TBR Football

Ange Postecoglou has been assessing Tottenham Hotspur’s tricky season and what he would have done differently now looking back.

Postecoglou is facing no immediate danger of being sacked by Tottenham, although the Europa League looks to be his final chance to prove he is still the right man for the job.

The North London club are currently sitting in 14th in the Premier League which has led to serious question marks over the manager’s future.

However, the Australian coach remains in charge for now and has been talking about the biggest mistake he has made this campaign.

Ange Postecoglou on his big mistake at Tottenham this season

Ange Postecoglou claims that his biggest mistake at Tottenham Hotspur this term was attacking the early part of the campaign with too much force.

The 59-year-old admitted that he underestimated the challenges of being back in Europe and believes he should have taken a more cautious approach with managing his squad.

In Spurs’ last match, Postecoglou was arguably too cautious against Fulham when he left Micky van de Ven on the bench and took off Cristian Romero just after the hour mark.

The multiplying effect of so many matches and losing players to injury has left the Lilywhites ‘chasing their tail’ this season and the team have struggled to find stability, Postecoglou admitted.

When asked to look back at what he might have done differently this season, Postecoglou told Optus Sport: “I guess the dominio effect of certain things happening. You try and assess things as you go along but my inclination is we probably got the start of the year wrong.

“It’s becoming increasingly challenging for footballers these days they don’t get a traditional break, I just think we went into the start of the season really hard and probably underestimated the challenges of Euorpe this year with your two extra games and having a big cup run.

“Then you add into the mix that we lost some key players earlier on and it feels like we’ve been chasing our tail ever since and we haven’t been able to get some steady ground. A lot of that goes back to the start of the year, maybe we would have taken a different approach knowing the season we had ahead.”

Can Ange Postecoglou save his job at Tottenham?

TBR Football reported last month that Levy had informed Postecoglou that at minimum, he would be required to qualify for Europe and winning the Europa League appears to be his only hope.

Postecoglou’s team face a tricky quarter-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt this month, with the German club currently third in the Bundesliga.

Spurs would need to show significant signs of improvement to stand any chance of defeating Dino Toppmoller’s side who have been impressing over recent weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi as a possible contender to replace Ange Postecoglou and their hopes of landing him have been assessed.

Tottenham are believed to have added Inzgahi to their shortlist of names to potentially replace Postecoglou should they decide to sack him.

The Italian joins Spurs’ list which currently includes Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola, along with Fulham boss Marco Silva.

Postecoglou remains safe at Tottenham for now, however, should results continue to get worse in North London, then Daniel Levy could well take action.

Tottenham’s chances of getting Simone Inzaghi rated

Fabrizio Romano has told Tottenham Hotspur that their hopes of landing Simone Inzaghi in the summer are looking increasingly slim.

The Lilywhites admire the work Inzaghi, who Thierry Henry has called ‘outstanding’, has done with Inter and have added him to their list of replacements for Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs are expected to face an uphill battle to snatch him away from Inter Milan should they decide he is the man they want as their next manager.

Inzaghi remains fully focused on his project at the San Siro with Inter, especially so with his team still in strong contention for the Serie A title, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

What are Tottenham saying about sacking Ange Postecoglou?

Tottenham insist that they have not yet made a decision on whether to sack Postecoglou and that his future depends on the team’s progression in the Europa League.

The North London club face a tricky quarter-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt this month, with the German club currently third in the Bundesliga.

TBR Football revealed last month that Levy had informed Postecoglou that at minimum, he would be required to qualify for Europe and winning the Europa League appears to be his only hope.

Spurs are currently sitting 15th in the Premier League and finishing in a European spot now looks to have gone.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is under a lot of pressure.

Spurs have had a shocking season. They have lost 15 of their first 29 games in the Premier League and are currently 14th in the table – level on points with 16th-place West Ham United.

That is simply not good enough, even with their injury issues. Daniel Levy has sacked managers for much less over the years.

Postecoglou, however, is still with a job, and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the latest on the Australian’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham have no hope of recovering in the Premier League, and the domestic cup competitions are not up for grabs to them either.

That is the reason why several Spurs fans want their manager gone already, but Levy has shown a lot of patience with the Australian.

That is because Tottenham are still in with a chance of winning the Europa League this season.

The North Londoners, despite their terrible campaign in the league, could still qualify for the Champions League next season if they go all the way in Europe.

