TBR Football

Micky van de Ven has been discussing his thoughts on the 2025/26 season and admitted why he’s been so impressed with Tottenham’s new boss, Thomas Frank.

Thomas Frank has been quick to make a strong impression in North London, with the Lilywhites already looking considerably better organised as a team.

The North London club made some exciting additions to Frank’s squad over the summer, with the arrival of Xavi Simons at Tottenham the headline signing.

Van de Ven is confident that the Premier League will see a different Spurs side this season from the one that struggled badly last term.

Micky van de Ven backs Tottenham to prove doubters wrong

Micky van de Ven is backing Tottenham Hotspur to prove doubters wrong following last season’s 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

The Dutch defender is confident that with a clean slate, which includes a new manager, Spurs can show what they are really capable of as a team.

The North London club have made a solid start to the season with wins over Manchester City and Burnley, although they did suffer a shock defeat at home to Bournemouth.

Speaking about the new campaign, Van de Ven told Tottenham’s YouTube channel: “The new manager came in and it was like a fresh start for everyone, a new season, and to show what we can do differently this season.

“Everyone has their doubts about us because of last season, but I think we showed in the first two games that we can be a really dangerous side.”

Cristian Romero hopes to play more with Van de Ven this season, having featured alongside one another on just 15 occasions last term.

The pair have formed a great relationship in defence, but last term, injuries prevented them from playing more together.

Micky van de Ven has been so impressed by Thomas Frank

Elsewhere, Van de Ven claims that Frank’s attention to detail in training and during pre-season has really impressed him.

The Dutch international believes that Spurs’ squad are quickly understanding his message and already knows what he expects from them.

“You can really see he lives the game, he loves it, every time he speaks about it, he’s on everything,” added Van de Ven.

“Even in pre-season, his vision of football and plan, his tactical play in training, you have to do the drill every time, over and over and over, every day, every second he is on it.

“Even at this point, everybody knows what the gaffer expects and everybody just does it, I have the feeling that he has his way of playing and he’s translated quite quickly to the group.”

Nottingham Forest have replaced popular manager Nuno Espirito Santo with former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, looking to build on last season’s Europa League qualification.

Hiring the manager who won the Europa League last season is a positive move, although Forest finished ten places and 27 points above Postecoglou’s Spurs side so they will expect a better league performance than the Australian managed in North London.

However, Postecoglou finished fifth the year before, and came with a good reputation from his time with Celtic before joining Spurs.

Among his biggest supporters has been Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who had followed Postecoglou’s progress from their first meeting in Japan in 2019, when Postecoglou’s Yokohama F Marinos played City in pre-season.

Pep Guardiola blown away by first impressions of Ange Postecoglou, and backed him to succeed at Tottenham

Manchester City beat Yokohama F Marinos, managed by Ange Postecoglou, in a 2019 friendly, but it left a lasting impression on Pep Guardiola.

Reflecting on that game four years later in 2023, Guardiola told a press conference: “I saw clips of his team play and I said ‘wow’, there were things in there I really liked. I told my players we are going to face a good team.

“We won because we had better players, but I realised this was the first time I met him [but I would see him again]. And since then I have followed him and in a short time he is here [the Premier League].”

Guardiola continued to back Postecoglou when he was manager at Tottenham, beating Guardiola’s men twice and drawing once in six meetings – including a 4-0 demolition of City at the Etihad Stadium last season.

Pep Guardiola praised Ange Postecoglou tactics, tells Nottingham Forest what to expect from their new manager

Explaining what he likes about Postecoglou’s teams, Guardiola’s assessment tells Nottingham Forest that they will get a style of football that reflects the manager and does not change for any specific opposition.

Ange Postecoglou record vs Manchester City in competitive games (Source: Transfermarkt)

Guardiola said: “I am impressed at many things they do – the chances they create, and aggression in all departments. He came here with nothing and within a few months already you can recognise Spurs as his team. Every team that plays with desire and determination comes from the manager.

“He makes football a better place – a person like Ange. I enjoy watching them play and the approach they have. The impact he has made has been quick and really good.

“The courage, the high line – so aggressive. Lots of combinations, they use the keeper. They arrive on the [wings], so dynamic, doesn’t matter who they play against, they play their game. It happened in Glasgow and now here [Tottenham].”

Tottenham Hotspur star Djed Spence earned his first England cap as the Three Lions hammered Serbia 5-0 on Tuesday night.

Thomas Tuchel still needs to convince many England fans, but the 5-0 thrashing of Serbia was arguably the best performance of his reign so far.

Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford were all on the scoresheet in a fine England victory.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence made his England debut, coming on as a substitute for Chelsea right-back Reece James in the second half.

Spence recently signed a new contract and has now taken another huge step forward in his career.

Harry Kane praises Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence

Spence joined Tottenham from Middlesbrough in 2022, but struggled for first-team action under Antonio Conte.

Spence then endured mixed fortunes on loan at Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa, with few backing him for Tottenham stardom.

The 25-year-old salvaged his Tottenham career last season, convincing Ange Postecoglou of his quality before also impressing Thomas Frank.

Spence’s displays at left-back have really caught the eye, and his rise has left England captain Harry Kane impressed.

Kane congratulated Spence on his England call-up last week and has now shared an emotional message after the Spurs star’s first cap.

As captured on England’s official X account, Kane admitted that he asked to be able to give Spence his first England cap.

Kane watched Spence go through ‘a lot’ at Tottenham, noting that life in North London was ‘tough’ for the defender.

Spence came through it all to become an England international, with Kane praising him for a deserved Three Lions cap.

“We had a new debut today,” said Kane.

“I asked to do this because I saw this player three or four years ago at Tottenham, and he had to go through a lot, he had to keep his head up, he had to work hard, and now he’s an England player.

“He fully deserves this. I’m a little bit emotional, because I know how much it takes to get here, and I saw what it was like – it was tough for you.

“Credit to you, your family, everyone involved, you deserve this one,” he added.

Tottenham Hotspur almost made a big mistake over Djed Spence

Spence’s turnaround at Tottenham is truly remarkable, and it almost never happened.

The Daily Mail reported in January 2024 that Tottenham had immediately put Spence up for sale after returning from a dismal loan spell with Leeds.

Spence instead joined Genoa on loan, and Tottenham will be very, very relieved that they didn’t find a buyer after all.

That transfer window was a real sliding doors moment for Spence, and his displays over the last year have deservedly landed him in the England squad – and in contention for the World Cup next summer.

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as their new manager, following his Tottenham Hotspur exit.

The first managerial exit of the new Premier League has already arrived, just over a week into September.

International breaks are rife for managerial changes, and Nottingham Forest have, rather unsurprisingly, announced Nuno Espirito Santo’s exit.

Nuno’s Forest job came under scrutiny in August as he admitted difficulties in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Marinakis is a big fan of Ange Postecoglou and has now moved to appoint the Australian as Nuno’s successor.

Nick Montgomery set to join Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest

On the one hand, the Greek connections between Postecoglou and Marinakis mean this move to Forest makes some sense.

On the other, Postecoglou’s style of play is the polar opposite of Nuno’s, and implementing that new approach during the season will be tricky.

Postecoglou needs effective coaching to aid Forest’s transition, and two familiar faces look set to join him at the City Ground.

The Telegraph report that both Mile Jedinak and Nick Montgomery are poised to follow Postecoglou to Nottingham.

Both Jedinak and Montgomery were brought to Tottenham by Postecoglou and left the club after his sacking in June.

Jedinak and Montgomery have both started the season out of work, but will return to the Premier League by joining forces with Postecoglou once more.

Mile Jedinak and Nick Montgomery profiled ahead of Nottingham Forest moves

Jedinak was a Premier League regular for Crystal Palace in his playing days, captaining the side until his 2016 move to Aston Villa.

The 41-year-old played under Postecoglou in the Australian national team and joined forces at Tottenham after cutting his teeth in coaching with Villa.

Montgomery was also a Premier League midfielder during his playing career, featuring for Sheffield United in the 2006-07 season.

A Blades hero with almost 400 appearances to his name, Montgomery ended his playing days in Australia with Central Coast Mariners and Wollongong Wolves.

Montgomery caught the eye in charge of Central Coast Mariners, winning the A-League Championship in 2023.

A spell in charge of Hibernian didn’t work out, but Postecoglou was impressed enough with his work in Australia to bring him to Spurs.

Both Jedinak and Montgomery know Postecoglou’s demands and methods perfectly, and will now look to help Postecoglou get off to a fast start at Forest.

Tottenham have several elite players talented enough to represent their country.

Hotspur Way is often devoid of seniority during international breaks nowadays, as the likes of Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Richarlison and others are regularly called up for their respective nations.

Micky van de Ven is another who often jets off – accumulating 14 caps for the Netherlands so far – although the Tottenham No.37 has now been criticised by Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen.

