TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are both in the bottom half of the Premier League table right now.

The two clubs have had a really poor season, but both of them strengthened in the winter window.

Spurs brought in Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, while United signed Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven.

The focus over the next few months will be on what happens on the pitch, but the two clubs could be involved in a transfer battle in the summer.

Tottenham loanee Mathys Tel would like to join Manchester United

The Tel transfer saga in the winter window was an eventful one for multiple clubs.

Tottenham and Manchester United were both involved in the move, and fans of the two clubs felt their side had sealed the deal at different stages.

However, Spurs finally got it done on deadline day, and Tel made his Tottenham debut against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have an option to make the move permanent this summer, but Tottenham will need Tel’s approval to trigger that.

That may not be as straightforward as initially expected because Christian Falk has just revealed that the Frenchman would like to join Manchester United if he gets the opportunity in the summer.

He wrote in his Daily Briefing: “There were also talks with Manchester United who were interested in Mathys Tel’s signature.

Tel was certainly open to the move, but United weren’t prepared to pay the loan fee Bayern Munich were demanding at the time (€5m). So, you see, there was a huge difference to the offer Tottenham came to the table with.

“Whether Tel stays with Bayern beyond the summer or moves on, it’s entirely up to him. If he can make the step to United, he would like to do it.

“If he sees a chance at Bayern Munich, perhaps he would also stay, but I think it’s hard for him, as he didn’t make it under Vincent Kompany. So, I think if he is performing very well, he will stay in the Premier League.”

Tottenham will be upset if they lose Tel to Man United

Postecoglou has publicly expressed confidence that Tel will join Tottenham on a permanent deal this summer, but there’s no guarantee.

The Frenchman, hailed as ‘extraordinary‘ by Thierry Henry, could well decide that he doesn’t want to stay, and that will open the door for other clubs to come in.

Tel was in favour of a move to Manchester United in the winter window, but the Red Devils could not reach an agreement with Bayern.

That could change in the summer – United could have the funds they need to secure Tel’s signature, and he would be a great signing for them.

Tottenham suffered yet another embarrassing defeat on Thursday evening.

Indeed, Spurs lost 4-0 to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, and there’s now a real risk of their silverware drought extending to another year.

On top of the disappointment in the cup, Tottenham also sit 14th in the Premier League table.

Ange Postecoglou’s position has been questioned as of late, and Tottenham have been linked to some potential Postecoglou replacements.

Edin Terzic was linked to Tottenham last month, while Matt Wells could become Spurs’ interim manager if Postecoglou does go.

So, is Postecoglou close to getting the sack? According to Fabrizio Romano, writing in his newsletter for GiveMeSport, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Indeed, Romano says that the situation regarding Postecoglou at Spurs remains under control, even if results on the pitch are getting out of control.

Ange Postecoglou situation is under control

Romano shared what he knows about Postecoglou’s position.

While many Tottenham managers have been sacked in similar, or even better positions, Romano says he’s not hearing anything to suggest Postecoglou will be gone soon.

Indeed, according to the journalist, the Tottenham manager’s position is said to be under control.

“I don’t have any messages on his potential sacking or surprises. The situation remains under control at the moment,” Romano wrote.

Tottenham fixtures analysed

Postecoglou is safe at Tottenham for now, but surely this can’t go on forever.

Indeed, Spurs are closer to a relegation battle than they are to Champions League qualification, and their upcoming games don’t make for easy reading either.

Aston Villa in the FA Cup could spell the end of Spurs’ silverware chances this season, and that is swiftly followed up by a game against Manchester United – which, regardless of their current position, is never easy.

Ipswich Town have already beaten Tottenham this season, so a trip to Portman Road won’t be easy, while Manchester City can still hammer any team on their day.

Bournemouth have been brilliant this season too, so that will be another tough ask, while Fulham have taken points off of the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs already this season.

