All posts by n8rngtd.top

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Mauricio Pochettino has lost his leverage.

After Manchester United appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis on Thursday, there was excitement among the Tottenham Hotspur faithful.

For so long, Spurs fans have had to deal with report after report linking Pochettino away. A December article in The Telegraph, for one, claimed that United had one target to replace Jose Mourinho. His name wasn’t Solskjaer.

Yet a fine run as interim boss has seen the Norwegian appointed. United remain in contention to finish in the top four and face Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals after a miraculous win over PSG in Paris.

Real Madrid, too, have long been listed as potential Pochettino suitors but Zinedine Zidane made a dramatic return earlier this month after a dismal season that has seen both Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari sacked by Los Blancos.

Within 30 days, Pochettino has seen two jobs disappear and with them, he does not have a leg to stand on when he discusses his summer plans with chairman Daniel Levy.

That is not to say that the Argentine was particularly interested in either job, perhaps he always planned to remain in north London and lead Spurs into a bold new era at their glistening new stadium.

Yet it felt as though he could use the interest to his advantage, playing off the uncertainty both in Manchester and Madrid and leverage himself something of a war chest.

Across the past two transfer windows, Spurs, as has been reported regularly, failed to make a single signing. Lucas Moura, the Brazilian right-winger, is the last player to arrive on a permanent deal. This summer, it has appeared, will be different. Doubts persist over the futures of both Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen, while the likes of Kieran Trippier, Serge Aurier, Ben Davies and Erik Lamela could all be upgraded.

Yet where is the necessity for Levy to back his man now? Short of merely replacing departures, which one would think goes without saying, though Spurs fans might not be so sure, there is no bogeyman in the closet anymore.

Pochettino has nowhere to go. He is not poised to resign any time soon and perhaps the only elite jobs that might become available are at Chelsea and perhaps Juventus and even those links would be tenuous at best.

There is no reason, then, for Levy to go the extra mile and ensure that a superstar arrives at the new stadium. A reunion with Gareth Bale is surely not on the cards; his wages are extortionate and there is little chance of Spurs countenancing a massive transfer fee for a player over the age of 29.

Many reports have claimed that this summer will instead be focused on recruiting young, British players as they look to meet the homegrown quota. The likes of Jack Grealish of Aston Villa and Jarrod Bowen of Hull City have been mentioned as targets but they will do little to excite Spurs fans.

They are both good players but they do not have much Premier League pedigree, much less the experience of playing in, and changing, Champions League games.

Yet Pochettino no longer has the ability to push Levy into changing his thinking. There is no club to flutter his eyelashes at as he bids to squeeze some extra cash out of his chairman. Instead, he will have to accept that what Levy says goes.

Thursday’s news may prove to be excellent for Spurs fans, as they keep the manager who has transformed them into a genuine Premier League force.

But it may also prove to be ultimately frustrating for the man himself, with Levy unlikely to break the habit of a lifetime and throw cash at a team that is so very close to breaking through the Premier League glass ceiling.

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As Tottenham’s new stadium prepares to host its second test event, football.london’s Alasdair Gold has profiled the returning legends who are set to feature in an all-star clash vs Inter Milan.

What’s the word, then?

Not every Spurs player in the squad for Saturday’s test event deserves to be labelled a club legend – the inclusion of Pascal Chimbonda attests to that – but there is one cult hero who fans will be eagerly looking forward to watching.

That man is Rafael van der Vaart, the iconic Dutch playmaker who Spurs signed from Real Madrid for a bargain fee of just £8 million in 2010.

During his pinnacle he was a player who had fans salivating as he tiptoed beyond defenders with his immaculate ball control and transformed the game with his range of passing.

It’s no wonder that, with his stint with the club still relatively fresh in memory, Gold delivered a glowing verdict on Van der Vaart in his football.london piece profiling the weekend squad.

‘A real fans’ favourite and the Dutchman fell in love with the club after his deadline day shock move from Real Madrid.

