It was Mourinho who brought Hojbjerg to Spurs from Southampton back in 2020, with the midfielder being a mainstay in the club’s starting eleven for the past three seasons.

However, things have changed for the Dane under Ange Postecoglou, who has preferred a central midfield pairing of Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr behind James Maddison.

The 28-year-old was handed his first start of the Premier League season against Fulham on Monday as Bissouma was suspended, with Postecoglou praising the player for the way he handled that ball in Tottenham’s 2-0 win (Football.London).

Hojbjerg himself admitted after the game that it felt ‘amazing’ to get the first 90 minutes of the season under his belt and called on his teammates to continue building on their momentum by taking one game at a time (The Independent).

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Hojbjerg was Conte and Mourinho’s favourite

While discussing how the former Saints star’s situation at Spurs has changed this season, The Athletic have now pointed out the close relationship the player had with Postecoglou’s predecessors.

In fact, the publication asserts that some at Tottenham felt that Hojbjerg was close to Mourinho and Conte in ‘a borderline sycophantic way’.

Spurs Web Opinion

Postecoglou has demonstrated that he trusts Hojbjerg, with the Australian bringing him on as a substitute on seven occasions this season before the clash against Fulham.

Although the Dane has different characteristics to Bissouma, he has showcased that he is technically good enough to play in Ange’s system

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Eric Dier had been a regular starter under pretty much every Spurs manager during his near-ten-year stint with the club. Mauricio Pochettino certainly liked him, Jose Mourinho put a lot of faith in Dier in defence, and he was a mainstay in Antonio Conte’s line up.

However, since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou, Dier has yet to feature for the Lilywhites. In fact, the 29-year-old has only been an unused substitute three times from a possible nine games this season (Transfermarkt).

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are clearly the preferred centre-back pairing for Postecoglou, and the performances and results this year indicate that is the right move.

Now, with his current contract set to expire next summer, it seems highly likely Dier will leave Tottenham in the very near future.

Eric Dier (Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Dier could be reunited with Mourinho

Whether that departure occurs at the end of the season, or in January, remains to be seen. The latest report from Italy, however, suggests the England international could be on his way to AS Roma to work with Mourinho once more.

Il Romanista claim Dier is one of the options for the Italian side come January, and it is thought he would cost considerably less than Jerome Boateng.

However, while CalcioMercato reveal Dier is the favoured option for Mourinho, the fact that Sporting Lisbon are also keen could scupper the deal. The Portuguese side are said to be “willing to shell out a few million” to bring Dier back to the club.

With Roma chief Tiago Pinto wanting to keep costs low, any bidding war could deter the Serie A side from pushing ahead with their interest in Dier.

Spurs Web Opinion

It seems highly likely Dier will move on in January, and that’s something that would really benefit everyone. He needs to play regularly if he has any hope of making it to Euro 2024, and we could raise some funds towards a replacement if we sell him before his contract is up.

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The print edition of Italian news outlet Tuttosport (14/10/23) as relayed by Corriere Giallo Rosso have claimed that Dier is Mourinho’s ‘favourite name’ to arrive in the January transfer window as he seeks improvements to his defence.

Roma have experienced a difficult start to the Serie A campaign having found themselves down in eighth place in the table heading into the international break with just three wins from their opening eight fixtures.

(Photo by Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/Getty Images)

Eric Dier is wanted by AS Roma

Dier has not played a minute of football for Tottenham this season with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven forming the first-choice central defensive partnership, while Davinson Sanchez was even preferred ahead of the England international for the Carabao Cup defeat at Fulham and was sold to Galatasaray just a matter of days later.

SpursWeb Opinion

With Dier’s contract set to expire in the summer, he now faces a decision of whether to leave in January or potentially agree a lucrative pre-contract agreement with an overseas club and depart as a free agent in the summer.

Regardless of Dier’s outcome, there is no doubt that Spurs need to bring in another central defender this winter considering we are considerably exposed if Cristian Romero suffers an injury.

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Dier was a firm favourite under Mourinho during the Special One’s time in North London. In fact, he had been a regular under every Spurs manager he ever played for until recently.

Eric Dier (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho is interested in Spurs’ Eric Dier

Ange Postecoglou arrived in N17 with a new brand of football that requires recovery speed from the two centre-backs, which is not something Dier is naturally blessed with.

As such, Micky Van de Ven was signed to partner Cristian Romero and the two have forged an inspired relationship in the heart of the Tottenham defence so far this season.

Dier has yet to play a single Premier League minute for Tottenham this season, and looks to have fallen way down the pecking order at the North London club.

However, it appears Mourinho may offer the centre-back an exit route in January.