That is why no decision has been made on Postecoglou’s future yet, but Romano has claimed that there could be a change in management next term if Spurs collapse again in the coming weeks.

He wrote on GiveMeSport: “Sources at the club guarantee that no decision has been made so far as there’s still an important competition ongoing: the path to the Europa League final doesn’t look impossible for Tottenham Hotspur, with the club feeling they can make something special happen.

“Ange Postecoglou’s hopes to keep his job at Spurs are now strictly linked to performances in Europe. Winning the trophy would be an important achievement of course – it’d also mean Champions League football next season and the opportunity for Postecoglou to continue his project at Spurs.

“But, if Spurs are not able to win the Europa League or even show their best version until the very end, there is a high possibility to see a managerial change at Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.”

The teams Tottenham could face in the Europa League if they reach the final

Romano is right, Tottenham’s road to the Europa League final does not look impossible.

Spurs, on their day, are capable of hurting any team in the world, and with many of their injured players coming back, they definitely have a chance to go all the way.

Here are the teams they could face if they do.

None of those games are guaranteed wins for Tottenham, but Postecoglou’s side should fancy their chances against many of them.

However, if Spurs aren’t careful, Eintracht Frankfurt, who are third in the Bundesliga table, could crush their dreams very quickly.

If that happens, Postecoglou will very likely lose his job.

Jan Vertonghen, who recently announced his retirement from football, will go down as a cult hero at Tottenham Hotspur, but the story of why he chose them over Arsenal will make him even more popular.

Vertonghen will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on a 19-year-long career as a senior footballer.

The Belgian international will end his career in the top division in his home country with Anderlecht, but his time in North London is where he will be most fondly remembered.

His former Tottenham and Belgian national teammate Toby Alderweireld is also retiring at the end of the season, which will leave Spurs fans reminiscing on one of the best defensive duos their club has ever seen.

Jan Vertonghen on why he rejected Arsenal for Tottenham

Speaking back in December 2012, just after his move from Ajax to Tottenham Hotspur, Jan Vertonghen revealed how he rejected a move to Arsenal.

The Belgian international explained how the Gunners wanted him to play as a holding midfielder, with Arsene Wenger viewing him as the next Emmanuel Petit.

However, Vertonghen wanted to play as a central defender and therefore, the project which Tottenham sold him proved to be more appealing.

Vertonghen told NU: “Arsenal was also concrete, but they wanted to make me a midfield controller, an Emmanuel Petit type. I’m not afraid of competition, but the overall picture of Spurs appealed to me more.”

How good was Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld’s record together?

Vertonghen and Alderweireld was a defensive partnership which played such a key role in helping Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham teams to be so good.

Unbelievably, Tottenham failed to win any silverware with those teams as they finished runners-up in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

The Belgian defensive duo played together at Tottenham on 135 occasions, winning 75 matches and conceding 138 goals.

Even now with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in defence, it’s tricky to see the North London club having such a strong partnership for a very long time.

Tottenham have often welcomed Croatian players to N17.

The likes of Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka and Niko Kranjcar represented Spurs in years gone by, with Ivan Perisic also playing for Tottenham before his exit in 2024.

Another Croatian is set to represent Tottenham shortly in Luka Vuskovic – who is currently starring on loan at Westerlo.

Spurs paid £12m to sign the defender ahead of Manchester City when he was just 16 years of age.

Now – according to 24sata in Croatia – Luka Vuskovic could have a fellow countryman waiting for him at Hotspur Way this summer, as Tottenham are looking to sign Luka Stojkovic from Dinamo Zagreb.

Tottenham want Luka Stojkovic

The Croatian news outlet are now claiming that Tottenham are keen to sign the 21-year-old this summer after being left impressed by his performances this season.

Stojkovic has shone with four goals and three assists in 18 SuperSport HNL appearances for Dinamo Zagreb this term, displaying his versatility too by operating in a central attacking role, as well as on either flank.

However, there is fierce competition for Stojkovic.

Luka Stojkovic could replace Heung-min Son

TBR Football understand Tottenham are ready to move on from Heung-min Son this summer.

The South Korea international will only have 12 months remaining on his contract by the time June arrives, and Spurs withdrew from talks over a new contract due to the fact they feel concerns regarding his longevity at the age of 32.