Postecoglou’s job is safe for now, but if this run of fixtures doesn’t go his way, Daniel Levy may have no choice but to make a change in the dugout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Two new players made their debuts for Tottenham against Liverpool on Thursday evening, but, for the most part, it was same old Spurs.

Indeed, while Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel played their first game for Tottenham, the performance Spurs put in against Liverpool was all too familiar.

Tottenham lost 4-0 on the night without having a single shot on target in a performance that pretty much summed Spurs up.

Danso had a tough debut as he shipped four goals on the night, and speaking on TalkSPORT after the game, Jamie O’Hara has been discussing Danso’s debut.

Danso was supposed to be a good fit for Spurs, but he didn’t shine in his first game.

The pundit says that he wasn’t convinced by Danso after his first game for Tottenham, claiming that, on the whole, this was a shocking result and a terrible game.

Kevin Danso unconvincing on his debut

O’Hara shared his verdict on Tottenham’s new signing.

The pundit says that he wasn’t convinced by Danso in his first game nor is he convinced by the player he could be for Spurs.

“Shocking night for Spurs at Anfield, they didn’t have a shot on target, all hope is lost, it doesn’t look like we’ll win a trophy this season unless he pulls out some sort of miracle,” O’Hara said.

“Terrible game, terrible game.

“The players haven’t been up to standard, and in terms of transfers, you know, he got Mathys Tel over the line and Danso tonight wasn’t convincing with what he might be.”

Kevin Danso stats vs Liverpool

As O’Hara says, Danso didn’t have the best of debuts against Liverpool.

The centre-back was thrown in at the deep end in all fairness. He started in a real makeshift back four against arguably the best team in the world.

However, he didn’t cover himself in glory on the night, and the stats show it.

Danso had a very shaky debut, but, as ever, you can’t solely judge a player off one game.

We’ve seen many top players have bad debuts in the past only to become superstars, and there’s no saying that Danso isn’t on that same trajectory.

Ange Postecoglou rates Danso, and he may well kick on as the weeks go by.

However, a poor debut won’t do Danso’s confidence any good, and he needs to pick himself up and dust himself down heading into this weekend’s FA Cup game against Aston Villa.

Spurs’ season is falling apart, and, sadly, their new signings haven’t made much of an impact so far.

Tottenham Hotspur crashed out of the Carabao Cup after losing 4-0 against Liverpool at Anfield.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went into the game on Thursday night with a 1-0 lead from the first leg. That was a big advantage, but the players barely showed any desire to win the second leg.

Tottenham looked nothing like their usual attacking selves. They sat back for large parts and invited continuous pressure from the hosts, who took complete advantage.

Spurs are out of the cup now, but their fans at least got to see new signing Mathys Tel on the pitch.

Mathys Tel sends a message after Tottenham’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool

Tottenham worked really hard to sign Tel from Bayern Munich on deadline day.

The saga involving the French attacker was a big one, but Postecoglou managed to convince Tel to make the move to Spurs.

At Anfield on Thursday night, Tel started the game on the bench and everyone expected to see him come on in the second half.

But, Richarlison suffered a calf injury before the break, and the Frenchman got to make his Tottenham debut earlier than he would’ve expected.

Tel impressed Spurs fans with his urgency, but he was often an isolated figure up top. Spurs didn’t do enough to get the ball up to him.

A 4-0 defeat is a terrible way to start your new chapter, but Tel is already looking ahead.

After the game, the Bayern Munich loanee took to Instagram and posted a couple of pictures of himself with the caption: “Head up!”

Mathys Tel has suddenly become even more important for Tottenham

Tottenham were convinced that Tel was going to be a key player for them, so they went above and beyond to get the deal over the line.

The attacker, however, is still only 19, so Postecoglou would’ve ideally wanted to give him some time to settle in and adapt to the English game.

But, the Australian no longer has that luxury. Dominic Solanke has been injured for a few weeks now, and Richarlison has joined him following his calf issue last night.

With Timo Werner also out, Tel will likely have to start Tottenham’s next game against Villa, and the pressure will be on him to deliver.

