TNT Sports

Why Ange Postecoglou must adapt to avoid 'accident waiting to happen' at Tottenham - ‘He needs to rescue his job'

Published 07/03/2025 at 14:09 GMT

Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero are two of Tottenham's most important players, but, aside from the Dutch defender's brief display against Elfsborg, they have both been out since December with hamstring injuries. The duo returned to the bench for their defeat to AZ Alkmaar and TNT Sports expert Don Hutchison believes that Ange Postecoglou needs to adapt his style to avoid any more injuries.

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TNT Sports expert Don Hutchison insists Ange Postecoglou must adapt his style of play to accommodate Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero's injury concerns.

The two Spurs defenders have been out since December after aggravating injuries they picked up earlier in the 2024-25 campaign, with Van de Ven making a brief reappearance against Elfsborg at the end of January.

But both players returned from hamstring issues to make it onto the Tottenham bench for their 1-0 defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

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Hutchison believes that Postecoglou's high line may have contributed to the pair's injury record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"Go back to the game they played against Chelsea," he said. "That crazy game where they had Micky van de Ven back and Cristian Romero come back.

"It was their first games back in quite a while, and he had them on the half-way line. Both of them went back off injured in the same game.

Highlights: Bergvall own goal sees Spurs suffer first-leg defeat

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"So hopefully Ange Postecoglou will go into the game against Bournemouth with those two 10 yards deeper instead of having them run 50 yards.

"Have them a little bit deeper and they only have to run 25 to 40 yards."

Spurs will play Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday before welcoming AZ Alkmaar to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the second leg on March 13.

And Martin Keown believes part of Postecoglou's job is to manage the injury concerns of his players.

"It is exactly that [the season is done]," added Keown. "Micky van de Ven looks like he is an accident waiting to happen, it is a major problem for him.

"It is definitely linked to the way they are asked to play.

"[Cristian Romero] is going [on international duty with Argentina] apparently, and he is going to be in the squad so that is an interesting one.

"It is good news that they are coming back but it is about when the manager uses them. This is why he is paid the top dough - when do you bring them back?

"It has to be at the right moment. He needs to rescue his job and Spurs' season."

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Published 06/03/2025 at 21:50 GMT

Tottenham have plenty of work to do in north London next week after losing 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie. Head coach Ange Postecoglou admitted their performance was not good enough, but also suggested a tricky pitch made it hard work for his team. TNT Sports pundit Les Ferdinand was not impressed with the Spurs boss' comments.

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Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou insisted a "tricky pitch" was partly to blame for his team's "disappointing performance" at AZ Alkmaar - an excuse instantly dismissed by TNT Sports pundit Les Ferdinand.

Spurs were disappointing in the Netherlands on Thursday, as a first-half own goal from Lucas Bergvall saw them lose 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie.

Postecoglou admitted his team's performance was well below where it needed to be, but also said the surface at the AFAS Stadion did his side no favours.

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"Not a great night for us, it was a really disappointing performance," he told TNT Sports.

"We just never got to grips with the game. We didn't really get control at any stage. We were always kind of struggling, both on the ball and without the ball.

"It was a tricky pitch and we really didn't handle it well. Aside from that, we just weren't aggressive enough, we were way too passive in terms of the way we wanted to press.

"Even with the ball, too many times we just circulated the ball without any real intent to hurt them.

"We certainly felt like we were well prepared for the game, but that didn't transpire. Collectively we were nowhere near the level we needed to be and that's the thing we need to address.

"It's halfway, we're still in the tie. At home, we're capable of scoring goals and putting pressure on the opponent, and we'll perform better than what we did tonight."

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Ferdinand picked up on the comments from the Spurs boss in the TNT Sports studio, and the former Tottenham, Newcastle and QPR striker was not impressed.

"I wish he hadn't said that," Ferdinand said. "We're not there, so I don't know what the pitch is like. They [AZ] seemed to play alright on it, they seemed ok on it.

"He said before the game, we want to be aggressive, we want to be in their faces, and we saw none of that. He alluded to it, he said we weren't good enough.

"I'm not sure I would blame the pitch for the problems that Spurs had."

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min did not mention the pitch when he spoke after the game, and said there were no excuses.

"That was nowhere near where we should perform," Son said. "It's very disappointing that we performed like this, including me.

