Tottenham Hotspur

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There can be some sympathy for Ange Postecoglou's injury situation at Tottenham, but it does ask questions of their squad preparation.

That is the view of BBC Radio 5 Live commentators John Murray and Alistair Bruce-Ball on the latest The Commentator's View podcast.

Postecoglou has had to contend with a lengthy injury list this campaign with a number of key players sidelined.

"At Villa Park on Sunday night, I sat in on his press conference where he made the very strong case about how no other club has had to put up with losing so many important players for such a long period of time," Murray said.

"Sitting there listening to the whole thing I thought: 'You know what, that is quite a persuasive argument.' Virtually every club we have seen has had to deal with a lengthy list of injuries but he was making the point that no other team has had to play the same group of players for two and a half months.

"The net result of that is what you are seeing. Son [Heung-min] is a shadow of himself at the moment and even [Dejan] Kulusevski was not at the level he has been, and I'm guessing Ange Postecoglou is saying that is the effect of having to play every weekend, midweek and weekend."

Bruce-Ball added: "I do take John's point on how much it has taken out of them playing the same team again and again and again in all the competitions.

"I know when you get a certain number of injuries it is very difficult to cope with, but it's about building a squad and signing players.

"When so much of Tottenham's play is predicated on Micky van de Ven's pace at the back, when he gets injured you haven't got someone who can do that job in that squad - that is a problem if Tottenham keep playing the way they are playing. That is about squad preparation."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou must now find answers - and fast - to end miserable Premier League form after the pain of exits in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

It means the only opportunity for Postecoglou to fulfil his boast that he always wins a trophy in his second season at a club is the Europa League, a competition that may hold the key to his future at Spurs.

It raises the stakes even higher before they meet Manchester United, a team struggling with transition of their own under new head coach Ruben Amorim, at home on Sunday (16:30 GMT kick-off).

Postecoglou has hinted there is a media agenda against him, but the reality is that Spurs have lost 25 of their past 52 league matches and lie 14th in the Premier League. He cannot expect to escape scrutiny with such a poor record.

He is perfectly within his rights, however, to point out Spurs' horrendous injury list, although Postecoglou may have been guilty of contributing to it by rushing pivotal central-defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero back too soon after injury.

And there is understanding of this within the club, although the protests planned against the tenure of Spurs chairman Daniel Levy on Sunday may have an impact on the atmosphere.

United, however, may represent an opportunity for a reset and respite for Postecoglou given Amorim's desperate struggles since his arrival.

But the Australian has to find answers, irrespective of the reduced circumstances of his squad - starting on Sunday.

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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim believes he has "bigger pressure" on him than Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou.

The pair come face to face on Sunday in a mid-table Premier League battle with both teams struggling for consistency this season amid injuries and poor form.

Despite this, both managers have insisted on sticking with their footballing philosophies and received criticism for doing so.

"I am a huge fan of Ange Postecoglou. I am from a different culture. All the Portuguese coaches can adapt," Amorim said.

"I adapt. I use one system because I believe if you do that system, you can then use other systems at the same time - that is my idea.

"But, we are not winning games and I understand the connection with me and Ange - we have the same problems. With all due respect, I am at a bigger club, with bigger pressure. It is important for a coach to follow his principles.

"Of course [I have sympathy with him], especially because he is a good guy, a good coach and he wants to play football in the right way.

"When we choose this profession there is a lot of good things, but then you feel that pressure when you don't win."

Postecoglou, meanwhile, backed the United head coach, who replaced Erik ten Hag earlier in the season, to improve the Manchester club.

"I have respect for all managers because I know how tough it is to do the job. Ruben is just doing what he wants to do," the Spurs boss said.

"Manchester United have scouted him and identified him by looking at the way he does business. You bring him in with a purpose.

"If United stick with Ruben for two years then they will see progress - absolutely, because it's how long it takes.

"If anyone believes anything can change in a short space of time, they are living in a alternative universe that is not based on reality."

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United (16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is available for the first time since fracturing his ankle in the 4-0 win at Manchester City in November.