Son has admittedly looked a shadow of himself this season with only seven goals in 26 Premier League appearances, so Stojkovic could well replace the Tottenham No.7 this summer.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will both be hoping to bolster their respective striker departments in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal are interested in signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, who could transform their fortunes and finally turn them into a Premier League title-winning team if he makes the move to Mikel Arteta’s side.

Tottenham have two centre-backs on their books in Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel, who Spurs love despite his struggles since joining the club on loan from Bayern Munich.

But Ange Postecoglou may agree that up front, the Lilywhites still lack real star quality.

A number nine who both Arsenal and Tottenham could compete for to sign is Jonathan David, who has the potential to elevate both sides.

Free agent Jonathan David to cost Arsenal and Tottenham £28 million

Arsenal have held talks with Lille’s David as they try to persuade him to consider a move to the Emirates Stadium.

David is on Andrea Berta’s shortlist of strikers as the Italian tries to finalise which number nine would suit Mikel Arteta’s side the best.

But Tottenham are ready to sign David from Lille after trying to snap him up during the winter transfer window.

But journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed in his column for Sky Sports Switzerland that Arsenal and Tottenham will have to pay €34 million (£28.5 million) to sign Jonathan David due to his three demands.

While the Canadian international is one of the most exciting strikers in Europe, both Arsenal and Tottenham will have to determine whether he is worth paying £28.5 million towards.

Jonathan David has already suggested preference between Arsenal and Spurs

The 23-year-old is having yet another terrific season in France, with 23 goals and 10 assists to his name in all competitions this season.

The prospect of signing the Brooklyn-born goalscorer on a free transfer, despite having to pay £28.5 on other costs would surely excite several clubs across world football.

But David suggested he’d rather join Arsenal over Tottenham when asked about his future recently as the in-demand marksman emphasised his desire to play at the highest level.

“I’m not sure if I’m staying or going, but if I do end up going I think I have to push myself at the very highest level.”

But with Arsenal chasing Gyokeres’ signature and Tottenham’s struggles this season, David might even end up heading to another club.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s key players has held talks with one of Europe’s biggest clubs about a move away from North London this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur look set for a big summer of change with the future of Ange Postecoglou and several important players in doubt.

The Lilywhites have had a torrid season so far as they are currently sitting 15th in the Premier League and face a very tricky Europa League quarter-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Now, one of their top stars has held talks about a move away in the summer and Spurs could be open to selling him for the right price.

Cristian Romero discusses Atletico Madrid transfer with Diego Simeone

Cristian Romero has recently spoken on the phone with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone about a potential move to Spain, according to Sky Sport.

The £42m defender is believed to be ‘excited’ by the possibility of joining the Colchoneros, meanwhile, the Aregtniaian manager has made him a priority transfer.

Atleti have also started talks with the player’s entourage to talk about personal terms, which won’t be an issue for the Spanish giants.

Tottenham’s stance over a deal makes the move tricky as Daniel Levy does want to sell him, although they have set a valuation on him which is believed to be around £67 million.

Who could Tottenham sign to replace Cristian Romero?

Tottenham have been tipped to use the money to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace who is set to be available for around £75 million.

Spurs bid for Guehi in January, however, Crystal Palace opted to reject the offer with the defender holding out for a move in the summer.

TBR Football recently reported that Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande has been placed very high on Tottenham’s list of replacements.

In total, Alejo Veliz made eight appearances for Tottenham Hotspur under Ange Postecoglou before the side decided to seek a loan move for the striker.

Veliz spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Sevilla in La Liga, where it always felt like a tall order for the young Argentinian to play regularly.

The now 21-year-old made six appearances for the club playing 31 minutes in total – an experience which was perhaps a learning curve off of the pitch, but one that didn’t have obvious benefits in front of the La Liga cameras.

That being said, Tottenham found a better fit for Veliz at newly-promoted Espanyol this season, where the striker has made 24 appearances, scoring four goals in the process.

And after his loan at the Spanish side is concluded, Tottenham plan to assess Veliz in pre-season.

Alejo Veliz rejects move to River Plate in favour of European stay

That considered, reliable Argentinian outlet Tyc Sports are now reporting that Veliz has rejected an approach from River Plate in regards to a permanent move.

River Plate have been interested in Veliz and seemingly made their move to establish whether the young striker would be keen to head back to Argentina.

