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Hugo Lloris has criticised Daniel Levy's decision to present Tottenham's players with luxury watches for reaching the Champions League final, claiming it demonstrated a lack of winning mentality.

Spurs made their first-ever European Cup final in 2019, defeating Manchester City and Ajax in dramatic fashion to reach the final against Liverpool.

Before the final, Levy gifted each player an Aviator watch engraved with the word "finalist". Despite their Champions League success, Tottenham's poor league performance was evident as they were soundly defeated by Liverpool in Madrid.

Mohamed Salah scored an early penalty, followed by a late goal from Divock Origi. Lloris felt that the club, particularly the chairman, had settled for second best.

In his new book serialised in The Guardian, Lloris wrote: "Who does such a thing at a moment like this? I still haven't got over it, and I'm not alone. If we'd won, he wouldn't have asked for the watches back to have 'Winner' engraved instead."

The French goalkeeper admits he's never worn the watch and believes Levy's decision to reward them simply for reaching the final may have contributed to their early deficit in the match.

Tottenham, who have not reached such heights since, were left to reflect on their defeat. However, Lloris noted that many associated with the club "were not sufficiently despondent at having lost" despite missing out on Europe's top honour.

The former No 1 added: "When I returned to my room on the night of the final, I think I had the same feeling as Mauricio (Pochettino) and Harry (Kane): does the club really want to win? Real Madrid would never have celebrated a lost final, and we shouldn't have either."

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Pochettino was dismissed just months after the Champions League final, and since his departure, no Tottenham boss has lasted more than two seasons. They've also rarely threatened to win any silverware, their best effort coming when they were defeated in the Carabao Cup final in 2021.

Traditionally, quarter-final ties commence on the week starting Monday, December 16, leading many to assume United's face-off with Spurs would be on Tuesday, December 17 or Wednesday, December 18. However, it has been revealed that United's match against Ange Postecoglou's team will take place on Thursday, December 19 at 8pm, with the other three quarter-finals taking place the previous night.

This game has been chosen for live broadcast on Sky Sports. As it stands, United are also set to play Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday, December 21 at 3pm, leaving manager Ruben Amorim with the daunting task of preparing his team for two matches in under 48 hours.

Despite the Premier League announcing its TV picks for the festive period last month, United's match against the Cherries was not selected for live UK broadcast, meaning it remains in its original 3pm slot on December 21.

Richarlison is reportedly set to spend the next four weeks on the Tottenham sidelines.

The Brazilian came on as a substitute in the 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, only to hobble off again 26 minutes later. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has been waiting to discover the extent of the damage to his forward's hamstring while tests were conducted this week.

And he has not been given good news. According to journalist Paul O'Keefe, Richarlison will be out for a 'minimum' of four weeks.

The 27-year-old had only been back for five games after a groin strain which kept him out for almost two months. Richarlison made it clear that the outlook was bleak when he posted a heartbroken Instagram message on Wednesday. "Difficult moment that will be overcome again," wrote Brazil's No 9.

"[I] was very happy training and playing. And suddenly the injury comes again. [It's] hard to talk at a time like this. I only ask that you pray for me and that God gives me protection."

His absence adds to Postecoglou's injury worries, with Cristian Romero's toe injury being continually assessed, Wilson Odobert suffering a 'serious setback' shortly after returning to fitness, and Micky van de Ven likely to miss the next two games.

Richarlison has took time to settle in at Spurs following a £60million switch from Everton in the summer of 2022. Alarm bells rang when he managed just one Premier League goal in his first season, but he kicked on to hit 12 in all competitions last term.

Though not a guaranteed starter, the former Watford star is an important member of Postecoglou's squad. And depth is a key requirement for the north Londoners, who are in the midst of a taxing Europa League campaign and vying for a strong run in the Carabao Cup.

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The upcoming international break will at least limit the number of games Postecoglou is without Richarlison. If the four-week projection proves to be accurate, he will miss clashes with Galatasaray, Ipswich Town, Manchester City, Roma and Fulham before returning at Bournemouth in early December.