• He said it has been tough without goalkeeper Vicario who remains Tottenham's number one: "We've used three other goalkeepers. They've all contributed - none of them have let us down. Antonin Kinsky is going to be great in the future and will love to work alongside Vic - but Vic is experienced."

• Postecoglou also confirmed that James Maddison is ready to start while Destiny Udogie could play a part too.

• On what returning Maddison can bring: "He has enormous self-belief and that filters through the team. He has also been a bit ahead of schedule and had a good week of training."

• With regards to defensive reinforcement, Micky van de Ven's "return is imminent but we want to get it right" while Spurs are "waiting" on Cristian Romero. However, he did not give an exact date, saying: "I am not a doctor."

• Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson are also training, with Postecoglou saying that they are in "a good place."

• On a question about his recent 'grumpiness': "Cut me a little bit of slack. I can't be bubbly and cheery all the time. Not having a game this week does help because it becomes a bit of a grind."

• He added, with a smile: "I am sure that the grumpiness will emerge at appropriate times, if it needs."

• Postecoglou said he has massive respect for his United counterpart Ruben Amorim because he knows "how tough this job is." "If United stick with Ruben for two years then they will see progress. Absolutely, because it's how long it takes. If anyone believes anything can change in a short space of time, they are living in a alternative universe."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full commentary of Tottenham v Manchester United from 16:30 GMT on BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday

Players missing time through injury has actually decreased compared with previous seasons, according to Ben Dinnery from Premier Injuries.

Teams like Tottenham have had several high-profile players sidelined during this campaign, but the data suggests they have fewer injury problems than last season when you factor in more matches in domestic cup and European competitions.

"The media narrative that injuries are going through the roof this season - they're actually not," Dinnery told The Football News Show.

"In terms of time lost absence, we've actually seen a reduction - season on season - over the same period compared to 2023-24 by about 13%."

Watch The Football News Show's full Premier League weekend preview

Tottenham, Bournemouth and Newcastle United are all interested in signing 24-year-old Brazilian winger Igor Paixao from Feyenoord. (Sun), external

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Tottenham's 29 players used is the fourth most in the Premier League this season.

Spurs are behind the bottom two sides - promoted Ipswich and Southampton - and Brighton, who similarly have been ravaged by injuries and would consider themselves underachieving.

Ange Postecoglou must be looking enviously at high-flying Nottingham Forest, who have used just 23 players - the fewest in the division - and sit third.

The numbers give weight to those who argue Postecoglou has not had a fair shot in his second season and would have the chance to perform better with a settled team.

Nick Godwin
BBC Radio London reporter

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Generally speaking, when the mornings become lighter and spring appears around the corner, Tottenham fans often find themselves at a crossroads.

Countless times over the past 20 or so years this time in the calendar brings existential questions. Which competition should be prioritised? Is there enough squad depth to challenge on multiple fronts or just the one? Is the boss the right person to meet the challenges constantly thrown at the Spurs manager, whoever it may be?

Unfortunately, this spring, Spurs fans are confronting all those questions and more.

Their brutal departure from two cup competitions and the difficult position they find themselves in in the Premier League means they are already casting around for solutions.

As things stand, the Europa League is very unlikely to provide an answer - unless this team's ability to deal with high-level knockout football increases significantly in the next few weeks.

So, rather than being overwhelmed by events, maybe the fans - and the club's hierarchy - need to make life simple.

What is the single most important thing to address at this point? Is it the kind of fundamental change that some fans have advocated? Is it managerial stability, one way or the other? Or does there need to be a reset of expectations and understanding of what is achievable in this most demanding of leagues?

As Spurs fans lick their wounds and wonder what to do, with their wonderful new stadium continuing to hum with activity - concerts, other sports and revenue-generating fun of every kind - someone needs to provide clarity of purpose for the direction of the football team and stick to it.

Not everyone will like it, but it will lift the fog that currently threatens to obscure everything else.