"It's a big wake-up call as next week is the biggest game of the season. It was sloppiness and not performing the way we should. Everybody is disappointed with their individual performance and team performance.

"No excuses, it was not good enough. We have to be much, much better next week."

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Published 05/03/2025 at 18:32 GMT

While in conversation with Joe Cole, Peter Crouch and Rio Ferdinand, Ally McCoist stated that Tottenham Hotspur can win the UEFA Europa League this season. The Scot believes Spurs can outlast Manchester United in the competition and clinch the trophy despite their domestic shortcomings in the Premier League. The quartet also discussed Rangers' chances against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.

McCoist backs Spurs to win Europa League, particularly if they get key boost

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TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist believes that Tottenham Hotspur can win the UEFA Europa League this year, as they look ahead to their round of 16 tie with AZ Alkmaar.

Spurs' run of three straight Premier League victories came to a crashing halt as they lost 1-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday, leaving them 13th in the table.

Despite the domestic struggles endured by Ange Postecoglou's side, they did manage to finish fourth in the league phase in Europe, losing just one match in that run.

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They now face AZ in the last 16, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Thursday, after the Eredivisie side stunned Roma in the league phase and dismantled Galatasaray in the play-offs.

"I think Spurs are going further," McCoist said. "I think Spurs could win it. If they get key players back, they get a boost. I honestly think Spurs could win it."

McCoist also discussed Rangers' chances alongside fellow TNT Sports pundits Joe Cole, Peter Crouch and Rio Ferdinand.

The Scot believes that his former club will make it past Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the last 16, but feels they will struggle from the quarter-finals onwards.

"I think Rangers will beat Fenerbahce but will not go further than Spurs or [Manchester] United," he said.

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"I think they can win the next tie against Fenerbahce, but sadly, I think the round after that might be too much for them.

"I hope I'm clearly wrong... I just hope the second leg is a [good] tie. Rangers stay in the game first and then get back to Ibrox and see how it goes."

Crouch intervened: "I thought they were really unlucky against Spurs [in their 1-1 draw]. They played well, but I don't think they can get past Fenerbahce, unfortunately."

'I'll be stunned if United get to the semi-finals'

Joe Cole, meanwhile, said that he would be "stunned" if Manchester United make it to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Ruben Amorim has yet to oversee an upturn in form at Old Trafford, as his side languish 14th in the Premier League table.

In Europe, though, United managed to clinch third in the league phase table, earning them automatic qualification for the round of 16, and they travel to Real Sociedad in the first leg on Thursday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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"I'll be stunned if United get to the semi-finals," Cole stated. "I'll be stunned. Spurs, I fancy more. If you give me one team [out of the two] I'd take Spurs."

The quartet talked about the club's chances compared to Spurs, and unanimously decided that the north Londoners have a better chance of making it further than Amorim's side.

"I'm just going with my heart over my head," Ferdinand said. "So I'm going to agree with you and say that Spurs will go further, unfortunately."

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Published 03/03/2025 at 08:02 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur will continue their quest to win the UEFA Europa League and secure UEFA Champions League football for next season when they travel to AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie. This is the last chance of a trophy for Ange Postecoglou's team this season. Here is all you need to know to watch the contest on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Tottenham Hotspur will continue their quest to win the UEFA Europa League when they go to the Netherlands to take on AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their last 16 meeting.

Ange Postecoglou's team will know this is the last chance of a trophy available this season, following recent exits in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

They have shown improved form lately, recording three Premier League victories in a row, but lost their last match 1-0 to champions Manchester City.

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AZ Alkmaar are currently in sixth place in the Eredivisie, and lost 3-1 to Heerenveen on Sunday.

The Dutch team finished in 19th place in the Europa League group stage.

They saw off Galatasaray 6-3 on aggregate in the play-off round.

When is AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham Hotspur?

AZ Alkmaar host Tottenham Hotspur at the AFAS Stadion on Thursday, March 6.

Kick-off is at 17:45 UK time on TNT Sports 3, with live coverage beginning at 17:00.

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How to watch AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham Hotspur?

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

Real Sociedad host Man United at the Reale Arena on Thursday, March 6.

Kick-off is at 17:45 UK time on TNT Sports 1, with live coverage beginning at 17:00.

