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Tag: Tottenham

  • Conte fumes at pre-World Cup schedule as Son adds to Spurs’ injury woes

    Antonio Conte accused football’s organisers of demonstrating a lack of care for players after Heung-Min Son joined Tottenham’s mounting injury list ahead of the World Cup.

    Tottenham have the chance to move 13 points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League table when they host the Reds on Sunday, but have been beset by fitness concerns in recent weeks.

    With Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski already sidelined, Spurs suffered a huge blow on Tuesday when Son sustained a fracture around his left eye in their Champions League win at Marseille, throwing his chances of featuring in Qatar into doubt.

    Defender Cristian Romero, meanwhile, has missed Tottenham’s last two games with a calf problem, and will not be fit to return against Liverpool.

    Speaking at Friday’s pre-match news conference, Conte said the game’s organisers were paying lip service to concerns over player welfare.

    “It’s better to start with a smile. We need to face this situation, we need to try to finish these three games in the best possible way,” Conte said.

    “We have these injuries; Richarlison is not available for the game, it’s the same for Romero.

    “About Romero, I can tell you if he has the possibility to play with one leg, he will play with one leg. I tell the fans that we have players really committed to the club.

    “Maybe Romero has an injury because he wanted to take a risk, but for sure, many teams are having big injuries, because we are playing every three days.

    “We are seeing this situation is impossible for the future. Many times, I hear about the welfare of the players, but [talking] is only a polite way of showing they care.

    “They’re not really worried about the welfare of the players if the schedule is this, if the most important thing is that the show must go on.

    “In the future, I don’t want to hear or speak about the welfare of the players, because this is not true.”

    Conte offered more positive updates on the conditions of Rodrigo Bentancur and Kulusevski – the latter having not featured since September after sustaining a hamstring injury – but Lucas Moura’s participation against Liverpool appears uncertain.

    “Bentancur is much better and was part of a training session,” Conte said. “It was the same for Kulusevski, he had half a training session with us.

    “The problem is Lucas Moura is having different phases with his pain. Today it was really bad, and they told me he was really worried about this. I asked him to try to be available.”

    Sunday’s match will represent the first time Tottenham have hosted Liverpool while above them in the Premier League table since October 2017, when they posted a 4-1 win over the Reds.

    That, however, remains Spurs’ most recent league victory against Liverpool, who are unbeaten in the teams’ nine subsequent meetings in the competition (W6 D3).

    Source: Livescore

  • Hojbjerg says Spurs will just have to ‘deal with’ Conte absence in Marseille

    Tottenham will simply have to “deal with the fact” Antonio Conte will not be with them when they face Marseille in Tuesday’s crunch Champions League group-stage game.

    That is according to Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who took over press conference duties along with assistant head coach Cristian Stellini after Conte decided not to attend following his red card at the end of the draw with Sporting CP last week.

    The Spurs head coach was furious after Harry Kane’s stoppage-time goal at 1-1 was ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside, and his reaction saw him sent off.

    As a result, Conte will be banned from being on the touchline or in the dressing room for the crucial Group D clash with Marseille at Stade Velodrome.

    “Of course, your head coach is a massive part of the team,” Hojbjerg told reporters on Monday. “Luckily he has a very good staff and players who are very well aware of what he expects from them and we’ll try the best to fill his role.

    “Whether he’ll hide in a laundry basket [referencing Jose Mourinho doing so at Chelsea in 2005 when banned], I don’t know. I’d say no,” he joked.

    “He’s a person who lives every game with great passion, with his heart. We need to make sure we’re well-prepared, which we are. We have to deal with the fact that he’s not on the sideline.

    “For me it’s not a difficult situation, it’s more a different situation. We know what we have to do and realise the ambition. The focus is on the pitch and what we have to do.”

    Spurs lead the group heading into the final round of matches but know they must win to guarantee their passage to the last 16, with a draw only being enough should Sporting and Eintracht Frankfurt also draw.

    Marseille are bottom of the group, but will leapfrog Spurs with a home win, though Igor Tudor’s side are winless in their past four games in all competitions (D1 L3).

    “Our ambition is to go through. That’s what we’re playing for,” Hojbjerg added. “It was a rollercoaster last week [against Sporting CP] but that doesn’t help us now. We have the chance tomorrow to achieve our objective.”

    Stellini confirmed Spurs will still be without injured trio Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Cristian Romero, and outlined what the situation will be with Conte’s involvement on the day.

    “He will sit next to Gianluca [Conte, technical and analytics coach] for sure. I don’t know where. He will be here at the stadium,” Stellini said. “He will work with us until we arrive here and then we have to stop the communication and then he will stay close to Gianluca.

    “We have prepared all the strategies and our strategies are clear. We have to play our match at the best and we all have to do something more to fill the gap.”

    Source: Livescore

     

     

     

  • Conte ‘enjoying every single moment’ as he nears Spurs anniversary

    Antonio Conte says he is “enjoying every single moment” at Tottenham as he nears a year in charge of the Premier League club.

    Conte, appointed in November 2021, has not always portrayed his time in London in quite such a positive light, outlining the need for improvement and investment in order to seriously challenge.

    Meanwhile, his Spurs contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

    But ahead of Saturday’s match with Bournemouth – Tottenham’s final league game before November 2, the date on which Conte was appointed last year – the Italian spoke in glowing terms of his “adventure”.

    “I always say that I am enjoying my time in Tottenham,” he said. “In one year, we had a great path together, with the club, the players, the fans and you [media].

    “I think I am enjoying every single moment in my adventure in Tottenham. For sure, I discover a modern club, a club with a fantastic training ground and an amazing stadium.

    “[I discovered] the passion of the fans, at the same time the demands of our fans – the demand is very high. I continue to enjoy every day.”

    Conte has guided Tottenham to third, although he and the club approach his anniversary on a tough run.

    Spurs lost consecutive Premier League matches to top-six rivals Manchester United and Newcastle United, before they were held by Sporting CP in the Champions League as a late Harry Kane winner was struck off.

    Conte fumed after that decision, which followed a lengthy VAR delay deep into stoppage time, and he had no interest in reframing his thoughts on Friday.

    “I said what I said,” he told reporters, adding: “I didn’t change my mind.”

    Tottenham had already been frustrated by the officiating in the Newcastle defeat, as Hugo Lloris complained he was fouled in an incident involving Callum Wilson that led to the opening goal.

    Spurs appealed at length to the referee, only for the goal to be awarded regardless, and the Football Association confirmed on Friday the club had accepted a £20,000 fine for “failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion”.
    Source: Livescore

  • Lenglet says Kane is to Tottenham what Messi is to Barcelona

    Harry Kane’s importance to Tottenham is as significant as the impact Lionel Messi had during his career at Barcelona, according to Clement Lenglet.

    France defender Lenglet is well known to Messi having played alongside him at Camp Nou and also against the Argentina great during his time at Sevilla.

    Messi had been a one-club man until the start of the 2021-22 season when Barca’s perilous financial situation saw him depart for Paris Saint-Germain.

    The superstar forward became the club’s all-time leading scorer and a record seven-time Ballon d’Or winner at Barca, while he counts 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League medals among a plethora of honours won with Los Cules.

    While Kane has yet to win a medal with Spurs, Lenglet – who joined Tottenham from Barca on loan in the last transfer window – talked up the impact he has on the club.

    In quotes reported by the Daily Mail, Lenglet said: “When you stay a long time in the same place and you achieve so many good things with the club it means you become a part of this club.

    “Your face is connected to the club. For me, Messi is always a Barca player.

    “For Harry it’s the same. It’s difficult to think of Harry in another country or playing for another team. Tottenham is a big club, Harry is a big player and Harry is a big part of Tottenham.

    “We speak a lot about the player and that’s important because we are players but I give the same importance to what he is like as a guy. He is an amazing example for all his team-mates.”

    Describing what it is like to be play with and against Messi, Lenglet added: “You play with the greatest player in the world in my opinion.

    “He helps you improve every day. I played with him [for Barca] and against him for Sevilla – it’s better with him!”

