All posts by z3u9t.icu

When Jose Mourinho was sacked earlier this year many Tottenham Hotspur fans expected the club to make a statement appointment to set them up for the coming years, however former Spurs star Paul Stewart believes that Paulo Fonseca is certainly not the right man.

Fonseca was renowned for an attacking and brave style of football during his time with both Shakhtar Donetsk and Roma, and that will please Spurs fans who were deprived of a lot of exciting football last season under Mourinho as Spurs only won a league game by more than one goal 13 times.

The former Roma manager has reportedly agreed personal terms with Spurs and a lot of fans will already have an opinion on him after seeing what his Roma side were like during the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United, and it’s safe to say they didn’t look great, getting brushed aside 8-5 on aggregate.

Spurs fans will want a manager to come in and play exciting and front-foot football, something which was an ever-present under Mauricio Pochettino and despite Fonseca being likely to bring this, Stewart claims he could be the worst option for his former club as he spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“He’s the last and worst option, because like you said, when you watched them against Man United they were totally outclassed and were never in the tie at all, and Levy is looking at someone like him to bring success to Spurs.”

With a relatively limited Roma side, Fonseca turned them into an exciting team to watch with how many goals they both scored and conceded but it was also the volume of chances they created with 3.05 goal creating actions per 90 minutes, the sixth-best in the Serie A.

Fonseca won plaudits across Europe during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk for the fearless and attacking style of play in the Champions League, even beating Manchester City 2-1 during the 2017/18 season.

A new name has emerged in Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search as they still look to find a viable successor to Jose Mourinho…

What’s the word?

According to Sport Bild, Spurs are actually one of several Premier League sides taking a keen look at Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic, who is set to leave the Signal Iduna Park at the end of the current campaign.

Both Newcastle United, if they move on from Steve Bruce, and Crystal Palace, who will let Roy Hodgson go this summer, are also said to also be interested in the 38-year-old.

Terzic, a former assistant to Slaven Bilic at West Ham, has already rejected the chance to take the reigns at Bundesliga outfit Frankfurt and he is set to be available this summer because BVB have opted for Gladbach guru Marco Rose in the long term.

Shades of Klopp

The German is certainly an interesting candidate for Daniel Levy to consider.

He temporarily took over from Lucien Favre in December and has steered the Black and Yellows to glory in the DFB-Pokal, as well as a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.

Terzic, unlike many of the other names mooted to the North London gig, will be without a club so that should instantly make him of more appeal.

The Sun believe it could take as much as £70m to lure Brendan Rodgers away from Leicester City, whilst the likes of Roberto Martinez, Graham Potter and Erik ten Hag are all still employed, despite being three of the four names on the shortlist, as per The Athletic.

The interim Dortmund boss’ inexperience shouldn’t put Levy off either as he’s not only proven he can develop players like Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland but he has knowledge of the English top-flight already and has had major influence from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

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Terzic worked under the Premier League winner for several years.

ESPN’s Derek Rae believes the young gem ‘brings a Klopp-like intensity’ to the dugout, whilst Bilic has previously suggested that he “has everything.”

Furthermore, head of recruitment Sven Mislintat waxed lyrical about Terzic to The Times, he said: “[He has a] strong personality, with top-class analytical qualities and tactical understanding, clear about what kind of football his teams are best suited to. By that I mean he is not narrow-minded. He’ll be brave. He’ll make the difficult decisions.”

Many of the Dortmund players have taken to the caretaker, too, after young winger Gio Reyna praised him as he “lets me be free as an attacker.”

Terzic has won 61.2% of matches since taking control halfway through the season, which is a substantial improvement to Mourinho, who was sacked with a 52% win record.

It would certainly be a major gamble to appoint the 38-year-old but given Levy was interested in 33-year-old Julian Nagelsmann as a top target, he should have no qualms about the emerging Dortmund man.

An attack-minded, young and progressive coach that knows the league sounds like the perfect blueprint, so the Spurs chairman must make a bold push for him if the interest is genuine.