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To find out where your local establishments showing TNT Sports are, use our Pub Finder tool.

How do I watch UEFA Europa League live streams on TNT Sports? What is discovery+?

The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports and entertainment in one destination.

You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

How many UEFA Europa League games are on TNT Sports?

TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024/25 season.

Which UEFA Europa League matches are on TNT Sports?

For the latest information on which football matches are on TNT Sports, click here.

And for the full UEFA Europa League schedule, click here.

What is the TNT Sports app?

The TNT Sports app is a sports news and results app which is free for anyone to download.

Live premium content is available via discovery+.

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Haaland 'sad' over 'completely wrong' decision to disallow second goal at Spurs

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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was left "sad" at what he felt was a "completely wrong" decision to rule out his second goal against Tottenham Hotspur.

Haaland struck in the 12th minute to score what turned out to be the winner in north London, and looked to have made sure all three points would be heading back to Manchester when he nestled an effort into the back of the net in the dying stages of the clash.

But referee Jarred Gillett opted to penalise the Norway international - who returned from a two-match absence through injury - for an apparent handball, as the striker tussled with Archie Gray and Kevin Danso in a bid to find space in the box.

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Upon a VAR review, Gillett's initial decision to disallow the goal was upheld, though replays showed the decision to be a dubious one - with TNT Sports pundit Peter Crouch pointing out the infringement looked more likely to be made by Spurs defender Danso.

Joining the TNT Sports panel pitchside after the match, Haaland fumed at what he felt was "more of a penalty than a free kick".

"No, I think it's the wrong decision," Haaland said. "Clearly, it's more of a penalty than a free kick, but I think because he gave the decision on the pitch, that's a bit of the reason why he stood with the decision.

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"I don't know. But I never think that should be disallowed. I think it's completely wrong, but that was a great goal though. So sad. I think it's more of a penalty, that's my opinion."

The decision ultimately had no impact on the result, but could have proved significant if Pape Matar Sarr had sunk his late chance to equalise, eight minutes into stoppage time.

City boss Pep Guardiola did not give too much away regarding his verdict of the disallowed goal.

"I didn't see it, but the referee was much, much quicker to disallow the goal than the VAR," Guardiola said.

"So he was clever and quick, but yeah, like we won is fine, but at the end, they have another chance at the end, so it's difficult."

City's victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a welcome boost after disappointing defeats to Real Madrid - curtailing their UEFA Champions League campaign - and Liverpool.

'He's making a mockery of the Premier League'

Former Spurs striker Crouch has enjoyed Haaland's influence on the English top flight since his arrival at Etihad Stadium in 2022.

The Norwegian's injury-induced absence was sorely felt during the defeats to Real and Liverpool, as City struggled to replace his sizeable goal threat.

Haaland's strike against Spurs took his tally to 83 in the Premier League, now sitting 25 goals behind the 108 that Crouch managed to accumulate throughout his top-flight career.

The former forward found the amusing side of that particular statistic, though could not hide his admiration for the City talisman.

"Centre forwards want to hang back and get the perfect goal," Haaland said. "He's always in and around it.

"He plays the percentages, but he also has the pace, ability and strength to create goals on his own. He's an absolute machine, I'm looking forward to seeing the next nine years, to be honest.

"[I scored] 108, so he's not quite there yet! He's done it in three years, I did it in about 22! He's making a mockery of the Premier League, I was quite pleased with my career."

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On why his side have struggled against Spurs of late, he added: "Always have been an exceptional team. A fantastic team through the years it happened [City lost].

"Their success is not a surprise when you see the squad, the depth of the squad, and the quality of the managers, and Ange is not an exception to the quality of them."

Speaking ahead of the game, TNT Sports expert Peter Crouch said: "I’m a little bit miffed to be honest. They don’t play again until next Thursday I think [against] AZ Alkmaar [and] they’re not in the cup, so I’m a little bit surprised.

"Manchester City at home and they were probably three of Tottenham’s best players on the weekend. Ange Postecoglou knows the fitness of the players and he’s chosen to rest them tonight."

He added: "Son was terrorising them [Ipswich last time out], it was one of his best games. I know people will say it’s Ipswich but it’s a difficult place to go. Son was mesmerising, back to his best it felt."