Spurs are currently seventh in the Premier League table and a tough fight for the top four is set to take shape over the course of the campaign. Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are seen as prominent contenders for fourth spot behind title challengers Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal.

Tottenham star James Maddison has been banned from taking his shirt off to celebrate goals. The ban has been handed down by his own mother as she has the player in her Fantasy Premier League team and doesn’t want to lose a point for the bookable offence.

Maddison was sanctioned after removing his shirt following his strike against Brentford in September.

The England international chipped the ball over the onrushing Mark Flekken in the closing stages of the match to wrap up a 3-1 victory for the home side before running to the corner flag and throwing his shirt to the ground.

Maddison was back on the scoresheet during Spurs’ 4-1 thumping of Aston Villa on Sunday after also finding the back of the net in his side’s 3-2 loss at Brighton.

And following the triumph over Unai Emery’s men, the 27-year-old explained: “I don’t know why I took my top off [after the Brentford goal]. My mum texted me about this actually.

“She said, ‘Keep your top on next time because I’ve got you in my Fantasy team and I got minus one for the yellow card’. Sorry mum.”

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Maddison channelled his inner David Beckham with his latest goal as it came in the form of a sumptuous free-kick from the edge of the box deep into stoppage time at the end of the match.

And the set-piece genius explained: “It can be difficult sometimes, the really close ones which are right on the edge. You haven’t got as much time to get it up-and-down, so it’s why I took it a little bit quicker.

“Not sure if you noticed but as soon as the whistle went, I was already leaning into it, to try and catch [Emi] Martinez out a bit, because he’s a good goalkeeper.

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“I used to watch Becks. I think last season was the first year I ever had in my whole career where I didn’t score a direct free-kick.

“I’ve scored quite a few, maybe 15 or 16 direct free-kicks. So it annoyed me last year that I didn’t get one. I know I can be dangerous from them. I probably haven’t shown it to Spurs fans yet.”

Maddison’s goal was the 50th Premier League strike of his career, with 43 of those coming during his time with Leicester. And the talented ace will be hoping he has impressed Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou enough to reclaim his starting jersey after dropping to the bench for the visit of the Villans.

Tottenham's Pedro Porro is donatinga portion of his hefty £66,000 weekly paycheck into the Spanish flood relief efforts, moved by the alarming destruction in Valencia.

After witnessing catastrophic downpours submerge the region, amounting to a year's rain in a mere eight hours, the 25-year-old defender has committed to aiding those affected by Spain's most severe floods in recent memory.

Porro expressed a poignant solidarity with his fellow Spaniards: "For all Spaniards, it's a sad time."

He went on to describe the anguish his countrymen are facing: "We've had three, four, five days of terrible suffering and I can't even imagine what it's like for everyone involved in Valencia. There's a sense of helplessness, right? Helplessness about not being there, because I know what it's like to be 'in the mud,' as you say."

Unable to assist in person due to his professional commitments in London, Porro is combatting his feeling of powerlessness by offering financial support: "I'd be the first one there to help, to show up, but I'm in London, I have competitions, so I can't.

"I've already spoken to my agents and I'm going to donate part of my salary to cover whatever they need to buy shovels, food... anything they need."

The Tottenham star paid tribute to his compatriots back home, dedicating his team's resounding 4-1 victory over Aston Villa to those battling adversity in Valencia.

Via social media, he conveyed his heartfelt message: "Big result. I want to dedicate today's win to all those who are currently suffering in Valencia at this extremely difficult time. You are in all of our prayers."

Further embellishing his image as a beloved figure in football, Porro also took the opportunity to greet Manchester United's new manager Ruben Amorim, joining the welcoming party as English football receives its latest managerial import.

The Spurs full-back, who spent three fruitful years under Amorim at Sporting, has lauded him as a "great coach" and credited him for instilling the confidence needed to succeed at the top tier.

