TBR Football

It really does feel like panic stations at Tottenham Hotspur right now.

Spurs have lost five of their last six matches in the Premier League, and they sit 15th in the Premier League table.

Tottenham are in big trouble, and Ange Postecoglou’s job is under threat.

Tottenham could look at Edin Terzic to replace Postecoglou if he does go, and Postecoglou was heavily criticised at the weekend after the loss to Everton.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Back Pages Podcast, Ian Ladyman has been discussing the idea of Spurs sacking Postecoglou, and he’s backed the Australian.

Ladyman says that the Spurs players do still like Postecoglou and aren’t resisting his methods just yet.

However, he says that there are some within the camp who have doubts about playing so gung-ho all the time.

The question some Tottenham players are asking about Ange Postecoglou

Ladyman shared what he’s hearing about Postecoglou and his squad.

According to the journalist, the players still like Postecoglou, but there is one small doubt creeping in.

“Well, because they can still see signs of a really good manager in there. There’s not the toxicity around the club, that there was when they got rid of Antonio Conte, when they got rid of Jose Mourinho, famously a few days before League Cup final. Those two managers have got to a point where the building was about to burn down if they didn’t get them out, in terms of the players and relationships with staff, for example,” Ladyman said.

“And it’s not like that with Postecoglou. The players like him. The players aren’t resisting him yet. Some of the players I think do have some doubts about whether maybe occasionally they could play in a slightly more restrained manner, but overall they are supportive. And also Tottenham, I think, for once, are being smart. They look at their situation.

“They’re not going to get into the Champions League. That has gone. They’re not, but equally, they’re not going to go down.

“So they’re essentially going to finish somewhere between 15th and 8th, I would imagine. Okay. Now, apart from a few million quid in terms of prize money for where you finish, it’s not a massive deal.

“So, Daniel Levy and the Tottenham board, if they’ve got a shred of belief left in hand, which I think they have, they may as well see how he goes in the hope that when players come back, and I’m told that they are going to try and support him with a couple of players in the next 10 days, if he can get them moving, then it’s worth the risk.”

Tottenham’s current injury crisis

Tottenham’s results have been terrible as of late, there’s no getting away from that.

Indeed, Spurs’ results are enough to get any manager sacked.

However, Postecoglou does have an excuse in that he’s working with an incredibly depleted squad right now.

Tottenham have a horrific injury crisis on their hands right now, and it’s hard to blame the manager when he’s working with such a skeleton squad.

Spurs only have a handful of their key players available right now, and you can use that to excuse Postecoglou’s poor performances.

That said, the remaining Spurs players should still be able to be higher than 15th in the table, so the manager shouldn’t be fully absconded from any criticism.

Daniel Levy certainly has a big decision to make about Postecoglou in the coming weeks as he ponders making yet another managerial change in north London.

As well as doing the North London Derby double over their rivals on the pitch, Arsenal are also thought to be causing Tottenham Hotspur issues in the transfer market right now.

Both Arsenal and Tottenham are looking to add quality to their squads before January ends, a window which is quickly evaporating for sides other than Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side are moving fast and effectively, leaving fans of both Arsenal and Spurs perhaps feeling slightly anxious.

Arsenal need better firepower in order to realise their ambitions to win a trophy this season.

And in Spurs’ case, Ange Postecoglou would benefit from an addition in all areas of his faltering squad.

Tottenham need to add to their backline, but there’s also space for improvement up top too, especially given that Dominic Solanke has suffered a knee injury, albeit one that won’t keep him out long-term.

Bukayo Saka still causing Tottenham problems even when injured

That being said, Mail Sport are now reporting that Tottenham’s efforts in the transfer market this month have now been ‘complicated’ by their north London rivals.

The report explains that injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have indirectly caused Spurs issues in terms of their own desire to sign a forward before the window ends.

Prior to Mikel Arteta’s side losing the duo to injury, Arsenal weren’t expected to enter the market to sign a new forward, a situation that has now changed.

Therefore, that has caused ‘difficulties’ for Spurs according to the report, a line that might seriously frustrate some supporters in N17.

Given their respective situations, it doesn’t seem as if the two rivals would be seeking the same player this month.

Tottenham shouldn’t be prioritising a new forward for Ange Postecoglou

With the greatest respect, Tottenham are unlikely to be able to tempt someone like Dusan Vlahovic or Benjamin Sesko to their half of north London given their 15th in the Premier League.

That’s the calibre of player that Arsenal are seeking, even if that still might be very difficult to achieve this month.