It remains to be seen how the 19-year-old will fare against Unai Emery’s side on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur welcomed a new goalkeeper to N17 in the January transfer window as Antonin Kinsky joined from Slavia Prague.

Tottenham signed the 21-year-old in a deal worth £12.5million as they reinforced their ranks in wake of Guglielmo Vicario’s injury and Fraser Forster’s illness.

Antonin Kinsky enjoyed a fruitful debut for Tottenham as they got the better of Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

Indeed, Tottenham legend Graham Roberts praised Kinsky, while Spurs fans also expressed their delight with their new signing’s debut.

Kinsky has since made a further five appearances and, though he has been thrown in at the deep end, he has shown he has what it takes to become a top keeper.

With Vicario still out of action, Kinsky is likely to keep his place in the Spurs starting XI for the foreseeable future.

Now, former Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm has delivered his verdict on Antonin Kinsky as he shared what he needs to keep doing at N17.

Michel Vorm says Antonin Kinsky looks like a ‘promising signing for the future’ at Tottenham

Vorm, speaking on GiveMeSport, has described Kinsky as a “good young goalkeeper” and believes he’s a “promising signing for the future”.

The former Spurs keeper stressed that Kinsky needs to play games in order to get up to speed in the Premier League and can kick on as he gets more experience.

“I like Kinsky,” said Vorm. “He is a good young goalkeeper and can push Vicario when he returns to the team. He looks like a promising signing for the future.

“He needs to play games to get up to speed with the Premier League.

“It’s tough for Kinsky coming into a team that isn’t winning consistently or playing with huge confidence, but he can look to impose himself as he plays more first-team football.”

What Ange Postecoglou has said about Antonin Kinsky

In mid-January, Ange Postecoglou acknowledged that Tottenham have given Kinsky a baptism of fire.

However, the Spurs boss believes throwing him in at the deep end is helping him gain experience quickly, which will be of benefit to player and team.

Postecoglou also said Kinsky is a “very assured young man” with “all the attributes” Tottenham want from a goalkeeper.

“It’s fair to say we have thrown him in at the deep end,” said Postecoglou. “He has had three pretty big challenges in different ways.

“He is certainly gaining experience very quickly when you look at the games he has played and the challenges within that.

“I think he has handled it really well. I said from day one, he is a very assured young man.

“From a goalkeeping aspect he has all the attributes we are looking for and feel would be a good fit for us.

“Like I said, we have thrown him in at the deep end but we will get enormous benefit from that.”

Tottenham Hotspur are currently in the midst of a rebuilding job as Ange Postecoglou looks to build a team that can regularly challenge for silverware.

Postecoglou has made a multitude of signings since taking the Spurs reins, with most of them going on to make a big impact at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Last summer, Tottenham made four signings, with Dominic Solanke, Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Lucas Bergvall arriving at N17.

Tottenham technical director Johan Lange has now singled one of Spurs’ summer signings out for extensive praise, saying he has worked “tirelessly” for the team.

Johan Lange hails Dominic Solanke’s ‘outstanding’ efforts for Tottenham

Lange was asked by the Tottenham media team what he thought of the club’s summer signings, all of whom have been a good fit for the club and dressing room.

The technical director said it has been “very pleasing” to see Gray and Bergvall step up and take responsibility as young players.

Lange was then eager to praise Solanke, who he described as a “pleasure to watch” due to all the hard work he has put in while at N17.

“I think, when we are going through the scouting process, there are many elements, and one of them is character,” Lange said on SPURSPLAY.

“Of course, to see players, irrespective of age, coming in, taking a lot of responsibility and playing with courage, that is, of course, very pleasing to see, say for Archie and Lucas.

“There’s no doubt that this period here will benefit so much their overall development as players.

“For Dominic, I think he has been outstanding for us all season.

“I think the way he has played, both in and out of possession, and what he has done tirelessly for the team has been a pleasure to watch.”