Porro expressed his best wishes, saying: "He's coming to one of the best stages in the world, the Premier League, so I wish him the best and hope things go as well as possible for him.

"The confidence he gave me was fundamental for me, and that's why, when I arrived at Sporting, things went well for me. Apart from him, the style of play also suited me well."

Tottenham are reportedly preparing to activate a one-year extension clause in the contract of their star player, Son Heung-min.

The 32-year-old South Korean, who is in the final year of his current deal, previously stated in September that he hadn't yet discussed his future with the club.

"We haven't talked about anything yet. It is very clear from me," he said.

And concerns were further raised when Son publicly sulked following his substitution in the 4-1 win over Aston Villa, where the captain was brought off in the 56th minute.

Son emphasised his commitment to the current season, saying: "I am very focused on this season. At this age, every second is like a goal, especially this season, we are in a lot of competitions, it feels like I am taking even more care about this. As I say, I am fully focused on this year and just want to win something that everybody at the club - the players, all around - deserves.

"That's what I'm working for. In the future you never know what will happen, but I will give everything for this club because it's been almost 10 years and I give everything. I still have a contract with the club which is the very important thing and I just want to give everything until my contract [expires]."

According to a report by The Telegraph, Spurs are planning to utilise an option in Son's contract to extend his stay for another year. The report suggests that Tottenham 'only need to inform Son they have triggered their option' and the club 'fully intend' to do so.

Since joining Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, Son has become an integral part of the team. Only Harry Kane has scored more Premier League goals for the club than Son, who has found the back of the net 123 times in 310 appearances.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou will be thrilled about the latest development for his squad's star player, Son, who he previously praised as a "world-class" talent.

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Last season, the boss was quoted saying: "Maybe the nation he plays for works against him but I think he's a world-class player. You look at his record in the Premier League, the toughest league in the world, his goal contributions irrespective of what his team's gone through have always been right up there.

"Even this year, before he left [for the Asian Cup], I think he was probably the best attacking player in the competition, just my opinion obviously. Certainly he'd be up there. He's a world-class player."

Pedro Porro has wished his former manager Ruben Amorim well at Manchester United and expects him to breathe confidence into their squad. The Tottenham full-back was managed by Amorim for three seasons at Sporting.

The Spaniard made 98 appearances under the Portuguese coach and produced 12 goals and 20 assists. Such performance earned him a £40million switch to Spurs in January last year.

And now Porro will be joined by Amorim in the Premier League. The coach is leaving Liga Portugal leaders Sporting to replace Erik ten Hag as the new Man United manager from next Monday (November 11).

It is a move which the defender hopes goes well for his old boss, even though he is joining one of Spurs' rivals for the Champions League spots.

Porro had previously labelled Amorim "a great coach" and said: "I have nothing but good things to say about him." And speaking after Spurs' 4-1 defeat of Aston Villa, he added: "He's coming to one of the best stages in the world, the Premier League.

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"So I wish him the best and hope things go as well as possible for him. The confidence he gave me was fundamental for me, and that's why, when I arrived at Sporting, things went well for me.

"Apart from him, the style of play also suited me well." Porro won the Portuguese title and two Taca de Liga trophies during his time working under Amorim, whose side face Manchester City in the Champions League this midweek.

The 39-year-old coach arrives at Old Trafford to take over a team 13th in the Premier League table after 10 games. The Red Devils already trail leaders Liverpool by 12 points and are six adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, who they drew 1-1 with on Sunday.

Sky Sports pundit and former United defender Gary Neville wants Amorim to make several changes when he takes over next Monday. Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will oversee another two games before then.

"It was sober reading about how high Manchester United play up the pitch," Neville said. "When I looked at the average start distance of the teams up the pitch, Manchester City are first, Arsenal second, Liverpool third, Tottenham fourth and Brighton are fifth. Manchester United are down in 10th.

"If you want to push your defence up the pitch, which is what I think every team looks to do nowadays, Amorim has got to start with that because Manchester United quite often have to travel 70, 80 yards to score a goal because they're so deep and they play like the underdog in games.