Spurs Web Opinion:

It would be best for all parties if Dier found a move in January, as Postecoglou would be able to sign a new centre-back more in line with his project. Dier will surely also want to get some regular football under his belt and attempt to make a return to the England squad too.

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Conte has already replaced Jose Mourinho in North London (although they were both separated by a short spell by Nuno Espirito Santo in the middle) and it now looks like the Italian could once again follow the Portuguese coach at Roma.

Sport Mediaset say that Mourinho is coming under pressure after Roma’s poor start to the season, with the club currently sitting in 13th place – a long way off their objective of Champions League qualification.

It is suggested his departure from the Giallorossi has thus become a serious subject as rumours of the club seeking a replacement are starting to intensify.

(Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)

Roma could go from Mourinho to Antonio Conte

The report asserts that Conte, who parted ways with Tottenham a little over six months ago, is ready to return to the game and could become an option for Roma.

The outlet explains that while the 54-year-old’s great relationship with Romelu Lukaku could help attract him to the Stadio Olimpico, his salary demands might prove an obstacle for the Serie A giants.

Spurs Web Opinion

Even though the Conte experiment backfired for Spurs and he proved not to be the right fit for the club, the Italian is undoubtedly a good manager, who has complete faith in his principles. 

There is no doubt that he is an upgrade over Mourinho, whose ideas are now completely outdated, and I would not be surprised if the 54-year-old does well at Roma if he does get the job.

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Dier has fallen down the pecking order at Tottenham since Ange Postecoglou’s arrival in the summer, with the centre-back not having played a single minute so far this season.

It was asserted by Football Insider two weeks ago that Spurs have already decided to offload the 29-year-old in January and replace him with Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo.

Eric Dier (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Roma could make a move for Eric Dier

CalcioMercato now report that Jose Mourinho is keen on bolstering his options at centre-back during the January transfer window due to Chris Smalling’s injury problems, with the Tottenham man said to be on his radar.

It is suggested that the Portuguese coach could look to reunite with Dier since he is viewed as a player with ‘explosiveness and experience’.

The report states that the centre-back’s €5m (£4.3m) per year salary is not likely to be a major stumbling block for the Giallorossi.

However, the outlet adds that Dier is not the only option that Roma are studying, with the Serie A club also thought to have their eye on RB Salzburg’s Oumar Solet.

Spurs Web Opinion

I get the feeling that Dier wants to run down his contract and leave the club on a free transfer next summer. That will mean that he has a lot more options to choose from next summer.

However, if an interesting offer arrives in January, one would expect the 29-year-old to seriously consider it, given that he appears unlikely to get any game time under Postecoglou.

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Mourinho was dismissed towards the end of the 2020/21 campaign, just days before the Carabao Cup final, with Ryan Mason taking over as caretaker manager until the end of that season.

What transpired over the summer that year was an embarrassing merry-go-round of different managers being linked to the vacancy at Tottenham and either pulling out of the race, or being turned down by the club.

Eventually, Spurs went with Nuno Espirito Santo, and that did not prove to be a successful appointment. The Portuguese coach was sacked in November and replaced by Antonio Conte.

Of course, Conte is now gone, and Tottenham fans are very happy with his replacement, Ange Postecoglou. But, things could have been very different had Paulo Fonseca taken the job back in 2021.

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Paulo Fonseca needed a year away from football

Speaking to O Jogo (via Sport Witness) about the opportunity he was offered and why it didn’t work out, Fonseca explained changes at the top at Spurs hindered the deal, and he decided to take a break from football instead.

He said: “When I left Roma, it’s no secret that everything was agreed with Tottenham, but things didn’t materialise. There were invitations but I decided it was a year that I should take.”

Apparently, Fabio Paratici’s appointment “completely changed the outcome” of negotiations. Missing out on the chance to manage in England is clearly something Fonseca rues, however.

He added: “It has always fascinated me and I would love to have this experience. But I say it without obsession because I’m in a high-quality championship. Continuing in France makes me feel fulfilled but England is England, all coaches would love to have that experience.

“I regretted this outcome, things were all right but the arrival of a certain person changed everything. I was a little frustrated that I didn’t have the chance to coach this big club and get into the Premier League. But I look little at the past, I look at the present and the future. I’m very happy where I am.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Who knows where Fonseca and Spurs would be if he had taken the job at the time, but thankfully, after a rough couple of years, things are seemingly better than ever at Tottenham. Here’s hoping the reign of Ange Postecoglou continues for many years.

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With Ange Postecoglou seemingly ruling out the prospect of Lloris staying in N17 as an understudy to Guglielmo Vicario (Football.London), the former Tottenham captain is searching for a new club before Friday evening’s transfer deadline.