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou singled Son Heung-min and Ben Davies out for praise for how they’ve stepped up of late.

How have Tottenham’s summer signings fared?

Odobert has sadly been on the sidelines for most of the season with a hamstring injury, but he did look bright after joining from Burnley and his potential is high.

As for Solanke, Gray and Bergvall, all three have done very well since arriving at Tottenham.

Solanke has done well on the goal and assist front, and he offers so much more than just goal contributions too.

Gray has been a revelation, with few expecting him not only to have to play in defence despite being a midfielder, but doing so well too, and at such a young age.

Likewise, Bergvall has done well, showcasing his creative and competitive abilities in midfield and chipping in with goals and assists.

Dele Alli was a real fan favourite during his time at Tottenham Hotspur.

At his best, Alli was an absolute joy of a footballer, he won the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice, and he was a borderline world-class talent at one point.

Sadly though, Alli’s performances at Spurs began to fade, and questions were raised about the England star’s attitude.

Jose Mourinho called famously Alli a lazy trainer during his time at Tottenham, while Dimitar Berbatov also questioned Alli’s attitude.

However, it would later emerge that there was a lot more than met the eye with Dele Alli and some problems in his personal life, as documented on The Overlap.

Overall, Alli wasn’t a bad character, he was actually very popular at Spurs, and speaking on Tottenham’s official YouTube channel, Ben Davies has shared some insight into what Alli was actually like at Spurs.

What Dele Alli was like at Tottenham

Davies spoke about some of his favourite teammates at Tottenham.

According to the Welshman, Alli was actually a very funny character, claiming that he didn’t change from the day he arrived, stating that he didn’t actually realise how much of a superstar he became.

“Fraser Forster is one of the funniest people I’ve come across, so dry, but he makes me laugh everyday. Joe Rodon is another one, such a good friend,” Davies said.

“Dele was hysterical man. He was so funny, when he came in as a young kid he was so unaware of the world and how big it was and how big he was, then he became a superstar, but he was the same funny kid that turned up from day one.”

Dele Alli record with Ben Davies

Davies and Alli were clearly good friends at Tottenham, and that reflected during their time on the pitch together.

Indeed, Davies and Alli were often successful when they were on the same team.

Interestingly, the final game these two played together was an FA Cup third-round match vs Morecambe in 2022, which was actually Alli’s final ever game for Tottenham.

As for Davies, he’s still a Tottenham player and he remains a popular figure around the club.

Davies is very good friends with Heung-Min Son, and Son is actually the godfather of Davies’ child, showing just how close the pair are off the pitch.

Alli is currently signed to Como in Serie A working under Cesc Fabregas, and while he’s yet to make his debut for the Italian club, he’ll be hoping to get back on track over in Italy.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a rollercoaster of a season, with some memorable highs but also some shocking lows.

Spurs have shown they can hammer anyone on their day, but an injury crisis at the club has hampered their form and left them 14th in the Premier League table.

Tottenham are also still in the hunt for three trophies and, on Thursday night, they will look to reach the final of one of those cups.

Spurs will take on Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final, with Tottenham leading 1-0 from the first leg.

Ange Postecoglou, speaking ahead of the game, named two Tottenham players he feels have stepped up over the past few months in pursuit of glory.

Son Heung-min and Ben Davies have ‘really stepped up’ for Tottenham

Postecoglou said Son Heung-min has been “outstanding for us” and has a “real clear focus in his eye” about the opportunities this season.

The Tottenham boss also praised fellow stalwart Ben Davies, who has also “really stepped up in recent times”.

“Sonny’s been outstanding for us,” Postecoglou told football.london.

“I’ve said before with Sonny, the extremes we’ve had to put on him this year, it’d be tough for anyone to carry the load he has both from a physical perspective, a mental perspective.

“I think he’s got a real clear focus in his eye that he senses an opportunity for us as a football club, not just for himself, to have success this year.”

Postecoglou continued: “Ben Davies is another one who’s really stepped up in recent times.

