The Mirror

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is likely to see his future reviewed at the end of the season - if not before - with Daniel Levy having to consider potential replacements

Ange Postecoglou's difficult time in charge of Tottenham continued as they lost to rivals Chelsea on Thursday with the dark clouds still gathering. Defeat left the north Londoners firmly in the bottom half as fans frustration grew.

Victory for the Blues meant they completed the double over their London neighbours with the away section at Stamford Bridge chanting "you don't know what you're doing" at the Australian in the dugout.

Postecoglou has remained defiant all year despite Tottenham being set to post their worst Premier League finish in more than 15 years. It has led to inevitable questions over him and his future at the club with Daniel Levy known to pull the trigger when things get tough.

The likes of Andre Villas-Boas, Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho have felt his wrath and attention has already turned to who could replace Postecoglou if the Tottenham chairman does opt to wield the axe again.

On-field success is now a must for Tottenham with their lack of a trophy closing in on the 20-year mark. For all their exploits away from the pitch the frustration mounts with each passing season and Levy may soon have to look at who can make Tottenham a force as he draws up a possible shortlist.

Marco Silva

There's a number of managers who have outperformed their resources this term and the Portuguese manager is among them. He's really been able to settle into his Fulham tenure after showing brief sparks at the likes of Hull, Watford and Everton.

There is doubt about whether Silva will remain at Craven Cottage beyond this season, even without talk of him taking the Tottenham job, and he may feel as though he's taken Fulham as far as he can with a new challenge now on his radar.

Andoni Iraola

When a relatively unknown Spanish manager rocked up on the Dorset coast there were plenty of red flags, but it has proved to be a masterstroke from the Bournemouth hierarchy.

After a slow start Iraola proved what a shrewd tactician he is and the Cherries enjoyed a promising campaign in his debut year but have catapulted to new heights this term with European football a genuine possibility. Iraola is seen as one of the most exciting managers in England and it is very much a case of when, not if, he makes a step up.

Kieran McKenna

The Ipswich Town boss is a bit of an outlier. It is easy to see him as a man who is about to take the Tractor Boys down without much of a fight, but what he did in the years prior to that was quite stunning. Taking Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in two years and who knows what he could do with extra resources.

He's also shown himself to have an eye for a player with Liam Delap's signing and subsequent development a huge notch on the ex-Manchester United assistant.

Thomas Frank

He's been increasingly linked with top jobs having turned Brentford from a Championship outfit into a stable Premier League side. Despite losing top players annually Frank has kept the Bees in a good spot and the manner in which he plays the game has also been a huge compliment to him. Brentford have claimed numerous big scalps with Frank seemingly not afraid of any challenge.

Maurico Pochettino

The outsider but the talk about a romantic return to Tottenham has been mounting and we know that Levy has his number saved. Pochettino took the club to their highest heights since the Premier League began and he's currently coaching the USA, but could well be tempted to make a move back.

There would no doubt be reservations, but the Argentine was able to tap into some stellar young talent and may well back himself to do so again. But while it would be a move that tugs on the Tottenham heartstrings, it will also do the same to the purse strings.

The BBC reported that the release clause in his contract with the US national team is "one of the biggest financial compensation fees in football history". Whether Levy would green light that for a manager he has already sacked once, remains unlikely.

The Premier League have confirmed that Moises Caicedo's fine goal in Chelsea's match with Tottenham was chalked off after a VAR check because Levi Colwill had strayed into an offside position.

Caicedo lashed a superb volley into the bottom right-hand corner just minutes after Enzo Fernandez had headed the Blues into a 1-0 lead during the second half. However, Colwill went for the ball initially with Cristian Romero which led to calls for the goal to be chalked off.

Although referee Craig Pawson and his officials initially awarded the goal, VAR checked the call and overruled the decision. And the Premier League took to social media to confirm the process behind the call.

They wrote in a post on X: "VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Colwill was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

There was even more drama just minutes later when Pape Matar Sarr sent a thunderous strike from range beyond Robert Sanchez in the home goal.

But Chelsea players quickly protested after what they felt was a foul in the build-up. And they were proven right just minutes later when VAR advised Pawson to head to his monitor to correct another call.