The Frenchman’s proposed move to Lazio collapsed last week, with reports indicating that the 36-year-old did not want to be the number two for Maurizio Sarri’s side (Fabrice Hawkins).

(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Move to Roma on the cards for Hugo Lloris

TMW have now claimed that Lloris could still end up at the Stadio Olimpico, with Lazio’s local rivals, Roma, said to be eyeing a move for the experienced goalkeeper.

The report states that over the last few days, Mourinho has thought about bringing the Spurs star to the Italian capital to work alongside Rui Patricio.

However, it is claimed that the Roma hierarchy are yet to be fully convinced by the idea, with the Giallorossi said to be currently focused on getting a deal for Romelu Lukaku over the line.

Spurs Web Opinion

Patricio is now 35 years of age and so Lloris might perhaps fancy his chances of competition with the Portuguese goalkeeper more than he did against Ivan Provedel, who is going to be Lazio’s undisputed number one. So, this rumour might actually have some legs. 

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King joined Mourinho’s staff after the Special One took over from Mauricio Pochettino in 2019, and the Tottenham legend returned to being a club ambassador following the manager’s exit.

The 42-year-old admitted that he could not afford to turn down the opportunity to try his hand at coaching when the job was offered to him.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

King told FourFourTwo: “Jose came in and said that he’d like me to be part of his staff. I wasn’t even coaching – I’ve never been a coach.

“It’s one of those things that you simply can’t turn down: this is Jose Mourinho. It was an unbelievable experience. I enjoyed it.”

Tottenham looked on course for a title challenge during the initial part of Mourinho’s first full campaign in charge but the team eventually crumbled in the second half of the campaign, leading to the 60-year-old’s sacking in April of 2021.

Ledley King was hoping for a Premier League win

Speaking about the 2020-21 campaign, the former Spurs centre-back said: “In the first part of the season, everything was going well. We were top of the league in December and I thought we were going to win it!

“But sadly we fell off in the second half. We got to a cup final, beat Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford, and beat Arsenal and Manchester City at home.”

King also revealed that, unlike the intense individual that fans get to see on matchdays, Mourinho was quite a relaxed character in his daily life, usually cracking plenty of jokes.

He added: “The one thing about Jose is that, away from the cameras and the training ground, he’s a lot of fun to be around. He genuinely is.

“He loves to have a laugh and tell stories – he’s got so many great stories. At dinner time, he makes everyone laugh, but then when it comes to the football side it’s very serious.

“There were two sides to Mourinho that not everyone gets to see, and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to see them.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While Mourinho evidently was not a good fit for Spurs, he was certainly extremely entertaining.

There was never a dull moment in his press conferences, although his inclination to protect himself and his image eventually led to him losing the dressing room, which was the same thing that happened at Man Utd, Real Madrid and his second spell at Chelsea.

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Signed for what is still a club record fee of over £60m (TransferMarkt) from Lyon, amid great fanfare, Tanguy was supposed to be the fulcrum around which a new side could potentially be built.

A part of Pochettino’s brave new world along with Gio Lo Celso that would push on from the Champions League final defeat.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Things started promisingly enough, a solid enough debut against Aston Villa saw him find the net in a 3-1 win (Evening Standard), but things never really ignited for the Frenchman. He struggled with injuries and was in and out of the team.

The manager who signed him departed and was replaced by the far more practical/defensive-minded Jose Mourinho; his game time diminished and Tanguy struggled to complete 90 minutes even when he was selected.

The following season was arguably the best in the Frenchman’s time at the club. He played consistently under Jose, who had seemed to get the best out of him, scoring several goals – including the audacious lob against Sheffield United. However, once again, the end of the season saw diminishing game time for the mercurial midfielder.

In some fairness to the player, being at Tottenham recently has been a rather turbulent experience and, by the start of the 2021/22 season he was onto his fourth Tottenham manager in Nuno Espirito Santo, then quickly onto his fifth in Antonio Conte.

Even those with limited understanding of the Premier League and those that frequent it, could see that Ndombele and Conte was a car crash waiting to happen, with the flair and audaciousness of Tanguy firmly at odds with the Italian manager, who valued industry, hard work and discipline above all else.

Therefore, it came as no surprise when, in the January of 2022, Tanguy was allowed to return, on loan, to his former club Lyon. Despite the erratic displays, many hoped that this move would energise Ndombele, allowing him to rediscover the form that had made him such a sought-after talent in 2019.

Disappointingly, his time back in France was unable to do this. After a bright start, the same patterns emerged and his game time decreased further and further until he returned back to London.

The following year was spent at Napoli. Once more, Tottenham fans rushed to see the positives – with an attacking manager in Luciano Spalletti, this could be the making of the man. Could it?

