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Tottenham stance on sacking Ange Postecoglou after 12th loss of season

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Tottenham have given head coach Ange Postecoglou the vote of confidence after facing calls to sack the under-fire boss following their defeat to Arsenal.

Spurs' 2-1 loss in the North London derby was their 11th in the Premier League this season, leaving Postecoglou's men languishing in 13th position in the table.

Son Heung-min's deflected strike actually put them in front at the home of their rivals', before a Dominic Solanke own goal and Leandro Trossard's strike handed the Gunners victory.

The result means they are now hovering closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League qualification places, and Postecoglou is feeling the heat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

They were also beaten by Galatasaray in the Europa League league phase and were held to a goalless draw by non-league outfit Tamworth in the FA Cup third round, before winning 3-0 in extra-time.

However, the Tottenham board's stance has not changed from earlier in the season and they are prepared to lend the Australian their full backing during this turbulent period, according to reports.

Football.london claim the club are willing to put 'the right structures' around Postecoglou to help him turn things around, and there is some sympathy with the current injury crisis.

Spurs were left without eight first-team squad members for their trip to the Emirates Stadium, with 18-year-old pair Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall both handed starts in the crunch clash.

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That said, key players such as James Maddison and Richarlison could only make the bench - with some sections of the Spurs fanbase seemingly unhappy with his selection choices.

Postecoglou didn't mince his words when assessing his players' performance, accusing them of not being brave enough with the ball and allowing Arsenal to dominate.

“Nowhere near good enough, especially in the first half,” Postecoglou said to TNT Sports after the match.

“We were too passive. We let Arsenal dictate the game. Second half was a little better, [but still] nowhere near good enough. Not acceptable.

"Ultimately, the responsibility lies with me and how I prepare the players. I'm more interested in how we play and we were not anywhere near the levels today.

"[We will] go back to work and prepare for a tough game [at Everton on Sunday].”

It appears chairman Daniel Levy isn't ready to give up on Postecoglou just yet. There is still a Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool to navigate on February 6, in which Spurs carry a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

But his preference for style over results could prove to be his downfall. Spurs' win rate under the former Celtic coach is 49.3 per cent after 73 games and 36 wins - putting him 11th on the all-time list behind Harry Redknapp and Tim Sherwood.tott

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Tottenham boss explains how new goalkeeper feels about Arsenal corner tactics

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Ange Postecoglou has praised new signing Antonin Kinsky for bringing a sense of calm to the squad amidst the chaos. The £12.5m goalkeeper from Slavia Prague has made an impressive start, being the first Spurs goalie since Freddy Hinton a century ago to kick off with back-to-back clean sheets.

After handling the robust challenge of non-League Tamworth in the FA Cup third-round tie and keeping Liverpool at bay in the Carabao Cup, Kinsky is instilling confidence ahead of tonight's clash with Arsenal, known for their set-piece prowess. "His ability to fit in really quickly has helped us enormously," said the Spurs manager.

"It does give some comfort to the players around him if they see he’s handling it well. It means they can then focus on their own job and be a lot more clear-headed.

"We knew every time Tamworth had a throw-in in our half it was going to come in the box and how we’d want to deal with it.

Postecoglou acknowledges that facing Arsenal’s corner kicks will be "a different challenge" for Kinsky tonight.

After demonstrating his technical prowess as a goalkeeper for Spurs, the focus now shifts to how he mentally copes with the high-pressure environment of a north London derby. "It’s more about mindset and tackling that and he didn’t shy away from it against Tamworth," added Postecoglou.

Despite Spurs' poor track record at Arsenal, having won only one of their past 31 away league fixtures, Postecoglou acknowledges the potential implications of a result against their rivals. However, he dismisses the notion that Spurs could capitalise on the Emirates crowd's dissatisfaction following Mikel Arteta’s side's recent losses to Newcastle and Manchester United in cup games.

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Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea star reaches exit agreement as Tottenham on brink of loan deal

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Manchester City are poised to sign Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt before the end of the week, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Egyptian has already agreed personal terms on a move to the Etihad Stadium, and City have held positive talks with Frankfurt.

An official offer is being prepared which, if accepted, would be one of the final pieces in the puzzle.

More formal talks are set to take place but City are not far away from landing their man.

Tottenham youngster Alfie Dorrington is set to join Abderdeen on loan until the end of the season, according to Spurs academy specialists Lilywhite Rose.