    Lenglet has made just three Premier League starts for Spurs this season but said it only required a short conversation with boss Antonio Conte to persuade him to make the move to north London, where he is still adjusting to a new way of life.

    “We spoke about a lot of things. He [Conte] told me if I came here I would improve because the league is so competitive, you have to be ready and focused every game,” Lenglet said.

    “He said if I came here I would be happy because I would progress as a football player and it has been a good decision.

    “It’s a different culture, a different way to work. I was in Spain for six years. You work one way, you think one way, the football is the same. Now, you come to England – a different league, different intensity, different way to work. It’s a good way to improve.”

    Tottenham sit third in the Premier League and are out to rebound from defeat against Manchester United when they face Newcastle United on Sunday.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Spurs star Hojbjerg is the ultimate midfield general

    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a manager’s dream when it comes to consistency and following orders.

    The Danish destroyer has been an ever-present in Tottenham’s midfield since his arrival from Southampton in the summer of 2020 and has taken his game to a new level under Antonio Conte.

    Hojbjerg, 27, has featured in every Premier League game for the North Londoners this season and has only been withdrawn prior to the final whistle once.

    Ahead of Spurs’ blockbuster clash with Manchester United tonight, we turn the spotlight on the 60-cap international.

    Engine power

    Midfield maestro Hojbjerg is a workaholic and will pop up in every area of the pitch during any given contest.

    Hojbjerg has provided some crucial contributions for Spurs in the final third this season, netting three league goals alongside one assist.

    But when the former Saints man is not combining with Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son in attack, he is helping protect Hugo Lloris in goal with last-gasp clearances and blocks.

    In his first 10 Premier League games of this campaign, Hojbjerg has made 16 tackles, 13 interceptions and 17 clearances.

    This is testament to his fantastic work-rate as he follows his passes and looks to drive through midfield on the counter-attack.

    Spurs’ No5 also ranks in the division’s top 10 for passes completed, meaning when he is not chasing after the ball, he is dictating the play.

    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been a midfield general for Tottenham this season
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been a midfield general for Tottenham this season

    Natural leader

    Nicknamed ‘The Viking’ by Spurs fans, Hojbjerg is a likeable character who is hugely respected by his peers.

    His partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur in the middle of the park is the perfect match, with the Uruguayan often pulling out the fancy flicks and turns while his Scandinavian colleague steadies the ship in the face of any mistakes.

    The former Bayern Munich star is also very vocal on the pitch and is not shy when it comes to expressing his delight or frustration.

    He can often be seen celebrating a last-ditch tackle or congratulating his team-mates when they score.

    Hojbjerg’s goal against Everton last Saturday was a perfect example of both his intelligence and determination to make an impact.

    After seeing the ball won back by Kane, he recognised the absence of the striker in the final third and darted forward, eventually latching on to Bentancur’s cross to steer home.

    Under the radar

    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has taken on many shooting opportunities this season
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has taken on many shooting opportunities this season

    Much like Kane, Hojbjerg is not the most naturally gifted player in the world, but his hard work is what separates him from the regular crop.

    He has been quietly consistent for the best part of two years at Spurs and only now is he beginning to receive the recognition that he deserves.

    His performances have drawn praise from many pundits, including former Spurs player Garth Crooks.

    On Hojbjerg’s performance against the Toffees, Crooks said: “I don’t know why I was so surprised.

    “Hojbjerg has been a brilliant addition to the team and quietly consistent for some considerable time.”

    Another ex-Spurs player, Jamie O’Hara, has also been lavishing compliments, saying: “I watch him play a lot, and I think he is fantastic.

    “He gets in Liverpool’s midfield, he gets in Manchester United’s midfield. For me, he is one of the best midfielders in the country. I think he is underrated.”

    Sharing the wealth

    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur have formed a solid partnership at Tottenham
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur have formed a solid partnership at Tottenham

    In the past, Spurs have been reliant on Kane and Son to score the majority of their goals — but under the guidance of Conte, Hojbjerg is now thriving in a more attacking role.

    The use of three central defenders gives license for the midfield pivot to get forward and the 6ft 2in talent has translated his fine international form into domestic prowess.

    Having provided three assists for Denmark in their impressive run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020, it is clear that Hojbjerg can be utilised further up the pitch too.

    This is something Conte agrees with and the former Inter Milan coach believes his first-choice midfielder has what it takes to reach the top.

    He said: “Pierre’s a really good prospect to become a really top midfielder.

    “For sure he has to continue to work in the way he is doing. I am absolutely satisfied about his performance.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Tottenham in ‘right condition’ to win Premier League, says Brighton boss De Zerbi

    Tottenham are capable of winning the Premier League, according to Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

    The Italian faces compatriot Antonio Conte’s side on Saturday in his first home game since taking over from Graham Potter at the Amex Stadium.

    Brighton could leapfrog Spurs into third with a win, with the Seagulls currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table, three points and three goals behind the north London club having played a game fewer.

    After losing at rivals Arsenal last Sunday, Spurs are four points off the Gunners at the summit, but speaking at a press conference on Friday, De Zerbi thinks Conte’s men can still challenge.

    “I think Tottenham are in the right condition to win the Premier League,” he said. “It’s not easy, because there’s [Manchester] City, Liverpool, Chelsea, but in the transfer market they bought very good players and after one year to work with Antonio, I think they are able to win the Premier League.

    “The squad is better than one or two years ago. If he doesn’t play [Dejan] Kulusevski, he plays Richarlison, if he doesn’t play [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg or [Rodrigo] Bentancur, he can play [former Brighton midfielder, Yves] Bissouma.

    “Tottenham are a good team, not only the first 11 – but 20 or 22 players.”

    De Zerbi’s reign at Brighton got underway with an impressive 3-3 draw at Liverpool last Saturday, with Leandro Trossard scoring a hat-trick at Anfield.

    “I never speak about the result, but my teams always play with courage and braveness,” De Zerbi said. “I want my team playing to make the game with personality and the right mentality to build the right condition to win the game.”

    The former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk coach also said it could take time for his influence on the team to be seen, but conceded he does not intend to change much from Potter’s successful time at the club before the Englishman left for Chelsea.

    “It is a difficult moment for a lot of things, for the language, for the new staff, the new team, for the new ideas,” he said. “I would like to put more ideas in… I don’t want to change that much, but of course I want to put my hand [on the squad].

    “If [owner] Tony Bloom and [chief executive] Paul Barber have chosen me, it means they want to see the team playing with my idea of football.

    “At the same time you have to deal with not changing too much, but also how to put my ideas on top.”

    Tributes will be paid at Saturday’s game to Tottenham’s fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone, who died earlier this week at the age of 61 after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

    “We are very sad for this loss,” De Zerbi said. “Some of my assistant staff knew Gian Piero. We are sorry for him, for Antonio and his staff and for the family.

    “It was very bad news for Tottenham, but also for people who work in our football world.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Conte rues missed opportunities as Spurs draw with Eintracht

    Antonio Conte has urged Tottenham to be “more clinical” after they were held to a goalless draw by Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.

    Despite registering 11 shots on goal, Spurs failed to score in successive group games in the competition for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

    Conte’s side subsequently missed the chance to move top of Group D, but the Italian praised the intensity and personality demonstrated by his players on the back of a 3-1 North London derby defeat at Arsenal.

    “We played a match with great intensity; we didn’t allow them to play their football or press a lot in every area of the pitch,” he told BT Sport.

    “At the same time, we have to be more clinical. We created many chances to score. At the end, we are talking about a draw. It is a good draw because it is not easy to play away with the atmosphere. We played a good game but if you don’t score, you don’t win.

    “There are moments you are more clinical, there are moments like in the game against Arsenal and today; you create chances, but make a mistake with the last pass.

    “It is important to create chances; the game was good for us and we played with a great personality.”

    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was left disappointed by his team-mates’ failure to turn positive build-up play into a breakthrough, but the midfielder highlighted the maturity on display as they ended a run of three successive away defeats in the Champions League.

    “We are not 100 per cent happy, I thought we prepared until the penalty area well,” Hojbjerg said. “We tried to get in behind them, but the opportunities we had, we didn’t use them. It’s disappointing. The last bite needed a bit.