On paper, the season was a success – Napoli romped to the Serie A title, but Ndombele played a peripheral part in that – failing to finish 90minutes in Serie A, and ultimately being an unused sub for the five games – even when the league had been sewn up (TransferMarkt).

There is a Spanish word – ‘remontada’ that has often been used in conjunction with Tanguy Ndombele. It means ‘comeback’ and almost every Tottenham fan has hoped, on multiple occasions, for a Tanguy comeback.

Now, in Ange Postecoglu, we finally had a manager who embraced free-flowing, relentless, attacking football. If the Frenchman was ever going to succeed at Tottenham, it would be now. This was it – last chance saloon.

One straw that fans have always clutched at is that Tanguy has never had a manager who has ‘got him’. Pochettino, arguably, was that man, but the succession of managers after were very different.

Ange, although he has made it quite clear he is not overly close with the players, definitely has a ‘human’ quality and a natural warmth and made it quite clear that all would be given a clean slate.

Initially, the signs were good, Alasdair Gold, an openly dedicated ‘Tanguy-Enthusiast’ reported that the signs were good and he was impressing in training (Spurs Web). How was he going to fit in? Where would he play?

The first seed of doubt emerged when it was announced that he had taken a knock and would not play against West Ham, and then the Lion City Sailors. It seemed horribly predictable. Following the Leicester friendly debacle, he was not even mentioned in relation to the friendlies against Shakhtar or Barca. Something was amiss.

The news then emerged that no one wanted to hear, yet were completely unsurprised to find out. ‘Ange Postecoglou unimpressed with Ndombele’s attitude and timekeeping’ (Express) and that he was available for transfer. Cue the mass exhale and heads going into hands.

This was it – the death knoll was sounding loud and clear for Tanguy’s Tottenham career. Even the most ardent fan of the Frenchman can no longer identify a path of return.

As several tweets mourned, Tanguy Ndombele Remontada June ’23 – July ’23.

Upon reflection on Tanguy’s time in North London, I find it hard to fathom. I have seen very few players with such extraordinary levels of skill and control. He was able to do the unexpected, and in the process make it look so simple; making opposition players look foolish and in doing so delighting the fans.

Unfortunately, there was the other side. The player who did not work for the team, the player who was unfit and was described by Jamie Carragher on national television as ‘a disgrace’ (Evening Standard).

Despite such performances such as the one at Burnley and then Morecambe, the Tottenham fans have been remarkably forgiving, it goes to show that a play with immense talent is afforded far more ‘slack’ than a player with limited ability, who always gives it their all. Those reading between the lines understand to whom I am referring.

What next for Tanguy Ndombele?

Yet, my overriding feeling about Tanguy is sadness. It would be easy to point the finger at him and brand him ‘lazy’ or ‘greedy’. Similarly, I could engage in a diatribe about how ‘If I was on £200k a week, I’d at least get to work on time’.

But – if the situation with Dele has taught us anything – we may only be seeing the tip of the iceberg. We do not know what is going on in his life now or what has happened in his past. We cannot see the workings of his mind or where he is emotionally right now.

I have no doubt, a little bit like with Adel Taarabt, that Tanguy could have been one hell of a player. Indeed, when we signed him, I remember saying to a friend that I expected clubs like Real Madrid to be in for him in twelve months’ time. I was wrong – conclusively.

What a player he could have been. Talked about in the same breath as midfielders such as Modric, Van der Vaart or, dare I say it, Hoddle. His touch, vision, agility and passing ability alone are what many players, even at the highest level, could only dream of.

I hope, genuinely, that Tanguy can rediscover the form that once made him one of the most sought-after youngsters in European football.

At the very least I hope he enjoys playing football again, whether that be in Turkey, France or even Saudi. If he does, then one thing is for sure – the fans will be electrified by this footballing enigma.

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It’s safe to say it was a pretty big deal when Jose Mourinho took over at Tottenham back in November 2019, with many fans hoping the esteemed coach could bring glory to the North London club.

Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Indeed, Mourinho has won trophies at every club he has managed, both before and after Spurs. Sadly, he failed to do so at Tottenham and he was sacked in April of 2021.

The Portuguese coach very nearly did win silverware with the Lilywhites, however, having guided the club to the League Cup final in 2021. He was dismissed just days before the Carabao Cup final, a game Spurs ultimately lost to Manchester City under Ryan Mason‘s care.

Jose Mourinho didn’t feel a connection to Tottenham

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho has praised the connection he shares with the fans of his current club, AS Roma. But, the 60-year-old explained why he didn’t feel the same at Tottenham.

He said: “[The Roma fans] understood what the other fans of my teams understood. Only at Tottenham did I not feel the same sensations. There was no empathy, but it was the COVID period, the stadium was empty. I failed to create a rapport.”