Micky van de Ven told he is a “problem” for Ronald Koeman

Given the fact Virgil van Dijk likes to play as a left-sided central defender, the Tottenham star is usually forced to play at left-back by Ronald Koeman.

However, Driessen believes the Netherlands can do better than Van de Ven in this area, criticising the Dutchman and naming Burnley No.3 Quilindschy Hartman as a more suitable option.

The respected journalist told De Telegraaf’s Kick-off podcast: “The ultimate left-back plays at Burnley. That’s Hartman. He’s the best left-back (for the Netherlands) but he’ll need a few months to get back to his old level.

“Then I think he’s the best left-back on the Dutch national team… Van de Ven has a lot of energy, speed, and strength. He can run really fast to the byline, and then he doesn’t know what to do. That’s a problem.”

Fortunately for Thomas Frank, there is unlikely to be a need for the 24-year-old on the left at Tottenham, with Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence able to play in that role, as well as Ben Davies.

Therefore, Van de Ven, who Jean-Phillipe Mateta hates facing, is only a “problem” for Koeman, and remains one of the best players at Tottenham regardless of his struggles on international duty.

Thomas Frank has reason to ignore Valentijn Driessen and encourage Micky van de Ven

We cannot admit to watching many Netherlands games, but this verdict from Driessen is a surprise considering what Van de Ven has previously displayed in the final third at Spurs.

The Netherlands international memorably ran the entire length of the pitch at Old Trafford to assist Brennan Johnson last season, putting the ball on a plate for the Wales international.

Van de Ven, who Glenn Hoddle admires, also netted a stunning finish to seal a 2-1 win over Burnley back in May 2024, proving he is more than capable of hurting opponents with his technical ability and decision making, rather than just inflicting fear with his impressive physical attributes.

Hopefully, the comments from Driessen do not have a negative impact on the 24-year-old back at Tottenham.

Mathys Tel responds to being dropped from Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League squad with an incredible brace for France U-21.

France U-21 defeated Serbia 3-0 in a friendly, with the Tottenham Hotspur youngster netting twice, including one spectacular strike.

Tel was omitted from Tottenham’s Champions League squad last week in what will have been a tough decision for him to take, having just signed for the North London club.

TBR Football understands that Thomas Frank spoke to Tel about the decision and made it clear that it was not a reflection of his ability.

The Frenchman was believed to be understandably disappointed, but the 20-year-old was quick to respond with two goals for France.

Tottenham fans hail Mathys Tel’s brace for France U-21

Tottenham supporters have been full of praise for Mathys Tel after he netted twice in France U-21’s win over Serbia on Monday evening.

The week prior was a tough one for the youngster after he was left out of Spurs’ Champions League squad, but he didn’t let it get to him in action for France U-21.

Plenty of Spurs fans are adamant that the French youth international will fulfil his potential and have called for him to be given time.

Tottenham paid £30m to sign Tel permanently from Bayern Munich over the summer, so the decision to leave him out of the European squad was a shock.

Jermain Defoe really likes Tel, having watched him in action at the U-21 European Championships over the summer, which says a lot about his ability.

After the game, fans took to X to share their admiration for the striker and are backing him to turn his fortunes around this season.

One fan said: “Tel’s too talented and has a really good head on his shoulders not to succeed. He’ll replace Johnson in the Champions League squad in January and he’s still got a big future for us.

“I’m hoping him and Odobert get a good crack at the left wing spot until January instead of Brennan hogging minutes.”

“I swear, if we give up on this kid, he’s got world-class potential,” claimed another fan.

There was yet more praise for Tel, with another fan stating: “His goal catalogue has multiple goals like this in it, and people are convinced there’s no player there. He just needs games.”

Finally, another added: “Been seeing Spurs fans on here write him off completely in the last few weeks. He’s so talented and was such a coup for them to get him permanently.”

Tel only has to look at Djed Spence’s turnaround at Tottenham to see what is possible in the space of a year.

This time last year, the defender had just been left out of Spurs’ Europa League squad, but on Tuesday evening, he could earn his first England cap.

Mathys Tel on being dropped from Tottenham’s Champions League squad

Tel has admitted that he is disappointed about being dropped from Tottenham’s Champions League squad, but respects Frank’s decision.

The forward said that he plans to work hard to get back into the manager’s thinking and to be reconsidered for the knockout stages.

Tel told Le Telegramme: “It’s clear that when you’re not on a list, it definitely hurts, but I’m someone who stays pretty positive, no matter the situation, because I think I’ve worked a lot on the mental aspect, so today it’s definitely a disappointment.