    “I thought we took the game well, we tried to be dominant. We tried to find the spaces and tried to overcome the first pressure.

    “If you cannot win, you don’t lose the game. The team presented themselves as very mature. We are here, we are competing and every game, we want to win.”

    Spurs are second in Group D, two points behind Sporting CP and level on points with Eintracht.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • ‘It was a great goal and we practised that a lot’ – Arsenal skipper on Partey’s goal

    Martin Odegaard, the captain of Arsenal, said that Thomas Partey’s spectacular goal in their 3-1 victory over Tottenham with 10 men came directly off the practice field.

    Partey scored his first goal outside the penalty area for the club, a pin-point curling effort from 25 yards out, to put the Gunners ahead 20 minutes into the north London derby.

    Hugo Lloris and Cristian Romero made a mistake, and Gabriel Jesus took advantage of it to give Arsenal the lead from close range. Granit Xhaka then scored a crisp third goal after Emerson Royal was sent off for a dangerous foul on Gabriel Martinelli.

    “It was a great goal. We knew before the game he was going to be free in those areas and we practised that a lot, to find him in those areas, and he made a great shot,” Martin said as quoted by the club’s website.

    “I think he played a great game as well so a lot of credit to him, and of course the team.”

  • Arsenal need ‘important’ Thomas Partey against Tottenham – Legend

    Before Saturday’s North London Derby against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith explained the significance of Thomas Partey.

    Partey had a thigh injury earlier this year and missed a couple of Arsenal games before making his comeback in the 3-0 victory over Brentford right before the break.

    The 29-year-old was scheduled to start for Ghana against Brazil in a pre-World Cup friendly, but he was forced to leave the starting lineup just before kickoff last Friday.
    He was taken out of the picture for safety’s sake.

    “Partey is a big concern. He is so important to that Arsenal team and to that midfield,” Smith said as quoted by Football London.

    “We saw without him against Manchester United there were big holes in that midfield that allowed [Bruno] Fernandes to put those balls through. I don’t think that would have happened with Partey in the team and you don’t want to be reliant on one player quite to this extent, he is so important.”

    He added, “[Mohamed] Elneny is out for a period of time so they are short in midfield.

    “They need Partey in there and that could tip the balance. With him, they are so much more of a solid side able to support that talented attack.”

    Partey has made four league appearances for Arsenal so far this campaign.

  • Mikel Arteta confirms Thomas Partey will be available for Tottenham game

    Thomas Partey, the Black Stars’ vice captain, will be eligible for Arsenal’s match against Tottenham on Saturday, October 1, 2022, according to manager Mikel Arteta.

    Partey reportedly injured his knee during the international break, making him questionable for the North London derby.

    Arteta, with a big smile, confirmed that Partey “is part of the team” when asked about the Ghanaian’s availability for the game during his pre-match press conference.

    The midfielder, who recently recovered from a thigh injury, was named in Ghana’s starting line-up for their game against Brazil on September 23, 2022, but was withdrawn due to discomfort during warmups.

    The 29-year-old was permitted to depart the Ghana camp in France for further evaluation in London.

  • ‘Ban them for life’ – Conte wants no mercy for fan that threw banana at Richarlison

    Antonio Conte wants a lifelong ban from football to be imposed on the supporter who threw a banana at Richarlison while the Tottenham striker was on Brazil duty.

    The apparent act of racist abuse came as Richarlison celebrated scoring in a 5-1 win over Tunisia at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Tuesday.

    Richarlison expressed outrage after the game and called for stiff punishments to be imposed, while appearing to doubt such strong action would be taken.

    The likes of his Spurs team-mate Harry Kane and former England captain Rio Ferdinand have offered their support, demanding action is taken, and now Tottenham boss Conte says there must be heavy sanctions.

    “I think we have to take the good part of the situation. Richy played with the national team, scored goals,” Conte said.

    “Then what happened is incredible because in 2022 to witness this type of situation is embarrassing for everybody.

    “For sure I hope these people are banned from football for the rest of their lives.

    “It’s a very disappointing situation to have to make a comment on this. I want to take the best part of the game from Richy. He scored goals and he enjoyed playing with Brazil.”

    Tottenham said in a statement on Wednesday the club were “disgusted” by the abuse, adding: “This has no place in football, or anywhere. We stand with you, Richy.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Moura confident ‘this is the year’ for Spurs title bid

    Lucas Moura is confident Tottenham can fight for the Premier League title this season under Antonio Conte, claiming “this is the year” to mount a challenge.

    Spurs stand unbeaten in the first seven Premier League matches of the season and can move top of the standings on Saturday if they beat rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

    The north London duo, alongside defending champions Manchester City, have led the charge in the early months of the campaign, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United encountering issues.

    City stand as the favourites in the eyes of many, with Spurs and the Gunners’ credentials still being debated, but Moura is insistent his side will be in the running this year.

    “To be quite honest, of all the seasons I’ve been here, I think this is the one we have the best chance, this is the one we have the greatest expectation,” he told Stats Perform.

    “I think we can [challenge for the title] because of the quality of the squad, the quality of the coach and the team as a whole.

    “The squad has strengthened in these years and has been getting stronger on the national stage and on the world stage.

    “Tottenham today are a great power in football.

    “We have a very qualified squad. So, I believe that of all the years I’ve been here, this is the year we’re closest to the title.

    “We know it’s very difficult, the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world. There are many teams that are strong this year, so we know about the competition.

    “But I think we can manage to fight for the title.”

    Moura made it clear that a trophy is necessary for the season to represent success for Spurs, particularly with the club having not lifted silverware since winning the League Cup back in 2008.

    “I can speak for myself personally, but I believe it’s a collective thought – I think a successful season would be winning a title,” he added.

    “A team like ours, which has the structure it has, the investment it has, the stars it has, not only as a player but as a coach as well, going so long without winning a title means winning the trophy this year would be a very positive point.

    “With the other teams, with everything they’ve conquered in the last few years, winning a title would be fantastic for us.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Kulusevski credits Conte for inspiring transformation after Juventus struggles

    Dejan Kulusevski believes Antonio Conte’s coaching style has been critical in his personal improvement at Tottenham after stagnating with Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus.

    Kulusevski rose to prominence during the 2019-20 season when on loan at Parma from Atalanta, with his form in the first half of that campaign persuading Juve to spend €35million on him.

    Although he played 55 Serie A games for the Bianconeri after linking up with them ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, Kulusevski struggled to find the same prominence and consistency he enjoyed at Parma.

    Spurs struck a deal in January to take the Sweden international on loan for 18 months, and the agreement will become permanent for £29.2m (€32.6m) if certain sporting criteria are met.

    Kulusevski quickly made an impression – from the date of his signing until the end of the season, no player registered more assists than his eight in the Premier League, while Kevin De Bruyne (17), Son Heung-min (20) and Harry Kane (21) were the only three individuals to tally more goal involvements than the Swede’s 13 over the same period.

    Similarly, his three assists this season is third to only De Bruyne (six) and Bukayo Saka (four) – he is finding his feet, and he does not think he could have found such comfort had he stayed at Juventus.

    “In football sometimes things simply go wrong,” Kulusevski told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

    “I have not changed anything about myself in recent months: mentally I went always to go on the pitch and gave my best.

    “At Juve, however, it didn’t work beyond what I tried to do. I didn’t feel great for so many different reasons and when you realise that things are not right, then it’s difficult to reverse course by staying in the same environment.

    “So, the choice to leave Italy was the best I could have made in that situation.

    “In England I am great, everything is better than in Turin, both on and off the pitch. As I said, now I really always want to play football.”

    Kulusevski has no doubt what the key difference is: Conte.

    Source: Livescore

  • Lampard insists Gordon is ‘our player’ amid Chelsea interest

    Everton manager Frank Lampard has stated that nothing has changed on the future of Anthony Gordon amid strong links of a move away from Goodison Park.

    It has been reported that Chelsea could be ready to pay up to £60million to take the 21-year-old to Stamford Bridge, while Tottenham and Newcastle United have also apparently been interested.