The centre-back, 19, has only made one appearance this season despite Tottenham's injury crisis.

But he will get a chance to earn his stripes north of the border if his temporary exit proceeds as it should, with Aberdeen fighting for third place in the Scottish Premiership.

Chelsea utility man Renato Veiga has reached a verbal agreement with Borussia Dortmund to join them this winter, according to Sky Germany.

But there is not yet an agreement between the clubs, with Chelsea seeking a permanent move for the 21-year-old.

Veiga is fed up with his lack of game time at Stamford Bridge and wants to play centre-back on a regular basis.

Chelsea forked out £12million to sign him from FC Basel in the summer and they are now looking for around £20m.

Clubs in Italy, France and England also sent enquiries to Chelsea but BVB lead the race.

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Mohamed Salah brutally trolled by Tottenham mascot in unseen footage before Liverpool loss

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It wasn’t just the Tottenham defence that got one over Mohamed Salah on Wednesday night. A late goal from Lucas Bergvall gave Spurs a 1-0 win in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with the Egyptian unusually below-par as the visitors toiled in front of goal.

Salah had gone into the clash looking to score for the fifth successive game, after converting a penalty in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

But he was seemingly given problems before the game as well as during it, after being savagely trolled moments before kick-off.

In footage posted on Instagram by @borshanazzam, Salah was standing in the Liverpool line-up and shaking hands with players and mascots, as is customary before professional games. But he wasn’t expecting the response he got when he held his hand outstretched for one young female in a Tottenham kit.

Rather than reciprocate, the mascot pulled her hand away and thumbed her nose. To Salah’s credit, he did look at his tormentor and laugh before continuing with the pre-match formalities.

It wasn’t the only amusing interaction the Spurs mascots had with Liverpool players. In the tunnel, the Sky Sports cameras picked up one mascot shouting “Van Dijk come to Tottenham we haven't got any good defenders at the moment!" as the Dutch defender walked past chuckling.

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But the away players weren’t smiling by the end of the evening, with Bergvall's controversial late goal meaning The Reds have a deficit to overturn at Anfield next month. Salah was injured when his side beat Chelsea in the final last year, and has spoken of his desire to win trophies in what could be his final campaign in English football.

The 32-year-old is yet to agree a contract extension with the Anfield club, despite a clamour from fans for him to sign a new deal. And he’s constantly dropped hints that no agreement is imminent, leading to an online spat with Jamie Carragher this week.

On Monday Night Football, the Sky Sports pundit argued that both Salah and Trent-Alexander Arnold could learn from club captain Virgil Van Dijk how to handle themselves better as their contract situations rumble on. That followed the forward posting a cryptic photo of all three players together during the United game on social media.

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The criticism prompted Salah to take to X and hit back at the Liverpool legend. Above a clip of Carragher presenting his argument, he wrote: “I’m starting to think you’re obsessed with me.”

Carragher responded wittily, urging Salah to sign a new deal by replying: "I’ve always been obsessed with you Mo Salah, hopefully that obsession will continue next season.”

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Liverpool cancel training after Tottenham defeat as Arne Slot hits unexpected issue

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It’s been a tough 24 hours for Arne Slot following his side’s Carabao Cup first leg defeat at Tottenham last night. The visitors will have to overturn a 1-0 deficit at Anfield next month, courtesy of Lucas Bergvall’s controversial late winner.

The Swede swept home just moments after appearing lucky to escape a second yellow card after taking down Kostas Tsimikas, leaving Slot incensed.

And to make matters worse, the Dutchman was forced to cancel training today (Thursday) after the team’s flight home was disrupted by severe weather

The squad were due to land at the John Lennon Airport in Liverpool, having departed from London Stansted immediately after their defeat. However, according to The Times, freezing fog derailed those plans and instead, the plan landed in Birmingham.

Players, coaches, and staff members were then said to have been taken back to Merseyside via a coach and a number of cars. It meant that the squad weren’t back home until the early hours of the morning, much later than planned.

As a result, Slot scrapped plans for a session on Thursday. It leaves Slot with just one day now to prepare for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at home to League Two side Accrington Stanley.

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It’s unlikely that any players who started at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be in the home XI the lunchtime kick-off. Amid a frenzied run of games, Liverpool will follow the tie with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, and another defeat will see their lead at the top of the Premier League cut to three points.

And Slot can also take solace that it’s not just his team who have had their build-up to the weekend disrupted. Heavy snow and ice in the area has also prevented Accrington from training properly this week, with John Doolan’s squad forced to use an indoor dome in Blackburn.