However, according to this new report, Veliz immediately rebuffed the club’s interest – he wasn’t interested in their plans to boost their squad ahead of the Club World Cup.

The Spurs striker is instead intent on focusing on his ‘football development in Europe’, perhaps suggesting that he might head out on loan again next season.

In fact, Veliz wasn’t even prepared to talk numbers with River Plate given his decision to remain in Europe, where he might even be targeting chances back at Tottenham next term.

Dominic Solanke won’t fear Alejo Veliz’s competition

Of course, it does currently seem difficult to imagine a regular spot for Veliz back at Postecoglou’s side.

Tottenham are interested in signing a striker in the summer, perhaps suggesting that the Argentinian is not in their first team plans.

In addition, Spurs want to give Dane Scarlett more minutes, another young striker who is right on the cusp of first team football in N17 right now.

In terms of Veliz’s future at Spurs, he is under contract with the club until 2029, meaning there’s no rush to make any long-term decision.

And perhaps another loan in Europe will suit Veliz very well next season, a striker who still needs to make a lot of progress if he intends to challenge Dominic Solanke in north London.

Mikel Arteta could soon have a new managerial opponent in the north London derby next season.

Ange Postecoglou is under pressure at Tottenham as Spurs currently sit 14th in the Premier League, and could be handed his P45 in the coming weeks if he fails to improve the situation.

TBR Football understand Marco Silva is an option being considered by Daniel Levy – along with Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank.

The trio have all impressed with their work at Fulham, Bournemouth and Brentford respectively – with each side sitting above Tottenham at the time of writing.

Now, Mikel Arteta has shared his thoughts on Marco Silva ahead of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Fulham.

What Mikel Arteta said about Marco Silva

The Spaniard has now been quoted by the BBC as saying: “They are always a tough opposition. They are well coached and they have been together for many years. They have great organisation and individual quality. They have a very clear identity and idea of how to approach the game, so we have to be very good to beat them.

“We had a lot of dominance in the last game against them (1-1 draw in December) but they were very clinical. They managed to score the goal and sat back and reduced the spaces.”

Silva – who is also a target for Juventus – can boast 81 wins and 35 draws from his 175 games in charge of the Cottagers, which is an excellent record.

Fulham have a plan to fend off Tottenham

TBR Football understand Fulham want to tie Silva down to a new contract – and have a plan up their sleeve in a bid to convince the Portuguese coach to stay.

The Cottagers hope to lure Angel Gomes to west London, a player Tottenham also want to sign, with Fulham believing a successful swoop for the England international will go some way in keeping Silva at Craven Cottage.

Harry Kane has been raving about an attacker who both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen to add to their front line in the summer following what has been a disappointing campaign under Ange Postecoglou.

Meanwhile, just down the road, Arsenal are also looking for a number nine and a wide forward as they look set to come up just short in the Premier League title race again.

Kane is hopeful that neither club will be able to get their hands on him and that the ‘terrifying’ attacker commits his future to Bayern Munich.

Harry Kane raves about Leroy Sane

Harry Kane has been discussing the possibility of Leroy Sane staying at Bayern Munich and the prolific partnership he has developed with the German forward.

The £54m attacker is out of contract with Bayern at the end of the season and has several major clubs from around Europe chasing his signature.

The duo were key in Bayern’s win over St. Pauli as Sane netted twice and Kane managed a goal and assist to maintain their six-point gap at the top of the Bundesliga.

Kane told BILD: “It’s obvious that I harmonize very well with him. He has great qualities and terrifying skills! It was a top game from him and great to see how he converted his chances. He often gets into those positions and was ice-cold in front of goal today, which is what we need.”

The former Tottenham striker had admitted that he hopes the 29-year-old’s future at Bayern gets resolved and he stays at the Allianz Arena.

“It’s not my decision, but the club’s. But I really like playing with Leroy and would love for him to stay. But that’s a discussion between him and the club,” added Kane.

Tottenham and Arsenal offered chance to sign Leroy Sane

TBR Football revealed earlier this month that Sane has been offered to Liverpool, Tottenham, Man United, Arsenal and Newcastle United.

The Gunners have only shown an interest for now, and that is also the case for Spurs and United, who are keeping tabs on his situation.

Sane has not yet ruled out the possibility of remaining at Bayern, however, as things stand, it appears unlikely.