AND in other news, Spurs can forget about keeping Kane if Levy hires “exceptional” 48 y/o lauded by Guardiola…

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Lille attacking midfielder Jonathan Ikone this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his squad.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements required

The Reds managed to salvage a disappointing season last month, finishing third in the Premier League after an excellent end to the campaign. The importance of qualifying for the Champions League cannot be downplayed, both financially and in terms of being able to attract top players this summer.

Klopp will be keen on making a few additions, with depth in attacking areas potentially something he may look at improving given the largely disappointing goal returns from his forwards.

The Latest: Liverpool eye up Ikone move

According to Anfield Central, Liverpool are ‘genuinely interested’ in signing Lille’s Ikone in the next transfer window, with the Frenchman a newly-crowned Ligue 1 champion. The 23-year-old scored four goals and registered five assists as his club sealed title glory in France and he featured in all but one of their league games.

Liverpool believe they can sign Ikone at a good price, potentially bringing him in as a replacement for Xherdan Shaqiri, who in recent weeks has been linked with a possible exit from Anfield.

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The Verdict: Exciting long-term addition

Ikone is an exciting young player who could bring quality and guile to the Reds’ midfield, having averaged more dribbles per game (1.4) than Mohamed Salah (one) in the league last season.

He may not come in as a key starter immediately, but with Jordan Henderson and Thiago both in their 30s now, he could be viewed as a long-term replacement in the middle of the park, albeit in a more attacking role.

At 23, Ikone would be arriving at a similar age to the likes Salah (25) and Sadio Mane (24) when they joined Liverpool, showing that he could mature into an even more formidable player over time.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been linked with a move abroad this summer – find out who it is here.

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been giving their thoughts to Roy Hodgson’s comments on Eberechi Eze on social media following his starring display against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The 22-year-old set up Christian Benteke early on at Bramall Lane before sealing the win late on with his fourth Premier League goal of the campaign, mathematically guaranteeing the Eagles’ place in the top flight next season.

Eze recorded a hugely impressive WhoScored match rating of 9.18/10, completing more dribbles and drawing more fouls than any player on the pitch.

It was only the second time this season that Eze managed to score and provide an assist in the same game, and Hodgson was thrilled for the attacking midfielder.

When asked about Eze, shared by The Athletic’s Crystal Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam, the manager said:

“We know that’s the quality he possesses and we preach to him that we want to see it and we won’t criticise him if he doesn’t come off. He was bold when he got the ball, he drove forward and he got his reward and we got our reward for his good play.”

Palace fans react

Woosnam posted Hodgson’s comments on Twitter shortly after the full-time whistle at Bramall Lane, and these Palace fans praised both Eze and Hodgson, with many revelling in the club’s first away win since February.

“So pleased to read this”Credit: @liamb0117″This is what we want, Flair FC. Not players afraid of carrying the ball, CPFC.”Credit: @BigAlThinks”We (Palace) should be planning and building our team around Eze.”Credit: @collintheporter”Well said Roy”Credit: @zsCPFC”Nice words from Roy tbh”Credit: @CPFCMax03″Eze was MoM. CPFC fairly dull & uninspired against a very poor Sheffield team. 3 points away is a very good return against any team in PL but our squad needs an injection of pace, creativity & goal scorers & a more entertaining style. Wilf strangely subdued again yesterday”Credit: @neiog

In other news: Many Palace fans fume at update on managerial target, find out more here. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, David Norris, who made 36 appearances for Leeds United, has backed his former side to make a move for Julian Draxler who has fallen out of favour at PSG.

Draxler has been handed just six starts in the 19 league games since Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as their new manager, so rumours of a move away to Leeds are still rife, following their interest in the midfielder last summer.

The German midfielder is still just 27-years old and if he was to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side, he would add creativity and versatility as he can operate as a number 10, false nine or winger, something which would help Bielsa if he wished to change formations.

Speaking on how Draxler would be a good signing for Leeds United and how the German may now see Leeds as a good move for his career, Norris told FFC exclusively:

“Yeah he would be a good player for them and I’m sure he was spoken about last summer a little bit but I don’t think he fancied it. He may have possibly thought with Leeds being newly promoted that it wasn’t clear what they would be like.