This is not the first time Mourinho has spoken negatively about his relationship with the Spurs fans, having previously said he does not retain a ‘deep feeling’ for Tottenham and the supporters (Metro).

Spurs Web Opinion

To be honest, I sometimes forget Jose Mourinho even managed us. I think the COVID period really tarnished his whole tenure, and fans had little chance to connect with the club at that time.

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A product of the Tottenham academy, Oliver Skipp has now gone on to become a first-team regular for his boyhood club.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The young midfielder now has 82 appearances for the Lilywhites, and one, very special, goal to his name – a screamer against Chelsea last season (Transfermarkt).

Injury issues have prevented Skipp from featuring as much as he would have liked over the last two years, but the 22-year-old is certainly established in the Spurs set-up now and has always been a popular player with the various managers he has crossed paths with in North London.

Skipp once defied Jose Mourinho at Tottenham

Skipp is a fine example of a young footballer who works hard for his team and does what is expected of him.

However, in an interview with SPURSPLAY as part of the Off the Shelf podcast, Skipp explained how he once disagreed with Jose Mourinho about his decision to go on loan to Norwich City.

Skipp said: “I think it was crucial because I’d had two years in and around the first team getting odd starts here and there.

“But [the loan] was something that I felt I needed to do. It’s nice training with the first team but to get that pressure, the environment of trying to win games and play in the first team regularly.

“It’s interesting because before I went, Mourinho rang me just before and said ‘I don’t want you to go’. But I was like ‘Ah, I’d really like to go’ and we had a discussion about it.

“Thankfully, I was grateful he let me go. I felt like I needed to go and play regular games and I perhaps wouldn’t have got the opportunity at Spurs.

“It was amazing [at Norwich] and the fit was just perfect. They were a team that were bossing the Championship that year and the manager was really good.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Skipp made the right call in taking that loan move, as he performed brilliantly for Norwich, helping them win promotion and finding his way into the Championship team of the season too.

It’s a shame injuries have hampered his progress since returning to Spurs, but there’s no doubt Skipp has a big future ahead of him.

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Daniel Levy addressed the loyal Spurs supporters before the last home game of the season, where he promised attacking football “We shall focus on the recruitment of a new Head Coach.

We are acutely aware of the need to select someone whose values reflect those of our great Club and return to playing football with the style for which we are known – free-flowing, attacking and entertaining” [Tottenham Hotspur].

Spurs then proceeded to announce that Nuno Espirito Santo would be the new manager, a decision that baffled many and contradicted his previous statement [BBC].

It was obvious Nuno’s playstyle was not akin to anything like Spurs DNA, despite his infamous quote during his first Spurs interview: “We gonna make you proud, we gonna make you proud.” [Spurs TV]

Everything seemed to be going wrong at Tottenham, who were gearing up for a season of the new and underwhelming UEFA Conference League, with a manager who played with a philosophy that contradicted the club’s ethos, and worse of all, star striker and talisman Harry Kane failing to report to training. [Guardian]

After a disappointing season overall, Spurs had their star player speak the Overlap with Gary Neville, where he was publicly admitting that he was seemingly ready for a new challenge and was willing to make a move to win trophies [The Overlap].

Kane just came off the back of winning the golden boot and the golden playmaker award in a torrid Spurs team, despite being strangely pipped to the Player of the Year award by Reuben Dias. [Premier League]

Spurs fans can understand Kane’s desire to be with a club that matches his ambitions; however, he almost ruined his legacy that summer by missing the first day of training with reports flying out that he was ready for a transfer.

Throughout the entire summer, Spurs fans had been subjected to a long-winded manager hunt, which led to the lukewarm appointment of Nuno, Conference League football to barely look forward to, and their star player, Mr Tottenham himself, Harry Kane, rocking the boat and trying to get a move away. Nothing to smile about.

Can’t smile without you

Heung-min Son has been a fan favourite since day one. Arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in a £22 million deal, [BBC] The South Korean didn’t light up the league in his first season; instead, he was struggling to find his feet.

Son would often blow hot and cold, but his personality was shining through. His off-the-field demeanour was a breath of fresh air, and Son quickly became a popular figure in the dressing room, winning the hearts of his teammates and fans.

When Son really started to find himself at Spurs, he never looked back. Since joining Spurs, Son has had 225 goal involvements in all competitions since his debut, [Transfer Market] even firing in a Balon dor winning strike against Burnley in 2020. [Asian Football Confederation]

In 2018, as a sign of good faith from Tottenham, they offered him a 5-year contract and allowed him to compete in the Asia Games so he could try to win Gold and avoid military service. [Tottenham Hotspur]

All South Korean citizens must attend mandatory military service; however, this can vary based on circumstances. Giving Son a new contract before the Asia Games and allowing him to compete in it during the season was a massive gesture of goodwill and faith displayed by Tottenham that even if he did have to do military service, his financial future would be secure.