Last weekend, Liverpool City Council waited until 11am on Sunday morning to confirm that the club’s home game with Manchester United could go ahead. Heavy snow overnight had prompted fears of disruption for fans travelling to Anfield, while a number of lower league games over the weekend were postponed.

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Following the Tottenham loss, Slot played down fears his side were stuttering, having been below par in the 2-2 draw with United. “I did feel Spurs started the game better than us but after that, in my opinion, we had most of the game control.

“We played most of the game in their half, had much more ball possession. There's many good things to take for me, more than the United game, but the result was not as good as against United."

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Rodrigo Bentancur barred from Tottenham training ground after scary collapse

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Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur has been temporarily barred from the Spurs training ground until he has been given the green light to return from medical professionals.

The Uruguay international was taken to hospital during his side’s Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool on Wednesday evening after thumping his head into the turf in the early stages of the match.

Play was suspended just six minutes into the encounter after Bentancur’s head hit the ground at full force.

The 27-year-old had been attempting to connect with a corner but misjudged the flight of the ball and was left needing immediate treatment.

Bentancur was moved to hospital after receiving treatment in the Tottenham dressing room.

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham’s medical staff will make regular home visits to check on the midfielder in the coming days. And he will not be permitted to return to Spurs’ training headquarters until he has medical clearance.

Following the scary incident at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs penned a statement that read: “We can confirm Rodrigo is conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks.”

Liverpool posted on their social media channels: “We're all thinking of you, Rodrigo. Speedy recovery.”

Read more... Casemiro ‘agrees January transfer’ to hand Man Utd £51m to play with

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was quizzed about the episode after guiding his side to a 1-0 victory over the Reds.

And the Australian explained: “There's nothing too detailed [at this stage]. He was conscious when he came off the field and he's been taken to hospital for some observations, so we're hoping he'll be okay.

“It was pretty distressing at the time, seeing him go down like that, for the players. Dealing with adversity, these players just compose themselves and responded to it really well.”

Bentancur later shared a picture on his Instagram story that showed him smiling from his hospital bed with his thumb up. And he captioned the post: “All good, guys! Thank you for the messages!!! Congratulations [for] the victory boys!!!”

Bentancur joined Spurs from Juventus three years ago and has gone on to feature 89 times for the north London giants, bagging nine goals and eight assists in the process.

He has started nine Premier League matches this season and three of his side’s four Carabao Cup matches, but could now be set for a period on the sidelines.

Tottenham return to action on Sunday as they travel to Tamworth in the third round of the FA Cup. Postecoglou’s men then take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the north London derby next Wednesday ahead of a trip to Everton four days later.

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TV channel for Tottenham vs Liverpool - How to watch Carabao Cup semi

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Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are set to go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup semi-finals tonight (January 8), with both teams vying for a place in the final of the competition. Spurs, currently sitting at 12th in the Premier League and 22 points off the top, will be hoping to secure some form of silverware under manager Ange Postecoglou.

However, they'll have to get the better of a formidable Liverpool side on home soil should they hope to making it to the final of the cup against either Newcastle United or Arsenal. Managed by Arne Slot, the Reds have been in outstanding form this season, leading the Premier League standings by six points over second-place Arsenal with a game in hand.

Both teams will be looking to gain an upper hand in the first leg before they meet again at Anfield on February 6 – and Liverpool will have fond memories of their last visit to Spurs, having thumped them 6-3 in the Premier League just last month. Here's how you can follow the action from home tonight...

How to watch Spurs vs Liverpool

Fans hoping to watch the game will need a Sky Sports subscription, as the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football. Sky Sports, ITV and the EFL have reached an agreement to broadcast selected Carabao Cup fixtures free-to-air.

This includes the return leg of Liverpool vs Spurs, which will be available on ITV1 and ITVX come February 6. The deal, which began in January 2025, will continue until the end of the 2026/27 season, allowing ITV to air games also available on Sky Sports.

The coverage of Spurs vs Liverpool begins at 7pm on Sky Sports Football. For an additional £20 per month, Sky Sports can be added to any Sky TV package, offering all nine sports channels.

New customers, meanwhile, can access Sky Sports and Netflix through Sky Stream for £35 per month. Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the game via the Sky Go App on their smartphone or tablet as part of their subscription. Alternatively, the match can be viewed with a NOW TV day membership or monthly subscription.