Of course, a lot of Spurs fans may just be frustrated that the club are focusing on improving their defence, Postecoglou’s squad seems to be crying out for a new centre-back.

Thus far, the club’s acquisition of Radu Dragusin hasn’t been a success, he’s arguably performed worse that Archie Gray at the heart of Spurs’ defence recently, an 18-year-old playing completely out of position.

Arsenal definitely don’t need to recruit in that department, and therefore Spurs’ rivals really shouldn’t be causing them any issues right now, an excuse that seems very convenient.

Despite Tottenham Hotspur languishing down in 15th place in the Premier League, the club are continuing to back Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham had won only one of their last 10 Premier League matches, a 5-0 away win against bottom of the league Southampton.

Otherwise in that period, Spurs have also drawn against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham whilst losing the other seven.

Of course, both Postecoglou and Tottenham will point to the crippling injuries at the club, particularly in their back five.

Ever since Postecoglou was appointed, results have seldom been good unless Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven’s centre-back partnership was in place.

But the level of Spurs’ recent performances simply can’t be excused, even with these injuries.

Some Tottenham players are unhappy with Ange Postecoglou’s training

That being said, Mail Sport have shared a report providing some insight into how some Tottenham players are feeling about Postecoglou behind the scenes.

Although the club are backing Postecoglou, Tottenham are still eyeing a replacement, a search which would stretch far and wide were results not to improve soon.

And according to the report mentioned, there are players in N17 who are complaining about their current manager behind the scenes.

It should be noted that some Tottenham players are still firmly behind Postecoglou, but others have lost faith somewhat.

Certain players at the club have complained about the ‘demands of training’ and as well as also being unhappy with the schedule.

It’s a damning line, and the kind of leak that doesn’t necessarily bode well for the future.

Daniel Levy has two choices with Ange Postecoglou

Spurs will now face three crucial games in the space of seven days – a tie against Leicester City in the Premier League in between two Europa League matches.

And although Tottenham are continuing to back Postecoglou for now, the club do want to see an improvement in results, and fast.

Of course, it has got to the point where it almost feels as if Daniel Levy needs to back Postecoglou in January or start a new project with a new manager.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer alluded to bigger problems at Tottenham than just their manager recently, but things also need to improve on the pitch too.

Postecoglou is evidently a great tactician and very likable character, but being 15th in the Premier League isn’t good enough under any circumstance for Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou is yet to use Yang Min-hyeok since his arrival from Gangwon FC.

Tottenham paid €4m (£3.4m) to sign the South Korean wonderkid back in July, with the 18-year-old seeing out the K League season before arriving at Hotspur Way to link up with Spurs towards the end of December.

With so many attackers out injured at the moment, such as Timo Werner, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert, some might have expected Ange Postecoglou to hand the teenager a swift debut.

However, the Australian is yet to use Yang Min-hyeok at Tottenham, leaving the Gwangju-born wonderkid on the bench for the recent 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Liverpool and the 3-2 defeat at Everton in Premier League action.

Now, Football London have provided some insight regarding how close the youngster is to making his Spurs debut.

Yang Min-hyeok still a long way off from making Tottenham debut

Alasdair Gold has now shared how Postecoglou views the £3.4m wonderkid.

It is said that Yang “appears to be a long way” off being ready to contribute at Tottenham, having only made 38 senior appearances in his career so far.

In those outings – however – the South Korea U17 international has impressively scored 12 goals and provided six assists, which is a decent return for someone so young.

Ange Postecoglou should give Yang Min-hyeok a chance at Spurs

The 59-year-old keeps reiterating the fact his Tottenham side have been ravaged by injuries, so why not throw Yang into the mix to see if he shines?

Mikey Moore – who impressed Tottenham fans with his effective cameo against Everton – is younger than Yang at the age of 17, but has still managed to be one of the bright spots of this otherwise dismal 2024/25 campaign.

Therefore, Postecoglou shouldn’t have any reservations about using Yang – who Spurs think could eventually be worth millions – as he is actually far more experienced than Moore, and can also play in three different positions.

The South Korean has made 12 appearances on the left throughout his career, 24 on the right and even one appearance as a centre-forward, so if Tottenham cannot find a space for him amidst this current injury crisis, who knows when he will receive an opportunity.

After 22 games played, it’s pretty remarkable that the four closest teams to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League table have all changed their managers already this season.

West Ham and Manchester United have both let go of Julen Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag respectively, hoping that a new boss will turn their form around.