    After the departure of last season’s top goalscorer Richarlison to Spurs and the injury to striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, it has fallen on Gordon to lead the line at the start of this campaign.

    Gordon started on the bench for Everton’s EFL cup game with Fleetwood Town on Tuesday and Lampard opted not to bring him in on in the 1-0 victory, amid rumours that Chelsea are preparing a new bid having reportedly already seen multiple offers exceeding £40m rejected by Everton.

    But Lampard says that nothing has changed yet, telling talkSPORT: “He’s our player and the latest is the same as what I said after the game against Nottingham Forest.

    “He’s our player and he’s got three years left on his contract. We’re aware of the interest of Chelsea as the world is now.

    “This situation has to be right for Everton Football Club and for me as the coach of the team so we’re in the same position that we were a few days ago.”

    Source:livescore.com

  • Emery says Foyth wants Villarreal stay but knows he could join Barca

    Unai Emery says Juan Foyth wants to stay at Villarreal but knows he could join Barcelona before the transfer window closes.

    Barca have targeted defender Foyth after missing out on Cesar Azpilicueta, who decided to stay at Chelsea.

    Villarreal vice-president Jose Manuel Llaneza warned the Catalan giants they would have to meet the €42million release clause in order to sign the Argentina right-back.

    Emery reiterated that former Tottenham full-back Foyth is not looking to leave, but the Villarreal head coach accepts there are no guarantees he will stay.

    “Barca’s interest is real,” Emery told Cadena SER’s ‘El Larguero’. “It’s a position they need and it fits for them. The issue is whether the player wants it or not, he has always told me that he is very happy.

    “He does not contemplate leaving and wants to stay. From here, I don’t know to what extent circumstances will go one way or the other.

    “He’s an important player for us and he’s grown a lot in recent years. I don’t rule out that at any given moment the surprise will be against us, but the most normal thing is that he stays at Villarreal.”

    Emery is hoping to add to his squad by signing striker Edinson Cavani, who is also wanted by Valencia.

    The former Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal boss said: “I spoke to Edinson Cavani we have a good relationship, he wants to come to Spain. It’s possible.”

    Source:livescore.com

     

  • Tottenham sign former Man Utd defender, Amy Turner, on two-year deal

    Tottenham have signed former Manchester United defender Amy Turner on a two-year deal.

    The 31-year-old has signed a contract until 2024 with Spurs, with the option to extend for a further year.

    England’s Turner made 67 appearances for United between 2018 and 2021 before spending a season with Orlando Pride in the United States.

    “Amy is a leader on and off the pitch and will be an asset to us,” Spurs head coach Rehanne Skinner said.

    Turner, who has been capped four times by England, helped Manchester United win promotion to the Women’s Super League in their inaugural campaign.

    She may get an immediate chance to face her previous club at the start of the season as Tottenham open their WSL campaign against United on 11 September.

    Source: BBC

  • Richarlison: Tottenham sign Brazil forward from Everton in deal worth £60m

    Tottenham Hotspur have signed Brazil forward Richarlison from Everton on a five-year deal believed to be worth £60m.

    The 25-year-old scored 10 goals and provided five assists as he helped Everton avoid relegation last season.

    He scored 43 goals in 135 league appearances for the Toffees after joining from Watford in July 2018.

    The Hornets had signed Richarlison for £11.5m from Brazilian side Fluminense in 2017.

    Playing either as a wide attacker or central striker, Richarlison finished as Everton’s joint-top scorer across all competitions in his opening two seasons on Merseyside, reaching double figures in three of the four seasons he spent with them.

    He made his senior international debut for Brazil in September 2018 as a second-half substitute in their 2-0 win over the United States and has gone on to make 36 appearances, scoring 14 goals.

    In 2019, he was named in the 23-man squad for the Copa America and scored in the final as Brazil won the tournament for the first time since 2007.

    He also played at the rescheduled 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals as his side won gold.

    Tottenham have brought in the forward as they prepare for a season in which they have qualified for the Champions League.

    They have already signed England goalkeeper Fraser Forster on a free transfer after the 34-year-old left Southampton.

    Source: BBC

  • Spurs go top after Kane’s late winner

    Harry Kane fired Tottenham to the top of the Premier League as the striker’s late goal sealed a 1-0 win against struggling West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

    Jose Mourinho’s side knocked Southampton out of first place thanks to Kane’s dramatic intervention at the Hawthorns.

    His 150th Premier League goal was perfectly timed after Tottenham had laboured to break down stubborn Albion.

    Having scored his 200th Tottenham goal in all competitions against Ludogorets on Thursday, Kane now has 13 goals this season.

    Tottenham are one point clear at the top, but they would be passed later on Sunday by Leicester if they beat Wolves, or Liverpool if they win at Manchester City.

    Mourinho started with Kane, Gareth Bale and Son Heung-min in his front three for the first time, and while the latter two were quiet, Kane was on hand to clinch Tottenham’s third successive league victory.

    Tottenham are now unbeaten in their last seven league games but were below their best for long periods against a West Brom team still without a league win this term.

    Mourinho has had a recent habit of making social media posts that take a swipe at his players when they under-perform, so it would have been no surprise if the Tottenham boss was thinking of another acerbic message until Kane came to the rescue.

    Instead, Mourinho leapt to his feet on the touchline to celebrate a win that emphasised Tottenham’s determined attitude.

    West Brom had suffered a pre-match blow when Branislav Ivanovic and Matheus Pereira were ruled out after both tested positive for the coronavirus.

    Dramatic finale

    Tottenham should have taken the lead with their first incisive attack.

    Bale’s pass picked out Tanguy Ndombele and he worked it towards the unmarked Son in the West Brom area.

    But the South Korean took too long to get his shot away, eventually managing a weak effort that Semi Ajayi scrambled clear near the goal-line.

    Karlan Grant wasted a good chance to give West Brom a shock lead when his close-range effort from Darnell Furlong’s cross drifted wide.

    Amid reports that Charlton boss Lee Bowyer is being lined up as a replacement for Bilic, the Albion manager couldn’t complain about his side’s commitment.

    They made it hard for Tottenham’s vaunted front three to thrive and had enough invention to threaten occasionally themselves.

    Kyle Bartley headed over from Filip Krovinovic’s free-kick and Jake Livermore was just off-target with a rising drive.

    It was only the second time this season Tottenham had managed just one shot in the first half of a Premier League game.

    Mourinho’s men nearly fell behind immediately after the interval when Dara O’Shea nodded wide from Krovinovic’s corner.

    There was nearly an hour gone when Tottenham had their first shot on target as Sergio Reguilon’s long-range blast was pushed away by Albion keeper Sam Johnstone.

    Son saw his strike held by Johnstone moments later, while Bartley made a last-ditch block to deny Reguilon.

    Albion still carried a threat and Conor Gallagher smashed a 25-yard strike just wide before Lloris made a superb save to keep out Grant’s header from Krovinovic’s corner.

    Mourinho sent on Carlos Vinicius in the closing stages and the striker’s stinging shot drew a good save from Johnstone.

    Kane broke Albion’s resistence in the 88th minute when Matt Doherty’s cross caused indecision from Johnstone and the England captain arrived to flick a header into the far corner.

    Source: france24.com

  • Joe Hart: Former Burnley keeper to join Tottenham on free transfer

    Former Burnley and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is set to join Tottenham on a free transfer.

    The 33-year-old left Burnley when his contract expired on 30 June.

    Hart, then England keeper, fell from favour after Pep Guardiola arrived at City in 2016, with loans to Torino and West Ham before a 2018 move to Burnley.

    But he lost his place to Tom Heaton midway through the first season of a two-year contract and then spent the 2019-20 on the bench behind Nick Pope.

    He is due to have a medical and will compete with Paulo Gazzaniga to be Hugo Lloris’ deputy at Spurs.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Joining Hertha Berlin will be ‘crowning glory’ for Kevin – wife Melissa Satta

    Melissa Satta, wife of Kevin-Prince Boateng, has said that it would be a “crowning glory” for her husband if he completes a move back to his boyhood club Hertha Berlin before calling time on his career.