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We asked for your views on what no-one is talking about at Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Tom: Player recruitment and development. Ange Postecoglou's signings have all paid off. Some have had to do more than expected early, but they've stood up and been counted in our toughest season for over a decade. It's the same for academy players - Mikey Moore is the big winner but having players like Brandon Austin, Will Lankshear, Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and others on the bench getting experience alongside the first team will reap benefits in years to come. The groundwork for our future is so solid - one more reason to keep Ange.

Michael: I feel the anti-owner campaign has reached a ridiculous stage. I agree that the purse strings could be loosened and Daniel Levy needs to see that the football business is different from the rest of business. However, I believe in the right of those with differing opinions and protests should never take place during actual matches and certainly not at away fixtures. Support the team on field during games, instead of knocking them back further by undermining the current regime during playing time.

Paul: Son Heung-min's form on the pitch and his lack of confidence. I feel that making him captain was a mistake, although as a senior player in the squad he may have been the obvious choice. Son can still give a lot to the team and is a great ambassador.

Ben: No one is highlighting the hole in our midfield. This is where the heart of the team lies. We have suffered injuries at the back and front end of the team, but the midfielders have mostly stayed fit and available, yet results have dipped alarmingly. An accomplished number six with a back-up is the absolute priority for Spurs at the next opportunity. We need a player who solidifies the team and plugs the gaping holes we leave in that central area for teams to plough through with ease.

Felix: Djed Spence quietly staking a claim as starting full-back on either flank has been a rare glimmer of sunshine during an otherwise miserable Spurs winter.

Roger: Everyone seem to be focusing on our defence but we are trying to play open attacking football, which is great. However we haven't got a natural goalscorer who will consistently get us 15-20 goals a season. We have a squad full of 'attacking' players who can't finish. At the moment, Maddison looks like our best finisher. If we can start converting a few more chances we'll look a totally different team.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Dante Cassanova, 20, has made Tottenham's matchday squads for the past four matches and is pushing for a debut under Ange Postecoglou.

Of course, around 10 players are currently injured at Spurs but Cassanova - a central midfielder playing at centre-back in the under-21s - has earned his presence among senior players by captaining the youth teams.

After winning Premier League 2 last season at under-21s level - in a team that featured Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear and Damola Ajayi, who have all earned first-team minutes this season - Cassanova could be next to break through at Spurs.

However, his contract is also expiring at the end of the season. That may also impact his involvement amid a possible summer move for a nominal development fee.

Wembley-born Cassanova grew up idolising Lionel Messi but also looked up to Usain Bolt as his family were born in Jamaica.

Those who know him say he was kicking a ball as early as two years old and signed up for Tiny Ballers, a casual football club for toddlers, before joining Heathrow FC aged 6.

The former student of the Harefield Academy in Uxbridge quickly outgrew his boyhood club and moved to Ballers FC where he was spotted by Spurs scout Michael Donaldson - along with scouts from Brentford and Chelsea - before his seventh birthday.

However, as a Spurs fan, who also idolised Gareth Bale, he opted for north London despite training with all three clubs before making his final decision.

Cassanova played in multiple positions before establishing himself in midfield at under-18s level. He looks up to Manchester City's Rodri, but is currently having to play at centre-back given Spurs' injuries at youth level.

He played an important part in the Premier League 2 success last season, bouncing back from a major hamstring injury the year before.

As well as winning Premier League 2 last season, Cassanova has been an unused substitute for the first team on seven occasions this season.

He regularly trains under Ange Postecoglou while still playing under-21s football, where he has captained his team nine times.

The question now is if he can establish himself at Tottenham or elsewhere.

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BBC Sport pundit and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has been answering your questions on your club.

Tim asked: What's your opinion on the direction Spurs are going in? Can we change our fortunes by changing manager? Or do we need a complete refresh with new ownership?

Nedum replied: Listening to the fans at Villa Park last week, it was clear the calls from the fans were more for new ownership than a new manager.

Even though the fans will have their gripes towards Ange Postecoglou, it feels like there is a bigger picture. We can look at the performances and the results from the outside and have an opinion on whether things needs to change, but fans see the situation in its entirety.