Son won gold in spectacular fashion, beating Japan 2-1 in the final, earning the entire squad military exemption, which meant that Son could continue his dream of being a Premier League footballer. [Slate] He would never forget the faith that Spurs had in him.

In the summer of 2021, with everything going wrong, Son gave Spurs fans something to smile about once again when he signed a new 4-year contract despite everything falling apart around him. Son said, “It was already a big honour to play here for six years, the club have shown me massive, massive respect and obviously I’m very happy to be here,” [Tottenham Hotspur] 

The South Korean forward bleeds white for Tottenham, and his love is unmatched by anyone currently at the club. He’s one of the longest-serving players in the squad, and his popularity is off the charts. When I think of Mr Tottenham, I don’t think of Kane; I think of Son, the 2021/22 Golden Boot Winner.

(Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Tottenham

I love Harry Kane, but that summer will always leave a bitter taste in my mouth. Yes, he deserves a club that will match his ambitions, and yes, he does deserve better than us currently.

Kane should in reality be our next captain; however, with 12 months left on his contract, what kind of message does that send if everyone knows the captain is off as soon as his contract ends?

Son’s Tottenham future, legacy, and fanfare are secure. After an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign, we owe it to Son to give him our absolute backing and for him to take up the armband that many greats have worn, such as Ledley King, Steve Perryman, Danny Blanchflower, Hugo Lloris, Gary Mabbutt and many more.

Son is Mr Tottenham; he bleeds lily-white, and unless Kane commits his future to Spurs, Son is next in line for the throne.

We can’t smile without you, Son.

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Former Spurs boss Mourinho has been in charge of the Italian outfit since leaving North London towards the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Since taking over at Roma, Mourinho has enjoyed success, with a Europa Conference League title to his name. He also led the Serie A side to the Europa League final last season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have endured a tumultuous period since Mourinho moved on. Two permanent managers have come and gone, and Ryan Mason has performed duties as caretaker manager twice, but now it appears some stability is in place with Ange Postecoglou taking over as the new Spurs boss.

As the Australian prepares for his first pre-season tour with the Lilywhites, there is excitement in the air around the club, in stark contrast to the negativity felt last season.

Spurs may need new opponents for friendly fixture

Tottenham were originally planning to play Roma at the end of this month in Singapore, but the latest report from La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football.London) reveals the Italian side may have to withdraw from the game.

In fact, Mourinho’s team may be set to cancel their entire tour of East Asia, due to “missed payments from the organisers of the first part of their tour.”

It is said the “decision is not yet official,” but the Giallorossi are potentially heading back to Algarve for a training camp Mourinho has previously favoured.

The report adds that Tottenham have “encountered no issues with their upcoming tour matches or organisers” and would simply find a new opponent should Roma pull out.

Spurs Web Opinion

This seems a bit of an odd situation, but if Roma do withdraw I’m sure Spurs will find a different team to play with little trouble.

It’s a shame, though, as it would have been interesting to face off against Mourinho given his past with the club.

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The final saw fourteen yellow cards handed out by Premier League referee Anthony Taylor, including one for Mourinho and the Portuguese labelled the man in the middle a ‘******* disgrace’ after coming across Taylor and the rest of the officials in the car park of the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

UEFA are now waiting on Taylor’s report to decide whether or not to take action against Mourinho, who suffered his first defeat in a European final.

Mourinho had taken aim at Tottenham in the build-up to the final over the way he was fired by Daniel Levy in the lead up to their Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in 2019.

He told the Daily Mail: “In Roma, they didn’t sack me before the final in Tirana. And in Tottenham, they sacked me before the final at Wembley. Roma gave me the chance to win the final at Tirana. At Tottenham, I had no chance.”

Please be aware the below video contains profanity.

𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗵𝗼: “𝗦𝗲𝗶 𝘂𝗻𝗮 𝗳*****𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗮”

L’allenatore della Roma urla tutta la sua rabbia in faccia all’arbitro Taylor Mentre Rosetti, designatore UEFA, cerca di calmarlo

@GianluVisco #ASRoma #Mourinho #EuropaLeagueFinal #Sportitalia pic.twitter.com/3TxOZAEol0

— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) May 31, 2023

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

SpursWeb Opinion

It is footage like this that makes some fans thankful that Mourinho is no longer in charge at Tottenham, there is no doubting his desire to win but it can certainly rub people up the wrong way.

Spurs have tried the ‘serial winner’ route with both Mourinho and Antonio Conte, instead, they now need a head coach who can motivate and create unity in the dressing room.