    The Fiorentina forward spent three years at his hometown club between 2004-2007 where he rose through the ranks before joining the English side Tottenham Hotspur.

    Boateng, who spent last season on loan at Turkish side Besiktas, has spoken about his profound desire to end his career alongside his junior brother Jerome at Hertha Berlin.

    And the wife of the Ghanaian midfielder Melissa Satta has revealed that it will be the crowning moment of her husband’s career if it happens.

    “A return to Berlin would be the crowning glory of my husband’s career,” the 34-year-old, who works as a TV presenter and model in Italy, explains to Bild .

    “Berlin is a great city and his home. Hertha can change a lot in the future, I wish Prince can be part of it.”

    However, Hertha Berlin coach Bruno Labbadia has cast doubt of the possibility of the Ghanaian joining his squad in future.

    “Kevin has the quality, no question about it. But we want to build something for the coming years, and it is very important who we put in the positions. And that’s why we mainly look for young players,” said the coach on Monday.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Christian Atsu warms bench as Newcastle loses to Tottenham

    Ghana international Christian Atsu was left to warm the bench on Wednesday evening when his Newcastle United side lost 3-1 at home to Tottenham Hotspurs.

    The Black Stars winger looks to have significantly fallen down the pecking order at his club with his manager Steve Bruce constantly leaving him on the bench.

    Today he missed out on a starting role when the Magpies hosted the Lillie Whites at the St James’ Park.

    A good showing from Tottenham Hotspurs on the evening saw the side going into the first half break with a 1-goal lead courtesy a strike from Heung-Min Son on the 27th minute after he was assisted by Giovani Lo Celso.

    Though Newcastle United will return from the break to level the score on the 56th minute through a strike from Matt Ritchie, a brace from English striker Harry Kane, later on, ensured that Jose Mourinho earned his first away win at Newcastle United.

    Christian Atsu who was named as a substitute for the Magpies on the matchday was not introduced.

    This season, the 28-year-old has made 19 appearances for his team and has 3 assists to his name.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Bournemouth 0-0 Tottenham: Spurs suffer setback in European hunt

    Tottenham’s hopes of achieving European qualification suffered a setback with a toothless 0-0 draw at relegation-threatened Bournemouth on Thursday.

    Spurs beat Everton 1-0 on Monday but could not make it back-to-back wins for the first time since the Premier League resumed last month, failing to register a single shot on target at the Vitality Stadium.

    Harry Kane felt aggrieved not to be awarded an early penalty and Jose Mourinho was visibly irked neither the referee nor the VAR spotted Joshua King’s shove in the area.

    Bournemouth, who saw Adam Smith and David Brooks go off injured, thought they had a winner in the 90th minute, but Callum Wilson’s overhead kick went in off King’s arm and was chalked off, leaving them three points adrift of safety.

    Mourinho was heavily critical of VAR after a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in June and a 3-1 loss to Sheffield United last week, and he had more cause to be frustrated with the system inside five minutes on the south coast.

    King appeared to push Kane over in the six-yard box at the back post from a corner and referee Paul Tierney’s decision not to award a penalty was upheld by the video official.

    Kane made an important intervention to stop Nathan Ake nodding home at the back post, before Hugo Lloris kept Junior Stanislas’ skidding 18-yard effort out of the bottom-left corner on the stroke of half-time.

    Bournemouth saw Smith leave the pitch on a stretcher after a clash of heads with Ben Davies and then Brooks hobble off, before having a potential win taken away from them following a VAR review of Wilson’s late goal.

    Lloris produced a stunning stop to deny Harry Wilson in a one-on-one situation in the sixth added minute, ensuring Tottenham avoided a surprise defeat.

    Source: goal.com

  • Jose Mourinho: Tottenham manager defends his record on strikers

    Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho defended his record of nurturing strikers following criticism from former Arsenal player Paul Merson.

    After Harry Kane drew a blank in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United, Merson said the forward would not manage a high goal return under Mourinho because of his style of play.

    Kane had scored seven in 11 games under Mourinho before Friday’s league match.

    “I think Kane has no problems scoring in my teams,” the Portuguese said.

    The England captain was playing in his first match since recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered on 1 January.

    Kane managed 36 touches of the ball during the match – only goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had fewer among the players to have played the entire game. He had one shot on target.

    “It was a game where the two strikers [Anthony Martial for United] had a lot of chances,” Mourinho added.

    “Do you give credit to my defence for Martial game? Do you give credit for United defence for the game and the occasions that we create or didn’t create?”

    Mourinho also reeled off the goal records of strikers he previously managed, including former Chelsea man Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, who he had at Real Madrid, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who worked with the 57-year-old at Manchester United and Inter Milan.

    “I had a few strikers that played for me and they are not bad,” he said.

    Addressing Merson, he added: “Dear Paul, I have lots of respect for you. I think Harry Kane has no problems scoring goals in my teams, especially when he is fit, fresh and has a routine of playing.

    “That’s my message to somebody I have a lot of respect for.”

    Disclaimer : “Opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not in any way reflect those of backend.theindependentghana.com. Our outfit will hereby not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Fernandes scores late penalty to secure Man United draw at Spurs

    Paul Pogba returned to action for the first time since 26 December to win the late penalty that earned Manchester United a crucial point at Tottenham Hotspur.

    Pogba, who had not played for almost six months because of an ankle injury that needed surgery, emerged as a second-half substitute and demonstrated he has the creativity to make a difference as United battle for a place in the top four.

    United keeper David de Gea was badly at fault when he failed to stop Steven Bergwijn’s powerful 27th-minute drive, so there was relief all-round for the visitors when Pogba surged into the area before he was hauled down clumsily by Eric Dier.

    In the cavernous spaces of the deserted Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – as the match was played behind closed doors – Fernandes equalised with an emphatic penalty.

    Spurs survived a last-minute scare as referee Jon Moss pointed to the spot again when Dier collided with Fernandes but the video assistant referee correctly reversed a poor decision.

    De Gea made a measure of amends with a superb save from Son Heung-min shortly after his error, while Hugo Lloris made a magnificent flying save from Anthony Martial as United chased an equaliser.

    It finally arrived via that Fernandes spot-kick nine minutes from time to leave United in fifth place, four points ahead of Spurs.

    Pogba shows Solskjaer his class

    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer kept faith with the side that went 11 games unbeaten in all competitions as their season restarted here in north London – which meant no place for Pogba, despite his recovery from injury.

    It was no surprise, however, when he was called into action just after the hour to inject some zest into what had been a lifeless United performance up to that point.

    Pogba was right in the fray, having a shot instantly – but he made his most significant contribution when he tricked Dier in the area and drew a foul from the Spurs defender to win that point-saving penalty.

    It was a timely reminder to Solskjaer, should he even need one, of the rare talent he has at his disposal if Pogba could only show consistency and put the speculation about his future behind him.

    De Gea did not have such a good night. There were already questions about his form before this game and he produced another error here – all with Dean Henderson’s reputation growing in his loan spell at Sheffield United.

    Frustration for Mourinho

    Spurs will be bitterly disappointed to concede a goal so late on, and in such needless fashion, although it could have been worse when referee Moss erroneously awarded that second penalty – before VAR put matters right.

    Lloris had produced that outstanding save from Martial but Spurs were hardly under siege and manager Jose Mourinho, who stalked the touchline in fury when United were originally awarded that injury-time penalty, will feel an important two points have been cast aside.

    Mourinho will take some solace in the return of Harry Kane after hamstring surgery and Son after he broke his arm, as well as goalscorer Bergwijn.

    Spurs, however, need wins, and this result leaves them in eighth place, six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the chase for Champions League places.

    ‘A strange penalty’

    Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: “I think difficult to find the word, I have to try to find a nice word – a strange penalty because the team was so compact, so well organised.

    “The players did fantastic work defensively – they had two dangerous shots that Hugo Lloris saved and nothing else. Everything else was under control. I have to admit for the last 15 minutes I would love to have had Lucas Moura here, Dele Alli here. The last 15 minutes were difficult for us.