Similarly, the two teams immediately below Tottenham in the Premier League table, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, have also started a new era after a run of poor results.

Of course, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs side were the recipient of the boost David Moyes is already providing at Goodison Park on Sunday, losing 3-2 after another poor display.

Tottenham are down in 15th and in a very poor run of form, and yet the club and a lot of fans in N17 don’t want Postecoglou to go, at least for now.

Tottenham could make Edin Terzic move if Daniel Levy gets rid of Ange Postecoglou

In fact the Telegraph are now reporting that Postecoglou retains the support of Daniel Levy and the club’s board, even if results do need to improve fairly quickly.

Interestingly, the report did also mention that one manager is already ‘likely’ to be considered if Postecoglou is sacked, former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic.

Terzic has been out of work since he left Dortmund last summer following a 96-match stint in charge of the German club.

Of course, the 42-year-old isn’t a complete stranger to England, given he used to be Slave Bilic’s assistant manager in east London.

Terzic previously worked with Bilic at Besiktas and then the pair linked up again at West Ham in 2015 for two years.

Terzic described his experience with Bilic in England as ‘unbelievable’, a league he might be keen to return to in the future.

Postecoglou might not be the main problem at Tottenham

Of course, many in north London believe that Postecoglou isn’t the problem, and that issues at the club go beyond the current incumbent.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer spotted an issue at Tottenham after the defeat to Everton, also pointing to the idea that Postecoglou isn’t solely to blame.

But either way, there’s no doubt that Postecoglou now faces a run of games which will be crucial to guaranteeing his immediate future at the club.

Either side of a home tie against Leicester City in the Premier League, Spurs have two Europa League ties they need to win in order to claim a spot in the top eight of the league phase.

Spurs’ squad is already decimated with injuries right now and the club would surely loath a European play-off in the near future, should they not finish in the top eight spots.

Antonin Kinsky has been one of Tottenham Hotspur’s few bright sparks since signing for them from Slavia Prague this month.

Ange Postecoglou has been impressed with Kinsky, who fits his ideal profile as a ball-playing goalkeeper.

The 21-year-old has joined a Tottenham side that find themselves in crisis, placed 15th in the Premier League table.

The Czech Republic shotstopper will be hoping that sooner rather than later, Spurs can escape the rut they find themselves in.

Kinsky is rated highly by Tottenham, who Johan Lange began scouting during his time at Aston Villa and barring in the North London Derby, the youngster has looked the part in all his other starts.

Replacing a goalkeeper of Guglielmo Vicario’s standard, Antonin Kinsky has certainly done an admirable job.

Antonin Kinsky told he has the quality to become better than Petr Cech

It will be interesting to see which goalkeeper Ange Postecoglou opts for in between the sticks once Vicario comes back to full fitness.

Kinsky has been brought in to challenge Vicario for a starting berth, with the Tottenham ace even impressing in his side’s 3-2 loss against Everton.

Slavia Prague boss Jindřich Trpišovský has now expressed his pride about witnessing the Lilywhites goalkeeper on the highest level.

Trpišovský told Dnes: “I myself was very happy, what kind of story Tonda [Kinsky] is writing. I saw him for the first time on the pitch of Admira in Prague.”

“I was behind the goal when he was winning the cup for Dukla. He was 17. Now I turn on the TV and the same Tonda is playing against Liverpool. I’ll admit I’ve rarely had such a feeling in front of the TV.”

The 48-year-old went on to predict that Kinsky has all the talent in the world to become a better goalkeeper than Petr Cech, who is widely consider the greatest Czech shotstopper in their history.

“Now I will be very brave, but I am convinced that Tonda has the quality to one day become the best goalkeeper in Czech history.”

Kinsky has earned praise for his confidence and quality and there is no denying that he could go right to the top. But the former Chelsea number one is a legend of the game.

Antonin Kinsky’s dream to join Real Madrid hinted

Recently, it was claimed that Kinsky eyes a move to Real Madrid by his former teammate Viktor Budinsky.

Budinsky stated that the gifted goalkeeper is already learning Spanish in preparation of a dream transfer.

Jindřich Trpišovský was asked whether Kinsky wishes to head to Real Madrid.

While Trpišovský did not say yes, he hinted at that being the case by claiming that he is aware of his former colleague’s dream but cannot disclose it.

“I know his dream but I can’t reveal it. Anyway, in a year and a half in our league, he made such a name for himself that Tottenham bought him, which says it all.”