Join the debate! What did you make of the VAR calls? Let us know here

The Premier League shared another post confirming that a foul on Caicedo was the reason for the overturn, saying: "VAR checked the referee’s call of goal for Tottenham - and deemed there was a foul by Sarr on Caicedo in the build-up and recommended an on-field review. The referee then overturned the original decision and the goal was disallowed, with Sarr then cautioned for a reckless challenge."

And just to rub salt into Sarr's wounds, he was then shown a yellow card for his challenge on Caicedo, who was left in a heap on the turf.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, two of London's premier football clubs, are eager to regain their footing in the Premier League following a disappointing run leading up to the international break. This upcoming London derby promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a much-needed victory.

Tottenham Hotspur, despite languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table, have shifted their focus towards the Europa League. They eagerly await their quarter-final match against Eintracht Frankfurt later this month. Despite their league position, Ange Postecoglou's squad are heavily tipped to clinch the Europa trophy, a triumph that would grant them access to next season's Champions League.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are well-positioned to claim their place at Europe's elite competition through their league standing. Enzo Maresca's squad is also considered strong contenders for the UEFA Conference League title this season.

However, securing a top-four finish in the Premier League appears to be a more daunting task due to fierce competition amongst teams in the upper half of the table. Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in their last match before the break.

Tottenham Hotspur also stumbled against Fulham in an away match just prior to the international break. Now, both teams face another London derby challenge as they strive to return to their winning ways.

Chelsea vs Tottenham Odds

Chelsea - 4/6 (CopyBet)

Draw - 10/3 (CopyBet)

Spurs - 7/2 (CopyBet)

Chelsea vs Tottenham Betting Tips

Both teams to score - 1/2 (CopyBet)

Cole Palmer to score anytime - 21/20 (CopyBet)

Chelsea vs Tottenham Betting Offer

Bookies CopyBet are offering new customers £60 free bets when they place a £20 qualifying bet.

Simply register and bet £20 on a single bet on the match on minimum 1.9 odds and CopyBet will give you three free bets worth £20 each to place on football, horse racing and other popular sports too.

Full T&Cs apply. New UK customers only. The qualifying bet should be either a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £20, have 1.9 or greater odds and must be settled within 7 days of opt-in. 3 Free bets include: 1 x £20 Free bet Racing (Horse Racing or Greyhound Racing); 1 x £20 Free Bet Live Football; 1 x £20 Free Bet Live. Max payout – £500. 7-day expiry. To unlock the offer, complete the first deposit via the banking app (Open banking). 18+.

Full terms and conditions apply |gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only

Gamble responsibly

Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.

Ange Postecoglou sends message to Mauricio Pochettino after ex-Spurs boss vowed to return

Under-pressure Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has insisted he doesn't feel threatened by much-loved ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino saying he wants to return to the club one day

Ange Postecoglou insists Mauricio Pochettino is welcome to come back to Tottenham. Under-pressure Postecoglou says he “did not feel disrespected” by Pochettino saying that he wants to return to Spurs in the future.

United States boss Pochettino, who led the club to a Champions League final in 2019, told Mirror Football that “in the bottom of his heart” he wants to return and “one day win with Tottenham.” Pochettino remains a firm favourite with Tottenham fans and his comments did not go down well in all quarters of the club and they could be seen as turning up the heat on Postecoglou whose long term future is in major doubt.

Tottenham have lost 15 games in the Premier League this season which is more than half their 29 games played and they are clinging to the Europa League as their last remaining hope of silverware.

Spurs boss Postecoglou, whose side go to bitter rivals Chelsea on Thursday night, said: “Mauricio, if he wants to come back one day, I hope it happens for him. We all have dreams and aspirations, if that’s what he wants.

“You’re suggesting that he’s trying to put pressure on me? Well, I don’t feel disrespected. I think if you ask Mauricio that question directly, you’d get a pretty clear answer as to what his intent was.

“Again, nothing from me to sort of be consumed with. I’m more focused on trying to make sure we win tomorrow night.”

Postecoglou is under mounting pressure at Tottenham with Pochettino getting heavily linked as well Fulham boss Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, who is another potential target.

Postecoglou has been forced to defend his methods repeatedly this season with mounting dissent coming from the stands. He remains utterly committed to his playing style and still believes he can turn things around after Spurs’ injury woes eased.

“There’s no doubt there’s probably a large portion of Tottenham fans who have lost a bit of faith and belief in what we’re doing,” he admitted. “They were encouraged by what they saw last year but that certainly hasn’t manifested itself this year.