The team are low on confidence after the run of results they have had and some of the players have been physically stretched because there is not the personnel available to rest them. If everyone was fit and available then his current starting XI is probably not what he would be picking.

So I do not think they are heading in the wrong direction because if the situation was the same with no injuries, then that would be more of a concern.

Question marks remain over Postecoglou and he knows that himself, but fans seem to be singing Daniel Levy out more than anything else.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

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Tottenham are unbeaten in their past four Premier League games against Manchester United (W2 D2) and they will be looking to complete the league double over the Red Devils for the first time since 1989-90.

Ange Postecoglou is unbeaten in all three of his Premier League games against United. Only three managers have played their first four against them without losing before - Ruud Gullit, Nuno Espirito Santo and Unai Emery.

Since Ruben Amorim took charge of Manchester United in November, only five sides have picked up fewer points in the Premier League (14). Amorim is only the fourth United manager to lose seven or more of his first 13 top-flight games in charge, alongside John Chapman (10), A.H, Albut and Jimmy Murphy (both seven).

With two cup exits in the space of four days following defeats by Liverpool and Aston Villa alongside a seemingly ever-growing injury list, Tottenham's season seems to be jumping from bad to worse.

Boss Ange Postecoglou is clearly under pressure, however, the number of players in the treatment room may be buying him some time. There are plenty of eyes on the boardroom too with the campaign in danger of petering out.

But you know your club best - so besides the obvious, tell us the one thing that no-one is talking about at Tottenham but really should be?

Let us know here

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Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin has said he will do all that he can to "ensure a smooth recovery" from his anterior cruciate ligament injury after having an operation on Tuesday.

Dragusin was hurt in the Europa League win over Elfsborg in January.

The Romania international posted on Instagram: "This morning I successfully got through the surgery, which went perfectly.

"I am grateful to the entire medical team for their care and professionalism.

"At the same time, I am thankful for all the messages of encouragement and your continuous support. It's wonderful to feel this kind of support.

"I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth recovery and come back stronger as soon as possible."

Ali Speechly
Fan writer

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It is the Europa League or bust for Spurs this season.

After crashing out of both domestic cups in the space of four days, and languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, Europe remains our only hope.

It is imperative that something – anything – is salvaged by and for the players from this most brutal of seasons. The bar feels so low right now that I would be happy with two consecutive victories.

Whatever it is, the players desperately need something - or someone - to give them some confidence.

As we know, the football calendar is relentless and unforgiving. It is not concerned with how many of your players are injured, or the number of fans who want a change of ownership, or who still backs the manager. The show must go on and the games must be played.

I am interested to see how many of those games Ange Postecoglou will be here for.

To be clear, I do not hold him solely responsible for the mess we are in. I do not think he is blameless either, but I have been a Spurs fan long enough to know that this cycle of calamity predates the current manager by quite some time.

I also know it is far easier to sack a manager than change an owner. I am also nervous about the alternatives in terms of ownership - but that is an argument for another time.

Either way, as much as many fans seem to want to see the back of Daniel Levy, the reality is we are undoubtedly more likely to see the back of Ange first.

I want Ange to be given the remainder of the Europa League campaign, just to see if he can win something in his second season - even at Spurs, mate.

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Fiorentina are considering offering Moise Kean a new contract containing an increased release clause following interest in the 24-year-old Italy striker from Tottenham and Arsenal. (Corriere dello Sport via Calciomercato - in Italian), external

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Is there something you want to ask about a Premier League club?

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha is ready to answer your burning questions and give his thoughts on some of the biggest talking points for a special Q&A.

Submit your questions here and come back on Thursday for his answers

Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min has struggled for form for some time.

He has found the net once in his last eight matches in all competitions and provided just one assist in that time also.

The former golden boot winner has looked a shell of his former self of late and whether that's due to the number of minutes he has been forced to play or not - his dip in form couldn't have come at a worse time for an already fragile Spurs side.

The struggles continued in the defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The South Korea forward missed a glorious chance at 1-0 to level the game when he fired straight at Emi Martinez from close range and away from that he struggled to have any real impact on the game.