“It was a pleasure to work with him. From the first moment I arrived, I’ve been interested in the limits of how far we can go.”

For the time being, Kinsky will be dreaming that Tottenham beat Hoffenheim in the Europa League and Leicester City in the Premier League.

Even if the Spurs star follows in Luka Modric and Gareth Bale’s footsteps, such a move could only happen a number of years down the line.

TBR Football understands that Manchester United have held talks over a deal for Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu.

Ruben Amorim is seeking a new left-wing back for his Man United system and the Danish international could be the perfect fit.

The Red Devils are set to face competition for his signature though as Tottenham Hotspur are one of several clubs who have also shown an interest.

But for now, United remain ahead in the race to sign the defender as they have made contact with Lecce over a potential deal.

Man United hold talks for Tottenham target Patrick Dorgu

Manchester United have been assessing left-wing backs this month and Patrick Dorgu might be the chosen option with talks having commenced, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

TBR Football has previously reported that United believe the best fits for this role were Dorgu, Maxi Araujo and Nuno Mendes.

Man United had been working for Mendes, however, PSG demanded over £50 million and the Portugese international is now expected to sign a new deal at the Parc Des Princes.

Their attention has now turned to Dorgu who they believe they can land for less than £30 million.

TBR Football exclusively revealed back in December that United’s scouts believed that Dorgu would be an ‘outstanding fit’ in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Tottenham are amongst a number of clubs who could yet rival United for Dorgu, with the defender understood to be eager to move to England.

What it means for Tyrell Malacia and other Man United departures?

United have always insisted they had limited funds this window, but they are still hoping to move on a few names that will open up the chance of progressing a deal for Dorgu.

Talks over a deal for Tyrell Malacia to leave OId Trafford this month are continng whilst Antony is close to joining Real Betis.

Tottenham Hotspur players faced up to their angry travelling support after they were beaten 3-2 away at Everton to make it 12 defeats for the season.

Tottenham became the first team to concede three goals in the first half at Everton since 2017 and their supporters were rightfully fuming.

It’s been an awful season for the Lilywhites who are now 15th in the Premier League having lost over half their matches.

The North London club’s players attempted to apologise to their fans and Pedro Porro had a clear message for them after the game.

What Pedro Porro said to Tottenham fans at Everton

Pedro Porro urged Tottenham fans to stick together with the team after yet another defeat, however, Jamie O’Hara believes it is ‘not good enough’.

The former Tottenham midfielder claims that the players cannot ask the fans to stick by them if they produce performances like they did in the first-half.

O’Hara told Sky Sports News: “I’m watching them after the game clapping the fans and they’re trying to say stick together but it’s not good enough, it’s 12 defeats in the Premier League.

“Pedro Porro is saying we’ll stick together, I understand that but these players are getting paid a lot of money, they need to step up and perform.

“You’ve gone away to Goodison Park, you’re 15th in the table and 3-0 down at half-time, how can you expect fans who are paying their hard-earned money to watch their team play, they’re 3-0 down at half-time and you’re asking them to stick together?”

Tottenham fans fume at Heung-min Son after Everton

Spurs supporters had some particularly harsh criticism for Son Heung-min who produced yet another poor showing against the Toffees.

The South Korean was visibly distraught at the result but the away end were not happy with their captain not coming closer to apologise.

Ange Postecoglou, Pedro Porro and James Maddison all went right over to the away end to address the angry supporters.

After the match, Tottenham fans called for Mikey Moore to start over Son going forward after the teenager produced an impressive cameo off the bench at Goodison.

Ange Postecoglou was quizzed about transfers following Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Everton with the team losing three more players to injury.

The North London club have somehow made it to January 20 and have so far signed just a backup goalkeeper despite their unprecedented injury crisis.

Spurs had 12 senior players missing for their trip to Goodison Park and those who remain available are now running on empty.

After the match, the Tottenham boss sent a clear message to Daniel Levy and the board about what must happen with exactly two weeks until the January window slams shut.

How does Dominic Solanke’s injury change Tottenham’s transfer plans?

Ange Postecoglou claims that Dominic Solanke’s injury does not change Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans as a new attacker was needed regardless.

Brennan Johnson is also out for a few weeks which limits Postecoglou’s attacking options even further and increases the pressure on the club to sign a new forward.

The Australian manager believes it is ‘evident’ that he needs help in the transfer market and now is the time for Levy to help out his manager.