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Ange Postecoglou drops exciting Tottenham team news hint for Liverpool clash

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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has delivered the latest squad update ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final showdown with Liverpool, hinting he could hand out a debut to his newest signing.

Spurs, who have been struggling in the Premier League with no wins in their last four matches, are set to take a breather from league woes as they host Arne Slot's Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.

The north London side have had an impressive run in the Carabao Cup, dispatching Coventry City, Manchester City and Manchester United en route to the semis.

In his pre-match press briefing on Tuesday, Postecoglou informed journalists about the team's availability issues, stating: "Net wise I still think we're down."

He confirmed: "Bentancur back but we lose Maddison and Sarr [due to suspension]. Mikey [Moore] potentially could be back on the bench.

"Everyone from the weekend certainly feels better. Radu is better and Archie. Deki (Dejan Kulusevski) was a bit under the weather but he should be fine."

James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr will miss out on the upcoming clash due to accumulating two yellow cards in the tournament so far, though they will return for the second leg in February.

Rodrigo Bentancur, on the other hand, is back in contention after sitting out the recent Premier League game against Newcastle United through suspension.

Antonin Kinsky, Tottenham's new £12.5million ace from Slavia Prague, might make his debut against Liverpool, as Postecoglou hinted: "We'll see. He arrived Sunday and he's had a couple of days' of training. He's obviously registered to play."

On another note, Richarlison is still on the sidelines, recovering from an injury sustained since early November, with Postecoglou stressing a careful approach to his return.

He said: "With what happened before, the whole plan for him was to get a solid couple of weeks of training and next week should be his second week."

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Tottenham make Son Heung-min decision as Daniel Levy blocks free transfer

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Tottenham Hotspur have secured the future of their star forward Son Heung-min, extending his contract with the club until June 2026.

The South Korean winger, who has been a pivotal figure for Spurs since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, has racked up over 430 appearances and netted 169 goals.

With his previous deal set to expire at the end of the season, there were fears Son could depart on a free transfer but a one-year clause has been activated to extend his stay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by an extra 12 months.

Back in November, Son cast doubts over his stay, admitting: "We haven't talked about anything yet. It is very clear from me.

"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."

He also expressed his desire to clinch silverware for the team, saying: "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]."

Despite rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona, as Spanish reports suggested he was on their radar despite financial constraints, Son is set to remain a Tottenham player for the foreseeable future following the activation of a clause in his contract.

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Tottenham stance on sacking Ange Postecoglou if Liverpool win Carabao Cup semi-final

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Ange Postecoglou's job at Tottenham is '100 per cent safe' regardless of whether they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, according to reports.

Pressure has been mounting on the Spurs boss, who has overseen a dreadful run of two wins in his last 11 games and no victories in his last four. Newcastle United were the latest team to take points from north London with a first-half comeback on Saturday.

Postecoglou stuck his neck on the line earlier this season by reminding fans that he always wins things in his second year. Those comments mean the stakes are high going into the first leg of an important cup semi-final on Wednesday.

However, The Athletic journalist David Ornstein claims there is no uncertainty whatsoever around Postecoglou's future. The Spurs board are backing the Aussie to lead their project forward even if they are turned over by Liverpool.

Tottenham are still in the hunt for a Europa League title, and their FA Cup campaign will begin at Tamworth this weekend. The Lilywhites have not won major silverware since 2008 and they still have chances for Postecoglou's bold prediction to come true.

Spurs chiefs also have their eyes on a top-four spot, despite the fact Postecoglou's side are 12 points off the pace and in the bottom half of the table.

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Injuries have hurt Tottenham this season, and Postecoglou was forced to play 18-year-old Archie Gray and full-back Djed Spence as an unlikely central defensive pairing for the latter stages of their defeat to Newcastle last time out.

The club's belief in Postecoglou has driven them to make an early January signing, with young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky completing his move and penning a six-and-a-half year contract. The former Slavia Prague stopper is expected to challenge Guglielmo Vicario for the No. 1 spot.

Postecoglou is desperate for Tottenham's luck to change over the coming games after being infuriated by a controversial handball call which was waved away before Newcastle's equaliser on Saturday.

"I know what everyone wants me to say but all I'll say is that on any other day, on a fair and even playing field, we would have won that game. Simple as that," he said. "I'm just really, really angry, as angry as I've ever been in my career, that they were denied the right rewards for a fantastic performance."

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