‘He always regrets leaving Spurs when he did and after 28 goals in 77 appearance, with a few against Arsenal, he will be a very popular returnee this coming weekend.’

A rueful end to a glowing career in north London

Van der Vaart was a sensation amongst the White Hart Lane faithful.

At top level sport the margins between the good and the exceptional are fine but also glaringly tangible, and the number ten was evidently in a class of his own at times.

His transient spell in north London was short and incredibly sweet as he returned to Hamburg just two years after his arrival.

As Gold has alluded to, the 109-cap Netherlands international regrets his decision in hindsight, and it’s fair to say that feeling is mirrored by the consensus amongst the supporters.

While a friendly legends fixture is hardly one to take seriously, a cascade of nostalgia is likely to ripple around the walls of the new stadium with every glowing moment of genius he is destined to provide this weekend.

Oh what could have been for Tottenham and Van der Vaart.

Many were left surprised by Scott Sinclair’s exclusion from the starting lineup on Sunday, as it was surely widely expected his experience would be vital to Celtic’s cause.

However, Neil Lennon – whether he’s in charge next season or not – is clearly shaping up the Hoops for a future without their star winger.

Since Lenny’s second coming, Sinclair’s yet to score or assist a goal in all competitions and, after links (as per the Scottish Sun) away back in March, the end is surely coming. Indeed, he’s been given quite a few chances, with Celtic tweaking their game to his advantage, but scuffed it every time.

Obviously, he’s lacking that cutting edge which defined him years ago and made him such a hit when he moved north of the border. Despite having scored 9 league goals this season, he’s far from his best. The 30-year-old isn’t as effective as he used to be, something that cannot be tolerated considering the uncertain future of the Bhoys’ attack. Even against Rangers, he only took one noticeable swipe at goal and looked nowhere near as dangerous as Odsonne Edouard and James Forrest were.

He’s been unable to cope with the new generation, often fluffing chances and looking past it. Sinclair isn’t as pacy nor as creative with his dribbling, as one could see why the Hoops might be unwilling to extend his contract any further.

If Celtic want to further stamp their authority, keeping a regressing talent like Sinclair is simply not an option. Be it under Brendan Rodgers or Lennon, he’s been extremely inconsistent this season, which will convince the Hoops to replace him with a vibrant young talent next season.

Celtic fans, should Sinclair be retained next season or not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Jurgen Klopp’s quench for excellence isn’t going to stop after one successful season. This is Liverpool we’re talking about, after all. That just doesn’t fly on Merseyside and, thankfully, they have one of the best managers in the world.

Indeed, the German coach is already planning on how to improve this terrific Liverpool squad, wanting to add even more firepower to his already stacked attack. How exciting is that? Much like the Reds’ frontline, the aim for constant improvement is absolutely relentless.

Even after the trio of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino’s spectacular work, Klopp wants better-attacking cover. As a result, he’s chasing some young talents and according to reports from Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad, the Reds are aiming to sign Eden Hazard’s younger brother Thorgan.

The younger Hazard’s – who is rated at a whopping £40.5m by Transfermarkt – been in brilliant for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga, scoring and assisting 18 goals in total this season. He’s a revelation in the attack, with his dazzling dribbling ability, creativity and incisiveness mirroring a style similar to his brother.

Indeed, Mo Salah’s success since leaving the Blues, improving elsewhere and moving to Anfield should excite fans no end, despite how reportedly difficult it may be to sign him, with Kicker suggesting he’s agreed a move to Borussia Dortmund.

Klopp’s clearly impressed by what he’s seen, pursuing him to add more depth to his already world-class attack. Hazard’s lethality in the final third and electric nature can fit right into Liverpool’s fast-paced attacking style, allowing him to reach a whole new level while contributing towards goals.

In order to sign him, Klopp needs to work his charm and assure him a bright future at Liverpool. If they do manage to convince him and FSG stump up the cash, Thorgan can glitter up their attack like no other recreate the magic his brother’s been weaving over for years.