    “Lucas and Dele are players we need and we could feel that today. when you look to their bench and then to ours the difference in attacking options. Hopefully, they will be back for West Ham because in this moment it is very, very important to change players.

    Manchester United on the spot again – the stats

    – Manchester United are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions (W8 D4), scoring 30 goals and conceding just three in that run.

    – Steven Bergwijn became only the second player to score in his first three home Premier League appearances for Spurs, after Rafael van der Vaart in 2010.

    – Since the start of last season, Manchester United have both taken (23) and scored (16) more penalties than any other Premier League side. Only Trent Alexander-Arnold (14) has more assists among Premier League defenders in all competitions than Spurs full-back Serge Aurier this season (eight).

    – Jose Mourinho has won none of his past six matches against his former clubs in all competitions (D2 L4), taking just one point from four Premier League matches against Chelsea and Man Utd this season (D1 L3).

    – Spurs are winless in seven games in all competitions (D3 L4), their worst run since November 2016 (also seven without a win).

    What next?

    Tottenham host West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday, 23 June (20:15 BST) while Manchester United are at home to Sheffield United on Wednesday, 24 June (18:00 BST).

    Source: BBC

  • If Manchester United use this lineup against Tottenham, definitely Tottenham will be in trouble

    After a long break of football around the globe due to the outbreak of c-virus, many leagues are back to action and one of those league is English Premier League who returned to action last night.

    Which we saw Aston Villa hosted Sheffield United in a match that ended 0-0, another two teams that played last night was Manchester City hosted Arsenal. The match ended in the favor of Manchester City, trashed Arsenal 3 goal to nil.

    In another fixtures that will take place on Friday, 19th of June are Norwich hosting Southampton, time is 8pm (GMT) Nigeria time, also another fixture is a clash between Tottenham and Manchester United which the match are expected to kickoff at exactly 8:15pm (GMT) Nigeria time.

    Tottenham vs Manchester United Pre-match review: Focusing on Manchester United

    Today we are going to discuss possible Manchester United starting lineup.

    After Manchester United matchday press conference today by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United coach, he made know to the press that his team have only two injuries which are Phil Jones and Axel any other players are available for selection.

    With what the Boss said, Manchester United have a good advantage to beat Tottenham Hotspur.

    Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford returning from injury give Manchester United a edge over Tottenham.

    Possible lineup for Manchester United that may cause harm to Manchester United back line (photo)

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli banned for one match over coronavirus post

    Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has been suspended for one match by the Football Association over a post on social media about coronavirus.

    Alli, 24, put a video on Snapchat in February in which he joked about the outbreak and appeared to mock an Asian man.

    The England international has also been fined £50,000 and ordered to under take an education course.

    He will miss Tottenham’s match at home to Manchester United on 19 June.

    Alli said: “In response to the FA decision, I would like to apologise again for any offence caused by my behaviour.

    “It was an extremely poorly judged joke about a virus that has now affected us more than we could ever have imagined.

    “I’m grateful that The FA has confirmed that my actions were not racist because I despise racism of any kind. We all need to be mindful of the words and actions we use and how they can be perceived by others.”

    More than 41,000 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, and more than 416,000 worldwide.

    In a statement, the FA said: “The Tottenham Hotspur FC player denied that a social media post breached FA Rule E3(1), as it was insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute, and constituted an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin and/or nationality.

    “However, it was subsequently found proven by an independent Regulatory Commission.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Transfer News: Messi, Jack Grealish, Kai Havertz, De Bruyne and many others

    ​● Tottenham no longer want to sign Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, according to the Daily Star.

    ● Barcelona have opened negotiations with Lionel Messi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen over contract extensions, according to Mundo Deportivo.

    ● Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic has rejected approaches from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain as he looks to force through a move to Barcelona, according to Marca.

    ● Jose Mourinho has tasked Tottenham with signing midfielder Ruben Neves from Wolves, reports Le10Sport.

    ● Chelsea are weighing up making a move to bring Nathan Ake back to the club from Bournemouth, reports The Guardian.

    ● Barcelona have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund defender Raphael Guerreiro, according to A Bola.

    ● Jack Grealish is now Manchester United’s primary summer transfer target, according to the Sunday Mirror, after being at the centre of detailed due diligence undertaken by senior figures at Old Trafford over an £80m move.

    ● Liverpool have enquired about Adama Traore to Wolves, according to the Sunday Mirror. Wolves could also lose Mexican star striker Raul Jimenez to Manchester United, according to the paper.

    ● Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek, according to The Sunday Times.

    ● Everton are the frontrunners in the race to sign midfielder Adrien Rabiot from Juventus, reports Tuttosport.

    ● Roma fancy their chances of securing a permanent deal for defender Chris Smalling, according to Il Tempo.

    ● Leicester’s Ben Chilwell has been identified by Chelsea as the club’s No 1 left-back target this summer.

    ● Frank Lampard and Petr Cech made an undercover pre-lockdown trip to Germany that helped Chelsea leapfrog Liverpool and Manchester United to convince Timo Werner to move to Stamford Bridge. (Daily Telegraph)

    ● Brendan Rodgers is closing in on a reunion with free agent Adam Lallana at Leicester. (Daily Mirror)

    ● Kevin De Bruyne could look to leave Manchester City if the club’s Champions League suspension is upheld, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has admitted. (Daily Mail)

    ● Zinedine Zidane’s son is set to leave Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain. Luca Zidane will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the month, according to Marca.

    ● Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes insists Kai Havertz’s future is ‘still not decided’ amid growing interest for his signature this summer (Manchester Evening News)

    ● Liverpool are ‘closely monitoring’ Jadon Sancho’s situation at Borussia Dortmund – and the club may yet do battle with Real Madrid and Manchester United for the signature of the highly-rated 20-year-old (Liverpool Echo)

    ● Manchester United are ready to battle it out with rivals City to sign @Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer.

    Source:opera.com

  • Tottenham Hotspurs interested in Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus

    Tottenham Hotspurs are interested in signing FC Nordsjaelland youngster Mohammed Kudus according to a report by Foot Mercato.

    The 19-year-old has risen to prominence with a run of good performances at the club level with Paris Saint-Germain, Rennes, Marseille, Fenerbahce and Inter Milan also being linked.

    Kudus has been a consistent presence in attack and has scored nine goals in 19 league matches for Nordsjaelland this season.

    Over the last few months, the attacker has become the subject of transfer speculation with most French top division clubs also yearning to sign the teenager.

    Already his agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch has confirmed that the player will leave Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in the summer.

    Tottenham have done well to develop young talents into first-team stars over the years and they will be hoping to do the same with Kudus if the transfer goes through.

    Kudus shot to prominence after excelling at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 in India and was the star of the Black Satellites team at the Africa Youth Championship in Niger in February last year.

    He earned his maiden Ghana senior call-up in November last year where he made the most of his opportunity as he netted on his debut to ensure a 2-0 triumph over South Africa in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

    Source: sportscorna.com

  • I was a dickhead to my Inter players – Mourinho

    Jose Mourinho has admitted that he was a “d*ckhead” to his Inter squad during his time with the treble-winning side of 2009-10, but that ultimately he felt like the club was all part of one big family as he revealed he still speaks to his former driver 10 years after departing San Siro.

    Mourinho, now in charge of Premier League outfit Tottenham, led the Nerazzurri to their most successful season in history, clinching the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia and lifting the Champions League, beating Bayern Munich 2-0 in the final.

    While the Portuguese coach can look back fondly on that chapter of his life, he admits that he made mistakes in Milan and that it was not always rosy behind the scenes.

    “There are relationships: I coach, you play. Empathy depends on the ability to accept me as I am it’s like a puzzle,” Mourinho told Gazzetta dello Sport. “At Inter, there were people waiting for someone like me to complete that puzzle. I’m never fake, I’m original: it’s me and that’s it. I was also a d*ckhead, but that was me.”

    Asked to elaborate on his comments, the Portuguese pointed to a 3-1 loss in January of 2009, after which he lost his cool and would eventually have to apologise to the squad.