He had just 23 touches in the game - seven of which came in his own half. Only Mikey Moore, who was replaced at half-time, had less with 18.

We asked for your views on Aston Villa's FA Cup victory against Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Aston Villa fans

Gary: At times, Villa's play going forward was absolutely fantastic. Rashford looked so hungry when he came on, and Asensio showed true class. The starting 11 all played so well. Just wish we could get through a game without an injury or letting one in. Scoreline flattered Spurs.

Mike: A lot was made of Tottenham's injuries both prior to, and post this game, yet Villa only had one recognised centre-back (Konsa) who eventually got injured himself. We absolutely dismantled Tottenham and with a more clinical display with chances taken we would have stuffed them, but I'll take the win regardless. UTV

Ian: Outstanding performance from the Villa but should have killed the game off much sooner and should have scored two or three more goals with the chances we created. Some very good individual performance's but overall an excellent team performance. The only downside was Konsa's injury. Rashford and Asensio looked sharp when they came on. If we can get our injured players fit there are exciting times ahead. Keep the faith. UTV.

Tottenham fans

Steve: If I didn't know better, I would suggest the players have no faith In Ange any more and believe the way to get him out is to play poorly. That was an awful display from a team that doesn't care. Levy needs to apologise to the fans.

Keef: We were awful again and the whole team lacks confidence and belief. Played well in patches in the second half and not sure why we couldn't start the game with the same energy and determination. On another day Son scores the first against Martinez and shoots for the second rather than passing, so he's also lacking confidence too. Not sure where we go from here.

Dan: First half was like Thursday 2.0. Glad that the second half was a different edge. Nice to see Tel get off the mark. And equally great that Kinsky more than made up for his early blunder. Just need to get that morale and confidence back up to a decent level throughout the team and maybe, just maybe, we can make a positive challenge in the Europa League. Will take 16th and at least a final in the Europa.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter at Villa Park

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Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte looked brow-beaten at the end of their tenures at Tottenham, but Ange Postecoglou is fighting for himself and his players.

The Australian got knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the same week, culminating in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday night.

After staying long after the final whistle to acknowledge the supporters, and being the last on the pitch along with goalscorer Mathys Tel, he began his defence in a series of media interviews.

After talking to broadcasters, Postecoglou sat down with the written media at his post-match press conference, where he said criticism that doesn't include the mention of injuries is "agenda-driven".

The 59-year-old defended his players, saying that he had "admiration and respect" for them and highlighting that teenagers Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Mikey Moore have been playing significant minutes in their three-month injury crisis.

He also insisted that he is thinking long-term, which was proven by his unwillingness to bring back any injury returnees for these two cup ties, giving them an extra week to prepare for Manchester United.

He then added that Tottenham have "plenty to look forward to" and that they will be an "outstanding team" when players return.

A mixture of fight and frustration appeared to fuel Postecoglou's press conference, as he battles to buy time while pressure mounts on not only him but also chairman Daniel Levy, who faces widespread criticism from supporters.

There are also questions around what kind of manager Tottenham could attract in their current predicament and whether they would make a major impact.

Incidentally, Daniel Levy and owners ENIC must be careful about any step they take, as they face what will likely be the biggest protest against their ownership in years when they host Manchester United at home on Sunday.

It remains to be seen whether Postecoglou's approach will work amid this complex backdrop.

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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has praised his squad for their efforts across the hectic winter schedule.

Defeat to Aston Villa meant Spurs were knocked out of both domestic cup competitions in the same week, leaving them with only the Europa League to contest in the race for silverware this season.

"We have a couple of weeks now where we don't have midweek games." Postecoglou told BBC One after defeat at Villa Park.

"This group has done an unbelievable job for two and a half months. I can't praise them enough, playing twice a week since November. They'll get the chance to reset now and finish the season strong.

"Europe is still very important to us, we're still in a great spot there, and we'll hope to get some players back over the next two weeks.

"We'll get players back which will help. We had 11 first-team players out today. Take that out of any team for one game and they would struggle - we've been doing that for two and a half months.

"The players are going out there and giving everything they can. It would be a lot better if they had some help."