Liverpool fans, will you be excited by Hazard’s potential arrival in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Dean Smith’s side are clearly riding high at the moment, so they need to make some exciting signings to keep the mood buoyant at Villa Park. Indeed, securing Neal Maupay would do just that, so they need to fight off Middlesbrough for his signature.

The 22-year-old has scored 23 goals and assisted seven in his 40 appearances for Brentford this season, and that should be music to the Villa faithful’s ears. Jack Grealish and Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham have really clicked in the last few months and Maupay could have that same link next season.

It’s not clear where Abraham will end up next campaign considering the state of his parent club right now, but Maupay would fit right into this Villa side, whether they’re chasing promotion or trying to stay up in the Premier League. Dean Smith managed the Frenchman when he was Bretford’s manager so he knows exactly what he’s capable of.

The Mirror have reported that both Villa and Middlesbrough are among those interested, so the Villans should make sure they make an approach now while they’re the in-form team in the Championship. He’s fairly young, creative and proven under their manager, so he’d be perfect for Dean Smith and Aston Villa.

How perfect does that sound?

Aside from current form, Villa have a bigger fanbase than Middlesbrough and have been more successful historically, so they should be in the driving seat. However, they’ll only capture their man, if they stump up the cash to blow their transfer rivals out of the water.

Yes, finances are up in the air at the moment but the Smith project has been built on optimism so why not dream of a Premier League return and all the riches that come with it?

Brentford aren’t even going to make the play-offs, so he’ll be looking for a new club very soon. Villa should be the team to take his career onto the next level as they continue their revival.

Villa fans, who do you want to see your club sign in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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Manchester United fans aren’t happy with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after they watched their side lose in humiliating fashion to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The Red Devils registered just a single shot on target – which came courtesy of an Anthony Martial potshot in the latter stages – and never even looked like scoring as the Toffees steamrolled them by four goals to nil.

Which “global superstar” has just been named Man Utd’s worst ever January signing? Find out in the video above…

Solskjaer strangely played Victor Lindelof at right-back to accommodate Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in the centre, despite the Swede being arguably the club’s best centre-back this season.

The former Cardiff boss was clearly beaten on a tactical level by Marco Silva, who set his side up to not give the Red Devils a moments rest and saw his plan unfold to perfection.

United have now lost six of their last eight games, and the club’s supporters on Twitter have expressed their displeasure at the Norwegian after they were thrashed on Sunday…

West Ham United fans will be disappointed with today’s result as their side were denied all three points by a late Harvey Barnes strike at the London Stadium.

The Hammers showed fight and spirit today but yet again they weren’t able to secure the right result, which has been a real problem for them in recent times as they’ve failed to win in their last four top-flight games.

Indeed, one of the major problems for the Hammers this season has been at the pinnacle of the attack as they’ve not been able to find a consistent goal source, with the likes of Javier Hernandez, Michail Antonio, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll failing to lead the line with any intent.

Although, Manuel Pellegrini may not need to look far to find a possible candidate to lead the line next season, as one of the players in the Under-23 side has impressed this season.

Xande Silva made a name for himself in the Under-23 ranks during the first half of the season as he produced seven goals in six Premier League 2 games. His fine form resulted in him joining up with the first-team in the Premier League and he made one top-flight appearances, as well as an FA Cup appearance.

It comes as some surprise that the Argentine hasn’t looked to use him more as he could offer a different dynamic at the pinnacle of the attack, and he’s shown he can be prolific this season. He looks to use his pace and strength to work himself into promising positions and then he has the ability to punish the opposition. Also, not many sides will have seen what the 22-year-old can do on the field, so using him next season could work wonders for the Hammers.

West Ham United fans, do you think Xande Silva deserves more minutes on the field? Join the discussion by commenting down below!

Leeds United’s automatic promotion hopes took a big hit last time out against Brentford as they failed to get a result at Griffin Park, which has handed Sheffield United the upper-hand.

Worryingly, things aren’t about to get any easier for the Whites as they’re set to face Aston Villa in their next Championship fixture. The Villans have won their last 10 games, so it won’t be an easy task.