    He said: “Especially after the defeat against Bergamo. I was very violent with the players I told them they had won the Scudetto of sh*t. It was only afterwards that I understood I had hurt them and I apologised.”

    Mourinho once famously claimed that leading a disjointed Manchester United squad to second place in the Premier League was the greatest achievement of his career, but he admits that he has never felt as comfortable as he did when he was in the dugout at the Giuseppe Meazza.

    “I was at my best when I felt at home, where I could feel the emotions of the group, where I was 200 per cent invested with my heart,” he said. “That’s why, on May 22 in Madrid, I was content to experience the happiness of others, all the way from [president Massimo] Moratti to the people working in the warehouse.

    “I had already won a Champions League title I used to always think of myself first and then others. At Inter, it was never like that.

    “In a family, when you become a father, you understand that someone is more important than you and that you move into second place.

    “Ten years later, we are all together again. Just the other day I spoke to Alessio, my driver from my time at Inter. Where and when does it happen that a coach who leaves, ten years later still talks to the driver? Never. That’s Inter for me. These are my people.”

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Tottenham star Son completes mandatory military service in South Korea

    Tottenham star Son Heung-min has completed his mandatory three-week military service in South Korea, with the Spurs forward reportedly boasting the best performance of all the trainees who had been taking part.

    According to information published by the Korea Herald , the attacker finished as one of only five individuals to receive an award at the Marine Corps’ training camp graduation ceremony on the southern island of Jeju.

    While the exact scores of the trainees were not revealed, officials were quoted as saying that Son finished top out of a total of 157 people.

    The Premier League ace arrived at the camp on April 20 for a period of three weeks, with his military service having previously been delayed after the 27-year-old inspired his national team to a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.

    During his time back in his home nation, Son participated in a program that included shooting and bayonet skills, chemical, biological and radiological training, individual fighting skills and medical training. It is said that Son scored a perfect 10 out of 10 in the shooting discipline.

    Source: goal.com

  • Son Heung-min: Tottenham forward wins award as South Korea military service ends

    Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min has completed his three-week mandatory military service in South Korea – and won an award for the best performance.

    Officials said the 27-year-old excelled in shooting skills and was the top performer among 157 trainees.

    Son had returned to his homeland in March to continue his recovery from a fractured arm while the season is suspended because of coronavirus.

    All South Korean men must complete military service by the age of 28.

    Son had earned exemption from the mandatory 21-month military service after helping South Korea win the 2018 Asian Games.

    He graduated at a ceremony on Friday at a Marine Corps unit on the island of Jeju in the south of the country.

    His military service included shooting and bayonet skills, chemical, biological and radiological training, individual battle skills and first aid training.

    “He received the ‘Pilsung’ prize, which is one of five types of awards for best performers,” an officer said, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

    “All the courses were judged in a fair and strict manner, and his military training officers have said he went through the training faithfully.”

    Spurs congratulated their player on social media and said he will return to London next week.

    Son had surgery in February after fracturing an arm during Tottenham’s 3-2 victory at Aston Villa.

    Spurs boss Jose Mourinho said he did not expect Son to play again this season, though that was before the Premier League’s shutdown.

    Although he has now finished his military training, Son will still have to complete 544 hours of community service over the next 34 months.

    Source: bbc.com

  • I want to win a title with Tottenham before I die – Pochettino

    Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that he is dreaming of retracing his steps back to Tottenham one day, revealing that he hopes to return and win a trophy that eluded him during his time in charge.

    Pochettino transformed Spurs into one of the top sides in England during his five years with the team, leading them to the brink of silverware but never getting over the final hurdle.

    Tottenham once finished second and twice finished third in the Premier League under Pochettino’s stewardship, and also reached the 2018-19 Champions League final in which the Lilywhites fell to current title holders Liverpool.

    But Pochettino’s reign in north London turned sour in the 2019-20 season and the Argentine was sacked in November, with Jose Mourinho coming in as his replacement.

    Pochettino has been out of management since then but has been linked with several jobs across Europe, most recently at Newcastle as the Magpies near a takeover by a Saudi Arabian consortium.

    But the 48-year-old has revealed that he still carries a fondness for Tottenham and hopes one day to return and finish the work he started.

    “It was an amazing journey that finished in the way that, of course, no one wants. But deeper in my chest, my soul, my heart – I am sure that we will cross [paths] again,” Pochettino said on BT Sport.

    “From the day that I left the club, my dream is to be back and to try to finish the work that we didn’t finish.

    “We were so close to winning the right trophies, the Premier League and the Champions League. But we stopped and, of course, I am looking forward to moving on. I am so motivated for the next project.

    “But, deep inside, I would like to be back one day because the club is special. The fans are so special.”

    Though Pochettino knows that a return to Spurs isn’t likely to happen for a while, he is hoping to eventually repay the support he received from fans in north London.

    “Maybe in five years, maybe in 10 years, and now I’m going to conspire with the universe and to throw out the idea that before I die, I want to manage Tottenham again and try if possible to win one title,” Pochettino said, “because I want to feel what it means to win one title with Tottenham.

    “The fans are amazing and the love we received was amazing and that [would be] a good opportunity to pay back all the love they showed us from day one.”

    Source: goal.com

  • Tottenham: Harry Kane has recovered from hamstring injury, says Jose Mourinho

    Tottenham striker Harry Kane has recovered from his hamstring injury, says Spurs manager Jose Mourinho.

    Kane had surgery to resolve the problem on 1 January and is fit again, along with team-mates Moussa Sissoko and Steven Bergwijn.

    “It is one thing not to be injured, it’s another thing to be ready to play football,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

    “For them it is many, many, many weeks of injury and when the injuries were almost at an end, we stopped training.”

    The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of the coronavirus pandemic but it is hoped there will be a return to action on 8 June, which would require full training to begin by 18 May.

    Tottenham have made a limited number of pitches available for the first-team squad to use for individual training sessions, but Mourinho is unsure whether Kane, midfielder Sissoko and winger Bergwijn will be ready for any resumption.

    “I don’t know, they don’t know, we have to wait for the official and right permission for the players to train again in groups to see if they can come back to a normal competition level,” said the Portuguese.

    “So if we play this season, the remaining nine matches, it would be good for every one of us, it would be good for football, it would be good for the Premier League if players of that quality can play the remaining matches.”

    Top-flight clubs will meet on Friday to discuss options for the restart, with any restart planned to be spectator free.

    “If we play football behind closed doors I’d like to think that football is never behind closed doors,” added Mourinho.

    “With cameras, it means that millions and millions are watching. So if one day we walk into this empty stadium, it will not be empty, not at all.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Spurs stars Aurier, Sissoko flout social distancing advice

    Tottenham will speak to Serge Aurier and Moussa Sissoko after the Premier League stars flouted government guidelines on social distancing during the coronavirus.

    Ivory Coast defender Aurier posted a video of himself training with Tottenham team-mate Sissoko on Instagram on Tuesday.

    The 27-year-old, who was wearing a mask, has since deleted the videos, which showed him running shuttles and sitting next to France midfielder Sissoko, disregarding the current social distancing advice.

    Aurier and Sissoko are the latest high-profile figures at Tottenham to ignore the guidelines while Britain is on lockdown due to the pandemic.

    Just two weeks ago, Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho was pictured holding a one-on-one training session in north London with French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.

    Mourinho was forced to admit his mistake, saying his “actions were not in line with government protocol”.

    On the same day, Tottenham duo Ryan Sessegnon and Davison Sanchez were filmed running side-by-side, while Aurier has also posted a separate video of him running with a friend.

    Government guidelines say you can only exercise outdoors on your own or with members of the same household.

    “We shall be speaking to both players involved,” a Tottenham spokesman said.

    Source: AFP

  • Harry Kane: Tottenham will not sell striker to domestic rival this summer

    Tottenham Hotspur have no intention of letting striker Harry Kane leave the club this summer and would not sell to a domestic rival.

    Kane, 26, signed a six-year contract with Spurs in June 2018.

    Last month, he said he would not stay at the north London club “just for the sake of it”, and there are reports chairman Daniel Levy would be open to selling him for about £200m.