“Two guys who have been at this club for a long time and understand what success will do for this club.

“Not just for them personally, which should be a drive, because for Sonny everything he’s done for the club it would be more than fitting for him to get some trophies to add to what already is his status at this club.

“Both of them realise what it means for the club, more importantly, and he’s going to be a part of us hopefully having success.”

How many appearances Son and Davies have made for Spurs

Son and Davies are the two players who have been at Tottenham the longest, both of them joining in the mid-2010s.

Son joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for £24million, and he has made 429 competitive appearances for Spurs.

Meanwhile, Davies joined Tottenham from Swansea City in 2014 for £10million, and he has gone on to make 346 competitive appearances for Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur have a teenager academy star who is being targeted by some of the biggest Italian clubs and they are keen to keep hold of him.

Tottenham are building an exciting project in N17 with the North London club collecting some of the continent’s most exciting young talents.

Spurs now have the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Mikey Moore, Luka Vuskovic, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert in Ange Postecoglou’s youthful squad.

However, one of their academy’s brightest stars is being targeted by AC Milan and Juventus and they are determined to not let him leave.

Tottenham risk losing Ellis Lehane to Serie A

Juventus and AC Milan are keen on Tottenham Hotspur teenager striker Ellis Lehane, according to Daily Mail.

The North London club rejected an offer from Serie A club Lecce towards the end of the January transfer window and are desperate to keep hold of him.

The Lilywhites very highly rate the 18-year-old who they view as a ‘key part of their future plans’ and will put up a strong fight to keep him.

Lehane has netted six times in ten U18 Premier League matches this season and has started to be integrated into the Under-21 team in North London.

The teenager’s performances this term have caught the eye of many clubs from around Europe and now need to convince him to stay amid growing interest.

Who are the most exciting Hotspur Way talents?

Mikey Moore leads the way in Hotspur Way products having worked his way into the first-team at the age of just 17.

The winger netted his first senior goal for the club last week as he netted in Spurs’ 3-0 win over IF Elsborg with fellow academy talents Dane Scalett and Damola Ajayi also scoring.

Luca Williams-Barnett is another top attacking talent coming through in N17 – the winger has 11 goals and seven assists in 12 appearances for the Under-18s.

Will Lankshear has just joined West Bromwich Albion on loan for the rest of the season in the Championship.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told what they should do with Ange Postecoglou by Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens.

Wellens was forced to apologise to Postecoglou by the East London club following his comments about his team’s injury record.

The O’s boss responded to a question asking whether he blamed injuries on his side losing to Stockport by saying: “I’m not going to make excuses, I’m not Ange Postecoglou.”

Now, the 44-year-old has revealed what he hopes will happen with Postecgolou’s future given the Spurs boss is currently under quite some pressure across the capital.

Richie Wellens wants Tottenham to keep Ange Postecoglou

Richie Wellens has claimed that he wants Tottenham to keep Ange Postecoglou after being forced to apologise for his comments mocking the Australian.

Wellens says he tried to contact Postecoglou but has been unable to chat yet as the Australian was preparing to face Brentford.

Speaking ahead of Leyton Orient’s clash with Man City, Wellens told the media: “I’ve tried to. But they had an important game.

“It was Saturday night, I tried to call someone at Spurs, but they had an important game (against Brentford) on the Sunday.

“He’s got a job to do which is a lot more important. I made a mistake, I’ve apologised for it. Tottenham’s a brilliant football club and I hope they keep him.”

Tottenham will want to maintain Leyton Orient relationship

Tottenham will want to maintain their strong relationship with Orient given two of their youngsters are currently enjoying successful loan spells there.

Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley have both been standout performers for the League One side this season and are making quite an impression at Brisbane Road.

Donley is expected to be a key player for Tottenham in the future and his development in East London will please Postecoglou.

So despite their manager’s silly comments, Spurs will be keen to move on and try to maintain their relationship with the O’s.