"The other metric was possession one in the final third. So possession won high up the pitch: first was Manchester City, second was Tottenham, third was Arsenal and fourth was Liverpool. Manchester United are ninth.

"The final one I asked for was the highest turnovers. City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal made up the top four while Manchester United were ninth. These three things are critical to performance levels.

"Man Utd played like a team that is sat behind the ball. 'Let's try and get them on the counter or score from a set piece'. That's got to change.

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"You've got to be a team of dominance. And I mean dominance. I mean dominating the ball in the final third, dominating your forwards and staying high up the pitch.

Spurs' Porro also revealed that he will donate some of his £66,000-a-week wages towards the Spain relief fund after terrifying flash foods hit the country.

"I'd be the first one there to help, to show up, but I'm in London, I have competitions, so I can't," the Spanish international said. "I've already spoken to my agents and I'm going to donate part of my salary to cover whatever they need to buy shovels, food... anything they need."

He added on social media of the Villa win: "Big result. I want to dedicate today's win to all those who are currently suffering in Valencia at this extremely difficult time. You are in all of our prayers."

Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski has revealed that captain Son Heung-min was in high spirits in the dressing room, despite his visible frustration at being substituted during Sunday's match.

Son, who had just returned from injury, was visibly upset when he was taken off 56 minutes into the 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa, with the score at 1-1.

However, Kulusevski, who assisted Dominic Solanke's goal to put Tottenham ahead, insisted: "He was very happy, very happy."

Kulusevski understood Son's disappointment, saying: "I understand that he was disappointed because he was playing really good in the second half and creating chances. Just because of your body, you can't play any more, so it's frustrating.

"You know, if you are injured you can't do nothing. So the most important thing for a football player is to be on the pitch."

The Swedish international also predicted Tottenham's second-half onslaught against Villa, recalling: "At half-time I said to the lads, 'If we score one, we will score four' and exactly that happened.

"As soon as we scored one with a lovely cross from Sonny and a good finish from Brennan (Johnson), I knew we were going to win.

When questioned about Son's reaction to being substituted, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou explained: "He was never going to play more than that today because obviously he'd had an injury.

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"He came back and last time it was around the 60-minute mark where he got fatigued. So, he was never going to play more than 55-60 irrespective of where the game was going. He was very happy, very happy.

"The great thing was he made a pretty important contribution before that. It was a great ball in for our first goal and got our equaliser.

"Again, we've got more battles ahead and we're going to need him and he was never going to play any more than that.

"I didn't see any difference in Sonny. I'd be surprised if any player likes coming off and they're feeling alright. I didn't need to discuss it with him. For us, what's more important is the overall picture."

James Maddison is emulating David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo to become Tottenham's master of set pieces.

The England international topped off Spurs' impressive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa with a magnificent free-kick that had a touch of Beckham magic.

Despite being sidelined for 82 minutes on Sunday, the Spurs midfielder made his mark by delivering a flawless dead-ball masterpiece past the unmoving World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

Maddison revealed: "I used to watch Becks closely. I think last season was the first year I ever had in my whole career where I didn't score a direct free-kick.

"I have scored quite a few I reckon, maybe 15-16 direct free-kicks, so it annoyed me last year that I didn't get one.

"I know I can be dangerous from them, but I probably haven't shown it to Spurs fans yet.

"To be honest, I don't feel like we have had that many good opportunities for whatever reason - we don't seem to get direct free-kicks in good positions. We just haven't had that many good positions for free-kicks and penalties as well.

"But that was a good position (against Villa) and I managed to stick it away.

"How much training goes into that execution? About 25 years probably! I love free-kicks, and I always did because I loved Becks and I was a Manchester United fan when I was young.

"Becks and then Cristiano Ronaldo, they were both very good at free-kicks although they used different techniques.

"I used to idolise people who were good at free-kicks. I was always in the garden practising. I mastered my own technique over the years and scored a fair few, a good few in the Premier League. Hopefully I get a few more."

