Real Madrid in 2013.

With Ange Postecoglou asking Daniel Levy to keep him, if the Spurs hierarchy still believe in the Australian’s project, they will have to show that is the case by making the right moves in the summer.

Tottenham should not sign Manchester City star Jack Grealish

Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, one player who has been linked with a move to Tottenham is Jack Grealish.

Tottenham are interested in signing Grealish, whose future is uncertain at Manchester City.

However, it would be a blunder for Spurs to sign the £100 million (Sky Sports) man for a plethora of reasons.

First and foremost, while Grealish’s addition would undoubtedly improve Tottenham, he has failed to perform for two seasons at City — starting in a mere 17 Premier League games in total since winning the treble.

Furthermore, the 29-year-old may not even fit into Ange Postecoglou’s system — who likes his wingers to hug the touchline — a role that has not suited him whatsoever at Manchester City.

Moreover, Grealish’s stats at City do not make for the best reading as he has registered just 17 goals and 23 assists in 157 games, which is enough of a sample size to suggest that he may not even provide consistent output for Tottenham.

Even if Ange Postecoglou hands the three-time Premier League winner a free role where he could drift into central areas, the rationale for his potential addition would have to be questioned as Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are established attacking midfielders.

Some people at Tottenham are eyeing Grealish but there are not many factors in play supporting their argument.

Grealish’s wages could be an issue for Tottenham

While the counterargument could be that the former Aston Villa winger is a winner, he was only key for Pep Guardiola’s men in the second half of their treble-winning season.

Grealish earns £300k-a-week at Manchester City and if Tottenham signed him, he would automatically become their highest earner.

However, it could be a mistake to reserve such an outlay on a player who does not necessarily take Spurs to the next level and has been past his best for a while.