“I would have liked to be there. But the coach’s choice is the coach’s choice, we can only respect it and we’re going to work to come back in the best possible way.”

After a chaotic transfer window, Tottenham have made yet more changes in the boardroom as Daniel Levy left his post as chairman.

The businessman had been in his post since 2001, helping to transform the club for the better across some key areas.

That included the building of Tottenham’s stadium, moving them on from their old home, White Hart Lane.

Perhaps the greatest legacy of Daniel Levy’s tenure will be the way he moved Spurs into being one of the “big six” in the Premier League.

However, it was far from plain sailing all the time, not least as fans were left frustrated at the football side of things.

A lack of trophies, frustration at a lack of clear direction at times, confusion over transfer business and constant changes on the managerial front all made for a bit of a recipe for disaster.

It’s why many feel more relieved that Levy has left Tottenham, with former Arsenal star Theo Walcott chipping in on the conversation surrounding his exit.

Theo Walcott claims Tottenham fans won’t care about Tottenham business under Daniel Levy with trophies claim

The footballing world is still digesting the news of Daniel Levy’s departure from Tottenham, having been such a leading figurehead for the club over many years.

His early legacy comes with a mixed reception, with uncertainty surrounding all that came under his tenure.

With that in mind, former Arsenal ace Theo Walcott thinks he knows what Tottenham fans will make of his time.

Speaking on The Overlap US, he said: “I think everyone needs to forget separating the football and the business and the ownership and everything.

“What Daniel Levy created with that stadium and the multi-purpose of the stadium itself and everything it’s attracted in that sense of some sponsors and you know some great events. I’ve been to some great events there as well. He’s done his job in that sense. But like you just said there, no one cares about that.

“The fans care about winning things and buying the best player, the most expensive players. I understand and getting the best manager, which they’ve they got a potentially a very good one.

“So I just felt like he was the face to the problems that was going on. I think he kind of took it on the chin and I think it takes a brave man to do that. It really does.”

It’s unclear exactly how Tottenham could look in a post-Levy era, as plenty of changes are likely to be put in place now.

But it seems as though the Lewis family are ready to take that next step with Spurs at an incredibly important time.

Tottenham have the foundations for success after Daniel Levy exit

If there is one thing that Levy did well at Tottenham, it was the setting of the foundations.

Spurs now have an excellent stadium, healthy revenues and facilities that many other teams would be jealous of.

However, those aren’t the things that win you trophies.

They simply provide the foundations for attracting top players to the club, which then takes it to the very next level.

With Levy now out of the picture, there is now hope that this new-look Tottenham could push on and land the players they need to be competitive.

An increase in spending over recent seasons certainly suggests a willingness to do just that.

Micky van de Ven has been speaking about his early moments at Tottenham Hotspur and the Ange Postecoglou decision, which shocked him.

The former Spurs boss was sacked back in June, but is set for a swift return to Premier League action with Nottingham Forest.

TBR Football exclusively revealed on Tuesday morning that Postecoglou was ready to accept Forest’s offer to replace Nuno Espirito Santo.

One of Postecoglou’s best signings during his time in North London, Micky van de Ven, has opened up on his time under the Australian manager.

Micky van de Ven on his Tottenham debut under Ange Postecoglou

Van de Ven has admitted that Ange Postecoglou shocked him when he thrust him straight into Tottenham Hotspur’s line-up against Brentford just days after signing.

Tottenham signed Van de Ven for £34m back in August 2023, and he has proved to be an exceptional addition for the Lilywhites.

The Dutch defender had two or three days of training at Hotspur Way before making his first Premier League start.

The 24-year-old said it came as a surprise to him that Postecoglou was so willing to put him in the team so soon after his arrival.

Van de Ven told SpursOfficial: “I think when I joined, we played Brentford at the weekend for the first Premier League game, I’ve been training two/three days, and the gaffer put me straight into the 11.

“Even I was like, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect this’ he just threw me straight away into the team. I just needed to adapt straight away, and my teammates and everyone at the club welcomed me with open arms, saying, ‘You’re one of us now’.”

Van de Ven quickly clicked at Tottenham and produced a strong performance against the Bees in his Premier League opener, despite the team being held to a 2-2 draw.

Micky van de Ven has been so impressed by Thomas Frank

Van de Ven says he has been blown away by Thomas Frank’s attention to detail in training and his passion for the sport.

The former Bundesliga star claims that the coach has quickly got his ideas across to the group and he already has a great respect from the squad.

Van de Ven said: “You can really see he lives the game, he loves it, every time he speaks about it, he’s on everything.