“I still am really optimistic and bullish about the squad we’ve got. I think there will be enormous growth in them once we can navigate through this. Surviving tough times can be such a strong uniter of people.”

Spurs head to Stamford Bridge on Thursday sitting 14th in the Premier League, a whopping 15 points adrift of Chelsea. Dreams of a top-four finish are long gone, with their hopes of European qualification resting solely on the Europa League, where they face Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of the quarter finals on April 10.

Tottenham are not expecting to spend big on new players in the upcoming transfer window, with club chairman Daniel Levy firing a warning to fans after the release of their latest financial results

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has hit back at criticism of the club's transfer business, insisting they simply "cannot spend what we do not have". Spurs were ranked as the ninth-highest revenue generating club in world football by the 2025 Deloitte Money League.

However, they had the lowest wages to revenue rating of the top 20 clubs which has led to repeated calls from fans and pundits for Tottenham to be more active in the transfer market.

Levy, though, has touted that fact that Spurs have spent "invested over £700 million net" in players since opening the new stadium in 2019.

He also emphasised the fact that they need to ensure their spending remains "sustainable in the long term" after what has been a "highly challenging season on the pitch".

Tottenham currently sit 14th in the Premier League, but remain in with a chance of winning the Europa League. After the club released their latest financial results, Levy addressed criticism of their transfer strategy.

"As we announce our financial results for the year to 30 June 2024, we currently find ourselves in 14th position in the Premier League, navigating what has been a highly challenging season on the pitch," Levy said.

"We are, however, in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. Winning this competition would see welcome silverware and mean qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

"We must do everything we can to support the team in these final key stages. Since opening our new stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £700 million net in player acquisitions.

"Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means. I often read calls for us to spend more, given that we are ranked as the ninth richest club in the world.

"However, a closer examination of today's financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues. Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power.

"We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club – indeed, our off-pitch revenues have significantly supplemented the lower football revenues this year, testament to our diversified income strategy.

"I want to thank everyone who supports us through good times and bad. We are resilient and passionate about our Club. We shall aim to finish this season as strongly as we can and continue to build for success on the pitch."

Tottenham remain 14th in the Premier League during what chairman Daniel Levy described as a "highly challenging" campaign but Europa League offers Ange Postecoglou a huge opportunity

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is calling on Ange Postecoglou to deliver silverware at the end of a "highly challenging" season.

In an address accompanying the club's most recent financial accounts Levy conceded that the first team's results have been below expectations - while separately underlying the cost of missing out on Europe.

Spurs, who return to action with a meeting against Chelsea on Wednesday, are 14th in the Premier League and reliant upon going all the way in the Europa League to ensure they are in UEFA competition next season.

Levy said: "As we announce our financial results for the year to 30 June 2024, we currently find ourselves in 14th position in the Premier League, navigating what has been a highly challenging season on the pitch.

"We are, however, in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. Winning this competition would see welcome silverware and mean qualification for the UEFA Champions League. We must do everything we can to support the team in these final key stages."

And the club's accounts show how valuable being in Europe is. Spurs missed out on being involved last season having earned £56.2m for reaching the Champions League round of 16 a campaign prior - not including additional matchday revenue.

The club said: "UEFA prize money was £1.3m (2023: £56.2m) reflecting the difference between not participating in European competition in the current year and reaching the Champions League Round of 16 in the prior year. The prize money in the period is a final account payment relating to the prior season’s competition."

Matchday receipts also fell by £11.8m on account of nine fewer home games, although the club continues to make the most of its stadium with Beyonce among those set to perform lucrative gigs there this summer. Last year's commercial revenues rose to £255.2m, up from £227.7m 12 months earlier.

But Levy did urge a familiar note of caution around recruitment, adding: "We must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means. I often read calls for us to spend more, given that we are ranked as the ninth richest club in the world.

"However, a closer examination of today’s financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues."

Djed Spence has been one of Tottenham's best players in a difficult season and his impressive displays led to speculation he could earn an England call-up, before being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel

Tottenham defender Djed Spence has been urged to switch allegiances from England to Kenya after being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel in his latest squad selection. Spence has been one of Tottenham's standout stars in a tough season for the North London outfit after forcing his way into Ange Postecoglou's starting XI.