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The Portuguese coach has won trophies everywhere he has gone, from Chelsea and Manchester United in England, to Real Madrid over in Spain, and Inter Milan and Roma in Italy.

He made his name when he helped Portuguese side Porto win the UEFA Cup in 2003, and then won the Champions League the following year.

Mourinho took over at Tottenham in November 2019 following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino. He lasted just 17 months before being sacked himself, just days before the Carabao Cup final.

He has since gone on to coach AS Roma, and has been fairly successful there. Mourinho won the Europa Conference League last season, and has now led Roma to the Europa League final this year.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday ahead of next Wednesday’s Europa League final, Mourinho said as quoted by Metro: “The reality is that… I hope the Tottenham fans don’t get me wrong but the only club in my career where I don’t have still a deep feeling for is Tottenham.

“Probably because the stadium was empty, Covid time. Probably because Mr Levy didn’t let me win a final and win a trophy.

“But it’s the only one. So after that – Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United – all the clubs I feel a connection.’

He added: “Maybe people [will say] you cannot love every club – yes, I love every club!

“I love every club because I always felt it the other way around, they also loved me.

“So Roma one day it will be hard [to leave], it will be hard. But we will be connected forever, like I am with all my previous club. Apart from Mr Levy club.”

Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Spurs Web Opinion

I can’t blame Mourinho for not having much of an affinity with Tottenham. He was only with us for a year and a half and had little chance to interact with the fans.

His time at the club ended in ridiculous fashion, too, having been deprived the chance to win a trophy despite getting us to a cup final.

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Richarlison only joined Tottenham last summer in a reported £60 million move from Everton (Sky Sports).

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

However, things have not quite worked out for the Brazilian star in his debut season with the Lilywhites.

Richarlison has scored just three goals for Spurs this season and only got his first league goal for the club at the end of last month (Transfermarkt).

Injuries have plagued the 26-year-old’s first season with the club, but Richarlison has also struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular and find consistency.

Most would expect Richarlison to now knuckle down and look to impress a new manager ahead of his sophomore season, which would hopefully be a big improvement on this term.

However, fresh reports from Il Romanista suggest the player could find himself leaving North London this summer, and Serie A could be a possible destination.

Apparently, Roma, Inter Milan, and AC Milan are all keen on the idea of a loan move for Richarlison in what is believed could be a good chance for the player to “relaunch himself” in Italy.

Given the huge sum of money Spurs paid for Richarlison, it’s claimed there is a chance the club may be keen to “avoid his devaluation” by allowing him to leave temporarily and show what he can do. The report suggests a loan-to-buy deal could suit all parties.

Spurs Web Opinion

We definitely should not be looking to sell or loan Richarlison this summer.

He’s had a tough season but has shown a lot of passion and hard work, and I have a feeling he will come good next year.

I would be very disappointed to see him go so soon.

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Clarke was seen as one of the most promising young talents in the EFL when Tottenham shelled out £10m to snap him up from Leeds United in 2019.

Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

However, the winger never managed to fulfil his potential during the three years he spent in North London and he also underwhelmed during his loan spells at Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers.

The 22-year-old, who has thrived since sealing a permanent move to Sunderland last summer, has now admitted that the switch to N17 came as a surprise.

Clarke told The Athletic: “The actual move to Tottenham was out of the blue.

“I knew I’d done quite well in a debut season at Leeds, but you never expect a team who’ve just lost in the Champions League final to be knocking on the door.

“There was uncertainty. You’re stepping up a level and I was only 17/18 that season. So you’re wondering whether you can survive in that environment, training with those players.

“‘Are they going to be a million miles away from what I am?’ Or, ‘Can I go there and… not stand out, but not feel out of place?’

“After my first week in pre-season, I felt I’d done alright and that doubt sort of goes. But it’s a bit daunting — you’re watching players on TV at World Cups and Champions League finals and suddenly you’re sat next to them putting your boots on to go training.

“But they’re only people at the end of the day. It’s just knowing you can survive and not look out of place.”

Clarke’s cause was not helped by the fact that the manager who brought him to Spurs, Mauricio Pochettino, was replaced by Mourinho just months after his arrival.

The winger remarked that he quite enjoyed working with the Portuguese coach, although his eccentric ways did come as a little bit of a shock, including a line that the former Spurs head coach delivered after his return from the loan spell at Loftus Road.

The former Leeds star said: “Pochettino was the manager who signed me but I went back on loan to Leeds for six months and by the time I came back to Tottenham, it was Mourinho. Again, there’s uncertainty: ‘Is he going to want anything to do with me?’