    Manchester United are long-time admirers of the England captain.

    Tottenham were one of the first Premier League clubs to furlough staff in response to the coronavirus pandemic, with Levy warning that “people need to wake up to the enormity” of the crisis.

    However, the club subsequently reversed that decision following criticism from supporters, with only board members now taking salary reductions.

    There are suggestions that because of financial worries, Levy would sanction Kane’s sale if the fee was in the region of the world record £200m Paris St-Germain paid Barcelona to sign Brazil forward Neymar in 2017.

    However, there is uncertainty over the summer transfer market given the present shutdown of football across Europe, with all the major clubs facing a financial headache.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Everton, Tottenham get boost in Mohammed Kudus pursuit

    Tottenham and Everton have been handed a massive boost in their hot race to sign Ghana teenage prodigy Mohammed Kudus as the hugely talented playmaker can now get an automatic work permit to play in England.

    The 19-year-old, who is Ghana full international, has attracted interest from clubs from all the top five leagues in Europe – England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France.

    His explosive form for Danish top-flight side Nordsjaelland this season attracted clubs to his talent which has resulted in the big chase for his signature in the upcoming transfer window.

    Tottenham and Everton are the English clubs among the more than ten teams in Europe seeking to sign the powerful midfielder but stringent work permit rules threatened to scupper their plans.

    But British lawyers have now revealed that the Ghana teenage prodigy will qualify for an automatic work permit because of lenient conditions for talented U20 players.

    Players without EU passports need to play 75% of matches of their senior national team matches two years before applying for the permit and their country must be among top 50 in the world.

    But talented U20 players need just one year of 75% of matches of the senior national team matches of a country among the top 50 in the world, to qualify for an automatic work permit.

    With Ghana currently ranked 46th in the world and having played both matches of the Black Stars in the past one year, Kudus would qualify for an automatic UK work permit to play in England.

    This is a major boost for Tottenham and Everton as they will not fully enter the race to grab the player who has been one of the best players in the Danish top-flight this season.

    This led to his maiden call-up for the Ghana senior team and he justified his invitation in his first appearance for the Black Stars when he scored a marvelous goal against South Africa in November last year in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

    Kudus has emerged a prime target for German Bundesliga sides Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig while French sides Marseille and Lyon as well as Italian club Inter Milan.

    Tottenham and Everton have done well to develop young talents into first-team stars over the years and they will be hoping to do the same with Kudus if the transfer goes through.

    As for the player, he might be tempted to move to England because of the huge popularity of the English Premier League in his native Ghana.

    He will know that a top class youth setup and a first-team manager like Jose Mourinho or Carlo Ancelotti could help him fulfill his potential in future.

    The highly-rated midfielder can play as forward as well. However, he is at his best as an attacking midfielder.

    He has been in fine form since moving to Denmark in 2017, and made 26 appearances last season to help his side finish sixth in the Danish Superliga.

    He shot to prominence after excelling at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 in India and was the star of the Black Satellites team at the Africa Youth Championship in Niger in February last year.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Alderweireld donates electronic tablets to hospitals

    Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is donating “dozens” of electronic tablets to hospitals to help sick people keep in contact with family and friends.

    The 31-year-old, who recommitted his future to Spurs earlier this season, wants to help people feel less alone during the coronavirus pandemic and while football is postponed for the foreseeable future.

    In a video address on his personal Twitter page, the Belgium centre-back said: “I hope everyone is following the government measures to stop the further thread of coronavirus

    “This virus creates many needs, especially the lack of person contact.

    “People that are sick can’t see their friends or family, so my plan is to buy dozens of tablets to give to hospitals and nursery homes, so people can video chat with their loved ones and friends, to get through this tough period.

    “In the next days and weeks, I’m trying to get those tablets to places where they can help. I hope anyone that can spare, or give, or do something to help a little bit the people in need, to see family and friends, because it will help a lot. We stay together strong.”

    His team-mate Lucas Moura spoke of his worry for his parents back home in Brazil, who he could be unable to see for some time, but stressed the need to stay positive and follow the government’s guidelines.

    “Yes, I speak to them every day, just saying the same things, to stay at home, to take care,” he said. “Of course, I am worried about my parents because for older people, it’s worse. I think about them all the time.

    “I’ve never seen a situation like this. It’s strange for everyone, different for everyone, but we need to stay positive, follow the rules, stay at home and like I said, I’m sure we will pass this and come back to normal.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Eric Dier climbs into stand to confront fans

    Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier broke into the stands and confronted supporters after their FA Cup defeat at home to Norwich.

    Dier was filmed and pictured on social media climbing over rows of seats before being involved in a confrontation with his own fans and then led away by stewards.

    Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho suggested Dier had reacted to insults towards a family member at full-time and defended his reaction, although said it was not professional.

    “I cannot run away from the question and I think Eric Dier did something that we professionals cannot but, in these circumstances, something that every one of us would do,” Mourinho said.

    “When someone insults you and your family is there, and your family gets involved with the person that is insulting you, in this case your younger brother, I think Eric did what we professionals cannot.

    “But, I repeat, probably every one of us would do. I am with the player and understand the player.”

    Asked if the club would discipline the 26-year-old, Mournho said: “If the club does that, I will not agree.”

    Dier was filmed jogging along the touchline at full-time before leaping over the advertising hoardings and then clambering over seats, before appearing to target one person, who he was unable to reach as other supporters became involved.

    Dier played the full 90 minutes plus extra-time as Spurs were beaten 3-2 on penalties, after Troy Parrott and Gedson Fernandes missed their spot-kicks.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Timo Werner penalty downs Spurs

    Tottenham are facing an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals after they suffered a 1-0 loss to RB Leipzig in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    Timo Werner scored from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after Ben Davies had fouled Konrad Laimer, but the final score could have been far worse for Jose Mourinho’s side had the visitors converted a string of early chances.

    RB Leipzig were totally dominant in the first half, pinning the hosts back and carving them open repeatedly, only to be thwarted by a combination of their own wasteful finishing and Hugo Lloris’s sharp reflexes.

    Spurs did improve after Werner finally broke the deadlock, with Giovani Lo Celso going closest when his curling free kick was tipped onto the post by RB Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, but it was too little too late, leaving them with a major task to overturn the deficit in next month’s second leg.

    Player ratings
    Tottenham: Lloris (8), Aurier (5), Sanchez (6), Alderweireld (6), Davies (5), Gedson (6), Winks (6), Lo Celso (8), Alli (6), Bergwijn (6), Moura (6)

    Subs: Ndombele (6), Lamela (6)

    RB Leipzig: Gulacsi (8), Mukiele (7), Halstenberg (7), Ampadu (7), Klostermann (7), Angelino (8), Sabitzer (7), Laimer (7), Nkunku (7), Schick (6), Werner (8)

    Subs: Hairdara (6), Poulsen (6), Forsberg (6)

    Man of the match: Angelino

    Source: skysports.com

  • UCL: Tottenham qualify for last 16 after stirring fightback

    Tottenham reached the Champions League last 16 after roaring back from two goals behind to beat Olympiacos 4-2.

    After Jose Mourinho saw his side start superbly in the first half against West Ham, they began awfully and were lucky, as half time approached, to be just two down through a fantastic 25-yard strike from Youseff El Arabi and a close-range effort from Ruben Semedo.

    Read:Tottenham to pay Mourinho twice as much as Pochettino

    Just before the half ended they got the luck they needed, as Yassine Meriah took an air shot at an attempted clearance and allowed Dele Alli to make the deficit manageable.

    In the second half Spurs were a different side and Harry Kane got them level when he slotted home Lucas Moura’s pull-back before Serge Aurier put them in front with a superb half-volley following silky footwork from Alli and a, perhaps inadvertent, flick from Son Heung-Min.

    Read:PL: Jose Mourinho gets first Tottenham victory against West Ham

    Kane then nodded his second from Christian Eriksen’s superb inswinging free-kick to become the quickest player to 20 goals in the Champions League.

    The win puts Tottenham on 10 points from five games and secures their progression from the group stages, although Bayern Munich are already confirmed Group B winners.

    Source: Eurosport