When asked about how Solanke’s injury changes Tottenham’s transfer plans, Postecoglou told the media: “I mean it doesn’t really, I think it was pretty evident before that, but yeah, like I said, we had 11 or 12 missing tonight.

“We’ve got to see how Rodri’s [Bentancur] going through the protocols, apart from him, no-one else is really due to come back.

“We’ve got a European game on Thursday, we obviously can’t use Djed or or Reguilon in that, so we’re in this situation.”

Who is now missing for Tottenham?

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are likely to return for Tottenham against Leicester which will be a much-welcomed boost for Postecoglou’s defence.

But the list of injuries remains deep with nine players still missing including the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma, Solanke and Johnson.

Meanwhile, for their trip to Hoffenheim, the Lilywhites will be without Sergio Reguilon and Djed Spence, who are not registered for the squad.

Tottenham Hotspur lost 3-2 to Everton as they continue to make a strong case for being the Premier League’s most disappointing team this season.

Late strikes from Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison were not enough for Tottenham to stage a heroic comeback as the damage was truly done by David Moyes’ side in the first half — leading 3-0 through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye and an own goal from Archie Gray.

Jamie Carragher criticised Ange Postecoglou’s tactics as Everton found it far too easy to pick his Tottenham side apart in the first half in particular.

As Spurs sustained their 12th defeat in the league, they find themselves sitting in 15th place as things are going from bad to worse under Ange Postecoglou.

But Daniel Levy still full backs Postecoglou and he is no danger of being sacked.

However, if results do not improve, murmurs around the former Celtic boss’ future will become louder.

Daniel Levy told why he has not sacked Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager

After all, Tottenham are only eights points above the relegation zone.

While Spurs’ last league victory came against Southampton as they beat them 6-0 over a month ago — having lost five games and drawn one since then.

On Sky Sports News, Jamie O’Hara initially made the point that Ange Postecoglou is still lucky not to have been relieved of his duties.

“Spurs are 15th in the table and if it carries on, they are in a relegation fight and you can’t keep a manager in charge of a football club just because you beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup. You’ve still go to go to Anfield. Do you wait until then and see if we go through to the final because he says he wins trophies in his second season?”

“Premier League’s bread and butter, you have to perform week in, week out in the Premier League and Spurs are not doing that. It’s the 12th defeat out of 22 games, that is unacceptable. Any other Spurs manager in their history would have got the sack.”

Jamie O’Hara claimed that the only reason why Daniel Levy has not sacked Ange Postecoglou is because of Tottenham’s 10-game unbeaten run in the league last season where Spurs’ consistency and style of play was getting widespread appreciation.

“I don’t understand why Ange [Postecoglou] has got so much credit in the bank. I think fans and I think Daniel Levy and I think some of the players are clinging on to the fact that last year, at the start of the season, they went 10 games unbeaten and everyone was talking about, Spurs can win the league, how we’re playing this great football.”

However, Jamie O’Hara made the point that since that run, Spurs’ results have been unquestionably poor.

“Since then, 2024, if you look at the results until now, awful, there’s hardly any wins.”

“They’re clinging on to 10 games of last season. It’s not acceptable to carry on doing this. I think he’s on the edge, I think he’s on the brink. I think they’re going to have to have a serious look at what they do going forward.”

Jamie O’Hara questioned Ange Postecoglou’s position as Tottenham boss during the contest as well as getting results is the only way that the Australian can avoid these questions.

Even James Maddison acknowledged the Tottenham fans’ concerns as the manner of their loss to Everton highlighted just how beatable this Lilywhites side is.

What Ange Postecoglou said about his future at Tottenham

After the contest, Ange Postecoglou was quizzed about his future and he made the point that his job is to ensure that Spurs get out of the mess they find themselves in.

Postecoglou said via Football.London: “I separate myself from that. This is not about me, but what is about me right now is I have the responsibility of the group of players I do have, to try and get us through this, and that’s what I’ve got to focus on. For me to focus on anything else is abstaining myself from the responsibility I have. I’m just determined to get us out of this.”

:The club’s doing its best to…more about helping the players than helping me because they’re the ones we’re asking some massive jobs of 18-year-olds.”

“We had a 17-year-old out there trying to win games of football for us. And others who are just playing week on week, so, you know it’s more about getting the players help rather than me help.”

Tottenham have a number of tricky tests coming up.

Games against Leicester City, Brentford, Manchester United, Ipswich Town and Manchester City could define Ange Postecoglou’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Tottenham players support Ange Postecoglou and they must show that on the pitch in the coming weeks.