“Even in pre-season, his vision of football and plan, his tactical play in training, you have to do the drill every time, over and over and over, every day, every second he is on it.

“Even at this point, everybody knows what the gaffer expects and everybody just does it, I have the feeling that he has his way of playing and he’s translated quite quickly to the group.”

Ange Postecoglou could look to his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, in the future for potential transfer targets.

TBR Football exclusively revealed on Tuesday morning that Postecoglou was ready to accept Forest’s offer to replace Nuno Espirito Santo.

The former Spurs boss has now arrived at Forest’s training ground ahead of his official appointment as manager of the football club.

Postecoglou will have to wait to put his own stamp on the team with transfers, but it would come as no surprise if he were to target one of his former Tottenham stars.

Ange Postecoglou would surely love to bring Brennan Johnson back to Nottingham Forest

Ange Postecoglou would surely jump at the opportunity to bring Brennan Johnson back to Nottingham Forest should it come about.

The 24-year-old became a key player under the Australian head coach, as he managed 41 goal contributions in 85 appearances working with him.

But despite his impressive number of goals, Johnson’s performances have been questioned by Tottenham fans, and his future at the club is far from certain.

Thomas Frank’s team were looking at left-wing targets over the summer, with Tottenham trying to sign Savinho from Man City.

Spurs were unable to land one of their targets this summer, but come January or the summer of 2026, they are likely to revisit the situation.

Therefore, that could leave Johnson’s role in the team in some doubt and open the door to his potential departure next summer.

Postecoglou signed Johnson for £47m back in the summer of 2023 and the chance of bringing him back to the City Ground must appeal to him.

Ange Postecoglou hails Brennan Johnson as a ‘constant goal threat’

Postecoglou made it very clear that he was a big fan of Johnson and labelled him as a ‘constant goal threat’ just a few months ago.

The Welsh international proved that during his time under Postecoglou and has already scored two goals in three games under Frank.

Speaking back in April, Postecoglou told the media: “I think that whenever Brennan plays, he’s always a goal threat and he’s been really good for us in terms of goals and assists.

“He’s really important for us in the way we play. I don’t think he’s been inconsistent this year, I just think the general disruptions we’ve had in the team and the inability to get some cohesion within the group have disrupted everyone’s season.

“He’s important for us because as a wide player, there aren’t many around who are a constant goal threat like he is, and I’m really pleased for him today.”

Ange Postecoglou will return to Premier League management after his harsh sacking from Tottenham in the summer, with a move to Nottingham Forest expected.

Forest parted company with popular boss Nuno Espirito Santo on Monday night, and TBR Football understand that Postecoglou is the leading choice to replace him at the City Ground.

Postecoglou struggled to manage the levels of expectation at Tottenham, and despite bringing them a long-awaited trophy last season, former chairman Daniel Levy ruthlessly sacked him.

Levy has since left Spurs, and now Postecoglou has a quick return to the Premier League at Forest, under the unpredictable ownership of Evangelos Marinakis.

Ange Postecoglou has experience of working with demanding owner, spoke of working with Daniel Levy in the past

Postecoglou’s downfall at Tottenham came due to his 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last season, forcing Levy to sack him despite beating Manchester United in Bilbao to win the Europa League and secure a Champions League place.

The Australian has previously been asked about his relationship with Levy, insisting that he was always given the power to match his ambitions at Spurs.

Speaking in November 2024, Postecoglou said: “My dealings with Daniel anyway at the club… I haven’t changed from the moment I took on this task.

“I know what ambitions I have for this football club and there’s been nothing here that I feel has curtailed me achieving what I want to for this football club.

“A lot of that is in my own power, I control a lot of that. The rest of it is trying to get people along for the ride and to believe in what we’re trying to do.”

Ange Postecoglou must now work with Evangelos Marinakis after Nuno Espirito Santo relationship soured

Postecoglou brings Europa League and Premier League experience to Nottingham Forest, but there will be scrutiny from the start on his relationship with outspoken owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Known for public outbursts and a high turnover of managers, Marinakis last season stormed onto the pitch at the City Ground to confront Espirito Santo following a draw against Leicester, later clarifying that he was unhappy at the medical procedure following an injury to striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

Santo defended Marinakis, but would reveal at the start of this season that their relationship had ‘changed’ and they were ‘not that close’.

He added: “Everybody at the club should be together, but this is not the reality.” So if Postecoglou wants to be successful, he will have to ensure he keeps Marinakis happy, learning from his time working with Daniel Levy at Tottenham.