Maddison's free-kick against Villa fooled Martinez, who was recently named the world's best goalkeeper for the second year at the Ballon d'Or awards but was left stuck in his tracks here.

The Tottenham star chuckled: "Yeah, it was a nice one, wasn't it? It can be challenging sometimes, the really close ones which are right on the edge of the box.

"You haven't got as much time to get it up and down, so it's why I took it a little bit quicker. As soon as the whistle went, I was already leaning into it, to try and catch Martinez out a bit, because he's a good goalkeeper. Thankfully it went into that top bracket."

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Spurs' ninth victory in 11 matches across all competitions has thrust them back into the outskirts of top-four contention after Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and of course Villa all slipped up at the weekend.

Their second-half performance on Sunday was too much for Villa to cope with and Maddison added: "We turned the screw and they couldn't live with our intensity.

"But that's why the manager at half-time he stayed so calm, because he knows that we have got a chance to blow teams away in quick periods.

"Even at 1-0 down, he's just like, 'Get your heads up'. We know we can go and score four goals in a half against any team because that is what we do with our intensity. Thankfully that's exactly what we did. And we blew them away."

Ange Postecoglou hailed the "unbelievable" performance of Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke, whose second-half brace sealed a 4-1 win against Aston Villa.

Despite starting the day five points ahead and having pipped Spurs to a top-four finish last term, Villa's lead was short-lived as Morgan Rogers' 32nd-minute strike from a corner was eventually overshadowed by a rampant Tottenham in the second half.

The victory was a stark contrast to the halt in momentum experienced by Postecoglou's team after their impressive Carabao Cup win over Manchester City, but a revitalised Spurs turned the tables post-interval, decimating their Midlands adversaries.

Spurs' captain Son Heung-min provided the assist for Brennan Johnson's seventh goal of the campaign shortly after the break, setting the stage for Solanke's stunning double within the final 15 minutes as he ended a six-game goal drought.

James Maddison, stepping in for Richarlison, put the icing on the cake with a sublime free-kick in stoppage time, propelling Spurs to seventh place. However, it was Solanke's day through and through, as his efforts finally paid dividends with goals to show for it.

Postecoglou praised: "I just think the enormous effort he put in on Wednesday night to help us win a game of football, not just physically but mentally, and his capacity to help the team in every way he can... To back that up today with such a massive effort again against a pretty difficult team to play against, it's just unbelievable.

"Yeah, the goals are great and of course as a striker I am sure he loves the fact he can score a couple of goals, but even if he didn't, I can't speak highly enough of what he is contributing to our team at the moment.

"And long may it continue because with him playing that way, it just makes us a better team."

However, Spurs suffered setbacks during the match with injuries to key players. Defender Cristian Romero faced issues with his right foot, departing from the pitch in the 61st minute, while Richarlison encountered a muscle problem assisting Solanke's goal scored in the 79th minute.

Postecoglou added: "Richy obviously felt something in the action of setting the goal up in his hamstring, so we'll see. I don't have any further information (on Romero) but he's a pretty tough cookie and for him to come off, it must be sore. It's not ideal but hopefully both are not serious."

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Despite these injuries, Spurs secured an impressive result. Postecoglou removed Son in the 56th minute, with the captain showing signs of frustration at being substituted.

However, this decision was part of a predetermined strategy due to Son's recent return from a hamstring injury. The coach clarified: "He's had an injury, he came back and last time it was around the 60-minute mark when he got fatigued so he was never going to play more than 45 to 60 irrespective of the way the game was going.

"The great thing was he made a pretty important contribution before that with a great ball in for our first goal."

Emery reflected on Villa's performance: "We compete and we were being consistent. Of course the first half was much better than the second half and the team were aware how we can be competitive, close to win, close to get more chances to be in top seven positions in Premier League.

"And we are accepting the result because in the second half when they score two goals and take advantage on the field, it is a team in transition, very good and we were making some mistakes."