Tottenham have already beaten Manchester City twice this season: 4-0 in the reverse fixture and 2-1 in the EFL Cup. They also boast three wins in all competitions over Manchester United this term.

Ange Postecoglou has made three changes to the Spurs side that beat Ipswich 4-1 last time out. Son Heung-min, Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski drop to the bench, with Pedro Porro, Wilson Odobert and James Maddison starting.

Pep Guardiola will be buoyed by the return of his star striker, who has been nursing a minor knee injury. City do not look like the same side without their talismanic forward, so they will be hoping he can get among the goals this evening.

If the Norwegian finds the net, he will become just the second player in history to have scored 10 or more goals both home and away in three consecutive Premier League campaigns, joining Harry Kane who did it from 2015/16 to 2017/18.

More importantly, a win would see the Citizens move above Chelsea and back into fourth as the race for a top-four finish heats up. Just five points separates Nottingham Forest in third and Aston Villa in 10th, so every point is crucial.

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MAN Utd and Spurs want Cunha

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are both keeping tabs on Matheus Cunha as they look to sign the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker.

The Mirror reports that there is a £60 million release clause for the Brazilian this summer.

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The paper writes: "Manchester United are continuing to keep tabs on Matheus Cunha with the Wolves star inserting a release clause into his new deal.

"The forward remains the leading light at Molineux and was heavily linked with the exit door in January, but ultimately chose to remain and penned a new deal which tied him down until 2029. That hasn't stopped admirers circling however as he continues to perform.

"United were among those who considered making a move last month as they sought a goalscorer. Cunha also remains on the radar of Tottenham with the two teams monitoring him closely.

"Come June Cunha will be available for around £60 million - that fee is set regardless of whether Wolves remain in the top flight or drop down to the Championship. Either way the figure is more than achievable for a number of potential suitors."

Ten Hag could join Feyenoord

Former Man United manager Erik ten Hag could soon be back in work after leaving Old Trafford last year.

The Dutchman could return to the Netherlands, with Feyenoord on the hunt for a new boss after sacking Brian Priske this week.

The Sun reports: "Erik Ten Hag is set to be thrown a career lifeline by Dutch giants Feyenoord.

"Manchester United sacked the 55-year-old boss last October following a poor start to the season.

"Rut Rotterdam-based Feyenoord are understood to want Ten as their new manager after dismissing Brian Priske on Monday.

"Rene Hake, ETH's assistant at Old Trafford earlier this season, is also under consideration for a No.2 role at De Kuip.

Rangers weigh up Clement sacking

Rangers are reportedly reluctant to sack their struggling manager Philippe Clement, due to the cost of doing so.

The Daily Record believes it would cost north of £1.2 million to get rid, with a contract that runs for two more years.

The paper explains: "Sacking Philippe Clement would cost Rangers in the region of £1.2m.

"The under-fire Ibrox boss signed a contract until 2027 last summer but a humiliating Scottish Cup defeat to Queen's Park has sparked fresh concerns over whether he's the man to see out THIS season – let alone the next two and a half years.

"But the new-look board at Ibrox, including CEO Patrick Stewart and chairman Fraser Thornton, have stood by him this far despite questions arising at various points in a difficult season at Ibrox. Part of that, it's widely believed, is the financial constraints that would make sacking him now an expensive decision.

"But if things get any worse, with a tricky trip to Hearts coming up, then they may be left with no other choice."

Chelsea land Kazakh wonderkid

Chelsea will welcome Kazakhstan teenage prospect Dastan Satpaev to Stamford Bridge, but will have to wait for more than a year.

The 16-year-old can join when he turns 18, but now he will stay at Kazakh champions FC Kairat Almaty.

The Evening Standard writes: "Chelsea have signed 16-year-old wonderkid Dastan Satpaev, with the Kazakhstani forward to join the Blues when he turns 18.

"Satpaev currently plays for reigning Kazakhstan Premier League champions FC Kairat Almaty.

Kairat have confirmed that Satpaev will head to Stamford Bridge on a five-year deal that includes the option of a further year once he turns 18, which is not until August 2026.

"It comes after the teenager had a successful trial at Chelsea back in November.

"Chelsea will pay a fee worth £3.3million including add-ons, which is a record transfer for a player from the Kazakh Premier League."

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