“But when I went in for pre-season (in 2020) Mourinho was brilliant with me, a really good guy. He wanted the best for me and the team, especially the young lads. He wanted to see the boys develop.

“I think he was at a point in his managerial career where it wasn’t so much about winning at all costs — and that fitted with the club’s philosophy.

“Ryan Sessegnon came through the door at the same time and we both came from the Championship, really. It was about embedding us in the squad and developing us. He was brilliant for that.

“To start with, it was about him seeing what you’re capable of. I remember the first day of pre-season. We were going out to train and I was introduced to him in the physio’s room as I was getting my ankle strapped.

“I’d just been on quite an unsuccessful loan at QPR and he knew, obviously. He just said: ‘Either you’re shit, or QPR are shit. And we’ll find out today.’

“That made me a little bit nervous. I went out to train, did quite well and he put me in his Europa League squad. So there were signs of confidence coming from him and I enjoyed working under him.”

Since his switch to the Stadium of Light, Clarke has demonstrated the potential that many saw him in as a youngster, having managed  11 goals and 12 assists across all competitions this season.

The youngster now has an opportunity to fire Sunderland into the Premier League via the playoffs and he admitted that he feels at home in the North East.

He said: “I have found a sense of belonging here: I feel comfortable and I’m enjoying playing my football. I think you can see that, not just with me but with the whole team. We look confident. And we should be.

“In football, it’s hard to get to a point where you are happy and just stay at that point. We all have ups and downs in terms of form and whatever else.

“But since I’ve come to this club, I feel like it’s been on an upward trajectory and with that direction, you don’t want to be left behind. The club’s getting stronger. 

“You want to be in line with that; be one of those driving it forward. I feel it personally and a lot of the boys feel it. We’re thankful for the opportunity and we just try to repay it by performing.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Even if Sunderland do not get promoted, there is a decent chance Clark might be playing in the Premier League next season as a few top-flight clubs would be watching his progress closely.

However, I personally think it would be in the 22-year-old’s best interest to remain at Sunderland for one more season before considering a step up to a bigger club.

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Kulusevski is currently on loan at Spurs from Juventus but the Lilywhites have the option of making the deal permanent for around £31m in the summer, which they would be obligated to do if they finish in the top four this season (Fabrizio Romano).

Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Even though the Swede has not quite lived up to the high standards he set last season, Tottenham are expected to activate the option to sign him permanently.

In fact, TuttoMercatoWeb reported a few days ago that Antonio Conte’s departure and the uncertainty over Fabio Paratici’s future will not affect the North London club’s decision regarding the winger.

However, some Spurs fans might have been concerned when they saw a picture of Kulusevski chatting to Mourinho in Rome this week.

Durante el día de ayer fue fotografiado un encuentro entre Jose Mourinho y Dejan Kulusevski en la salida de un hotel en Roma.

Por el momento, se desconoce el porqué de la presencia del sueco en la capital italiana. pic.twitter.com/HuknkulCJc

— Planeta Roma (@Planeta_Roma) April 18, 2023

Corriere have now explained that the meeting between the pair, which occurred outside the entrance of a hotel in Rome, was circumstantial rather than a planned one.

It is explained that the two just exchanged a ‘few words’, which was primarily about the Giallorossi’s upcoming Europa League quarterfinal against Feyenoord.

Spurs Web Opinion

Kulusevski has been pretty clear about his intention to stay at Spurs.

So, we do not really need to worry about someone poaching the winger this season, given that we have the option to sign him permanently.

The 22-year-old has not performed as well as expected this season but he would certainly be a big bargain at £31m.

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The Independent revealed on Wednesday that Chelsea were considering a shock move to reappoint Antonio Conte, who parted ways with Tottenham a couple of weeks ago.

(Photo by Ahmad Mora/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

The report explained that the club see the Italian as a winner who can bring structure to the huge squad they currently have, and that they could hold a face-to-face meeting with the 53-year-old if the initial contacts go well.

Releveo have now suggested that Chelsea have also contacted the two head coaches Spurs had prior to Conte – Espirito Santo and Mourinho.

Mourinho has had two spells at Stamford Bridge and won three Premier League titles across that time, and the club have allegedly called him about the possibility of returning to West London for a third stint.

The report explains that Chelsea also like Nuno’s methods and see him as someone who would not generate any friction or ‘ego problems’ in the dressing room.

It is explained that the club see the two aforementioned coaches as valued options, partly due to the number of Portuguese speakers they have in their squad.

Spurs Web Opinion 

While Chelsea might suggest that they are simply being ‘thorough’ by talking to all candidates, it is starting to come off like they lack a clear plan, which has been the case for much of Todd Boehly’s time at the club.

At least, Tottenham seem to have some idea regarding the profile and philosophy of the head coach that they are after. 

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