The full-back had previously been frozen out of the squad by the Australian but convinced him to give him another chance after a huge string of injuries and he is now a first-choice defender on the teamsheet.

His performances led to suggestions he could be picked by Tuchel for games against Albania and Latvia, but was omitted.

However, he told told former Three Lions star Rio Ferdinand he was still intent on playing for England in the future and vowed to keep working hard for a place.

Former Kenya player Taiwo Atieno, though, feels Spence should consider playing for the Harambee Stars, who are currently managed by ex-Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy.

He said Spence would become a major star in Africa if he changed his international allegiance and insisted he was not valued in the England set-up.

"I was watching the Rio Ferdinand YouTube interview with Djed Spence, where he mentioned playing for England," he told Flashscore.

"I’ve followed Djed’s football journey for the past four years now - I came across him because he’s a fellow South Londoner, and he has dual Kenyan heritage. But as someone who once walked the same path of dual heritage in South London, I believe now is the right time to offer a different perspective - one shaped by experience.

“Unlike England, where the depth of talent, especially at wingbacks, often keeps even Premier League regulars on the fringes, Kenya offers Djed a chance to become a central figure - not just on the pitch, but in shaping the future of Kenyan football. With Kenya’s ambition to qualify for its first-ever FIFA World Cup, Djed could lead a golden generation and write a powerful new chapter in Kenyan and African football history.

"In England, Djed may be a name on a long list. New young players in England pop up every other month. In Kenya, he has the potential to become a national icon - someone, who opens doors for others and inspires millions across the continent.”

"My point is Djed should consider Kenya because he could write a story into the history books that hasn’t been written yet and leave a football legacy, during a post-career that is nearly impossible to obtain in England."

Spurs signed Spence from Middlesbrough for around £20m in 2022 and he has gone on to play 30 games for the club, after loans at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa in the last two seasons.

Jack Grealish's minimal role for Manchester City this season could lead to a move away from the Citizens for the £100million man as one club could prove attractive thanks to one player in particular

Jack Grealish's WhatsApp group with James Maddison could be brought out of the archives after Tottenham Hotspur were linked with signing the Manchester City star. The 29-year-old has been a bit-part player for the Premier League champions this season, achieving a mere 605 minutes of action in what has been a disastrous defence of their league crown.

The likes of Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva have been preferred by Pep Guardiola in the wide positions leaving Grealish out in the cold. The legendary boss may have been subject to a dig by the England star after their 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth on Sunday.

Despite being a regular starter in City's FA Cup campaign, Grealish was relegated to the bench but came on in the 69th minute in Foden's place in what was his first appearance since a brief cameo against Spurs on February 27.

Following the game, the winger took to Instagram and perhaps aimed a jibe at his lack of action on the pitch when posting: "Was nice to finally be back out there. Away support was incredible… Wembley next."

Despite a trophy-laden career in Manchester which has seen Grealish claim three league titles and a UEFA Champions League, he requires consistent football if he wants to fight his way back into Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

Grealish was a notable but deserved omission from the German's first international squad earlier this month and with the World Cup approaching next year, he could be seeking pastures new. One club that has been linked with signing the maverick player is Spurs.

It was a move that was reportedly heavily on the cards in the summer of 2018 after Aston Villa loss in the play-off final to Fulham. However, Grealish stayed with his boyhood club in the Championship and earned promotion to the Premier League the next season.

A move to the Lilywhites would see reunite with Maddison who he not only shares a close friendship with but are members of the same WhatsApp group called 'The Avengers'. Also featuring the likes of Dele Alli, Ben Chilwell, Ross Barkley, and John McGinn, the Spurs star revealed the existence of the chat in an interview with ex-Hull City star David Meyler.

"We have a little group chat called The Avengers," Maddison admitted. Grealish claimed that either himself or the ex-Leicester City midfielder are the biggest culprits of being on constant alert in the chat. "Me or Madders," he told UMM's Assumptions in 2021.

"On that point (Maddison) is on the group chat 24/7. Someone writes in it and then bam, he's ready straight away. Constantly in there. Then there's people like Chilly, he'd be online and he wouldn't read it."

Grealish - who reportedly earns £300,000 per week at City - could prove to be a difficult deal to complete for Spurs whose rigid wage structure would likely prevent such a transfer taking place.