And, the Yorkshire club were handed a big blow on the injury front recently, as according to BBC Sport, Ezgjan Alioski is set to miss the rest of the season with a torn meniscus.

Of course, the Macedonia international has been hugely impressive this season and would have played a big part in the club’s promotion push from here on in.

However, Leeds fans shouldn’t be too disappointed as Marcelo Bielsa already has a replacement in the form of Stuart Dallas. The Northern Ireland international hasn’t been able to secure regular minutes in the current campaign but he could still help Leeds secure promotion to the Premier League.

Dallas can provide a wealth of experience and he has all the attacking qualities to be able to able to fill the void left by Alioski. The one major difference is that the 28-year-old can actually ensure defensive solidity at the back, which has been an issue for Alioski at times, so it’s not all bad for the Whites.

At this stage in the current campaign, perhaps turning to experience could be the key for Leeds United.

Leeds United fans, do you think Dallas is the man to replace Alioski? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Like in their previous encounter where they came out 2-1 victors, Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash versus Watford is likely to be another tight affair.

The Blues and the Hornets have quality players all over the pitch, with their midfields standing out in particular.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has really come into prominence in recent weeks, while Abdoulaye Doucoure has been a real presence in the middle of the park for his side since arriving from Rennes.

With that in mind, as they prepare to do battle against each other on Sunday, how do the two midfielders compare?

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

It has taken some time, but Loftus-Cheek looks to have finally broken into Chelsea’s starting XI — and the 23-year-old has not disappointed since getting there.

On top of the physicality he has brought to the team, Loftus-Cheek has also provided Sarri’s side with another goal threat.

The England international’s runs into the box are causing the Blues’ opponents a lot of problems, while his combination play with Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odoi in attack has been exquisite at times.

That and his ability to drive with the ball has been massive for Chelsea in their last few fixtures.

Considering that, one can only wonder why Sarri has left it so late in the season to give the Chelsea academy graduate a proper chance in the first team.

TT Grade: B

Abdoulaye Doucoure

While Loftus-Cheek is only starting to become an important player for Chelsea now, Doucoure has been a key figure in Watford’s engine room since coming into the fray at Vicarage Road.

One of the best box-to-box midfielders the Premier League has to offer, the 26-year-old brings so much to Javi Gracia’s side.

To go with all the less glamorous tasks he carries out in his own half, Doucoure is also capable of getting things done when it comes to attacking the opponent’s goal.

He has the intelligence to time his runs into the box to perfection and the technical skill to convert the chances that follow.

The Frenchman only signed a contract extension last August, but it would not be a surprise to see some big clubs target him in the summer.

TT Grade: B+

TT Verdict:

Loftus-Cheek can go to the very top. At 23, he still has so much time to improve.

Compared to Doucoure, physically and technically, he is just as good.

Next season, if he can retain a regular spot in Chelsea’s starting XI, then he could go on to become an even more influential midfielder than the Watford man.

Until then, though, Doucoure remains the superior player out of the two.

Chelsea and Watford fans, who wins this battle? Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Leeds fans aren’t confident of their playoff chances after Marcelo Bielsa’s comments during his press conference casted doubt on his ability to win in pressure situations. This comes just days before the Yorkshire club are due to face Derby County in the first leg of the playoff semi-finals.

Despite the 63-year-old being one of the most highly regarded managers in the world and having made a huge impact at Elland Road this term, there is no doubt that his record in cup finals leaves a lot to be desired.

He has lost finals in the Copa America, Copa Libertadores and the Europa League, with his sole triumph coming in the 2004 Olympics.

The Whites boss is coming up against a man who has an almost impeccable record in similar situations during his playing career in Frank Lampard. The Chelsea legend won multiple domestic trophies as well as picking up a Champions League and a Europa League.

Bielsa said: “What I can tell you is I lost all the finals – apart from the final of the Olympics.”

It’s a statement which hasn’t filled the Elland Road faithful with much confidence.

Here’s what Leeds fans have been saying on Twitter…