Arsenal and Tottenham will play an extra North London derby fixture this summer when they meet in Hong Kong as part of their respective preparations for the 2025-26 season

The North London derby will take place outside of the UK for the first time ever this summer after Arsenal and Tottenham confirmed they would meet in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong ahead of the 2025-26 season.

The rivalry between Arsenal and Spurs is among the fiercest in football and it's Mikel Arteta's side who currently have the bragging rights after winning both Premier League matches against their bitter rivals this term. They will meet again, though, before the start of next season on July 31.

Both clubs issued statements on Monday morning revealing that Arsenal and Spurs will meet at the Kai Tak Stadium as part of the Hong Kong Football Festival.

The recently opened stadium has a capacity of 50,000 and will make history by becoming the first stadium outside of the UK to host the iconic fixture.

Arsenal's Managing Director, Richard Garlick said of the news: “Everyone at Arsenal is excited to be visiting Hong Kong in July. It’s great to be back with our men’s first team squad after 13 years, and gives us the opportunity to meet so many of our fantastic supporters in the region again.

“As well as training hard and playing the match, we cannot wait to connect with our Hong Kong supporters in this wonderful part of the world. Playing against Tottenham Hotspur in the magnificent new Kai Tak Stadium will be a great experience for both teams and supporters, and will be a very important part of our pre-season preparations ahead of the new season.”

Tottenham's Chief Revenue Officer, Ryan Norys, added in a statement of their own: “There are few bigger occasions in English football than a north London derby and to play this fixture in Hong Kong will be a huge occasion for our passionate fanbase across Asia, as well as providing ideal preparation for the team ahead of the new season.

“As is tour tradition, the Club will be involved in so much more than the match itself when we visit, supporting charitable causes, celebrating local culture, delivering football clinics for young people and engaging with fans and partners. We cannot wait to visit such a beautiful place once again.”

Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League ahead of the final fixtures of the campaign, while Spurs are 14th after a difficult second season for Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham have the option to sign loanee Mathys Tel on a permanent transfer for £45million when the summer transfer window opens, but parent club Bayern Munich hold a veto

Tottenham may have the decision whether or not to sign Mathys Tel taken out of their hands by Bayern Munich. Tel joined Spurs in the January transfer window, signing on loan until the end of the season in search of more regular game time, having struggled under Vincent Kompany’s management.

The France under-21s forward has returned just one goal in seven games for Tottenham so far and the jury remains out over his potential for Ange Postecoglou’s side. The deal agreed between Bayern and Spurs sees the north London side have a purchase option set at €55million (£45.7m).

However, Bayern could undercut that, with Kicker reporting that the Bavarian giants are considering calling back all the players who are out on loan ahead of the Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 in the United States. Tel's contract with Spurs is due to expire on June 30, but FIFA has opened up a new transfer window between June 1 and June 10.

That could allow Bayern to terminate their existing agreement with Spurs and bring back the Frenchman. The split transfer window was ratified this week and will see deal-making reopen on June 16 until September 1. It could present an issue for Spurs, should they want to keep Tel.

The young forward made it clear that he would be open to staying when he signed in February. "Why I chose Tottenham, because that was the best option for me, what was important for me," Tel said.

"I felt the commitment, I spoke with the president [chairman Daniel Levy], talked with the manager. I'm young, I've started to grow up and this was the best option for me and I'm very happy. I'm very excited to play with my team-mates, for the fans. That's a new challenge for me, a new chapter to open.”

Speaking earlier this month, Postecoglou has emphasised the need for patience with Tel. "Mathys came in a really tricky time for us in that it's different if you haven't been playing regularly and then jump in but he's kind of been trying to build up his fitness,” he said. “At the same time we've been putting him out there pretty regularly because of our lack of options.

“He's still a young man, it's a different league and there are different demands. Certainly at the moment we are not in our best moment like last night when he is going to get loads of chances.

"Again, working with him since he came in, he's got a really strong head on his shoulders and last night, as disappointed as he was to come off, it didn't seem to affect him in terms of his mental aptitude to deal with it and get on with it and try and make an impact in the best way he can.”

He added: "[Mathys] hasn't made the impact that he probably wanted to but the circumstances of where we are at, I think it's unfair to put that on his shoulders. He has done as well as he possibly can. I'm sure in between now and the end of the year people will see him and realise what a talent he is and my job is to make sure we protect him through that."