“After this season he may see Leeds differently as they are one of the big teams now and they have got a chance of doing something special so that might change his mind. I think it could have something to it.”

The 27-year old has had a successful career since he swapped Wolfsburg for PSG in 2017, having won an impressive 13 trophies during his time in Paris.

Bielsa will be looking to add some more Premier League quality to his squad this summer as they look to improve on what has been a solid debut campaign.

Leeds United youngster Robbie Gotts has been tipped to leave the club this summer, with Marcelo Bielsa not seeing him as part of his plans.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Salford City, having moved to the League Two club in January, affording him more regular first team football.

Gotts’ current Leeds deal expires at the end of next season, raising question marks over what the next chapter in his career will be.

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Gotts could leave Leeds, claims Hay

According to The Athletic‘s Phil Hay, the youngster is unlikely to convince Bielsa to be part of his future plans, with a move elsewhere appearing to be on the cards:

“He’s [Gotts] a lovely lad and a good player but I got a distinct impression that he suspects his future lies elsewhere. Bielsa always keeps his leading under-23s close to him. He’d rather they trained at Thorp Arch than played elsewhere on loan.

“This naturally concludes that anyone who is allowed to leave on loan is a fair distance from his plans.”

Gotts has managed three appearances for Leeds to date, making his debut away to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round in January 2020.

Transfer Tavern take

In truth, it makes sense for all parties for Gotts to find a new permanent club moving forward, with the midfielder once described as ‘excellent’ by Richie Wellens.

If Bielsa can’t guarantee him a regular squad role, he risks growing stagnant in his career, so being a key man at a different club makes far more sense.

Leeds are now at a level where they are a mid-table Premier League club with aspirations of improving further – Gotts doesn’t appear to be at that standard in Bielsa’s eyes.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with an outrageous move this summer – find out who the player in question is here.

Former Premier League side Sheffield Wednesday could be relegated to League One this evening.

The Owls host Blackburn Rovers at Hillsborough Stadium tonight knowing that a defeat plus a win for relegation rivals Derby County would see their fate sealed.

In the absence of manager Darren Moore, assistant coach Jamie Smith will once again lead the side out and he will want to see a reaction after the south Yorkshiremen were held by ten-man Bristol City at the weekend.

But what sort of XI could we see selected? Here’s our prediction along with the latest news from the Wednesday camp…

There could be as many as three changes from the weekend.

Moore and Smith have a big decision to make in attack as the Owls looked toothless against the Robins despite having a player advantage, so we’re banking on a recall for Jordan Rhodes after he was axed for Saturday.

He’ll replace Callum Paterson upfront, with Josh Windass keeping his place just in behind and he could be joined by Andre Green, who is pushing for a start after an impressive cameo from the bench and a recent goal for the U23s.

The 22-year-old dynamo comes in for Kadeem Harris.

Out wide, both wing-backs Adam Reach and Liam Palmer should remain as they have done throughout the last few weeks, whilst Sam Hutchinson could move back into midfield, having been utilised at centre-back for the past two matches.

He’ll join skipper Barry Bannan in the engine room, with Osaze Urhoghide likely to return in a three-man defence after being snubbed in successive games for the first time since his opening league game of the season against Preston at the end of January.

Saturday’s goalscorer Julian Borner and vice-captain Tom Lees should partner the 20-year-old gem in front of veteran shot-stopper Keiren Westwood.

AND in other news, Worrying update emerges on £20k-p/w Sheffield Wednesday “leader”, Moore will be gutted…

Fans of Southampton have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Saints confirmed that James Ward-Prowse returned to the club from international duty early.

Having been called up by Gareth Southgate for England’s World Cup qualifying fixtures against San Marino, Albania and Poland last month, Ward-Prowse went on to make his fifth and sixth appearances for the national team, scoring the first goal of his international career in the 5-0 rout of San Marino.

However, prior to England’s 2-1 victory over Poland on Wednesday evening, Southampton confirmed in a statement on their club website that the midfielder had returned to St. Mary’s sooner than expected as a fitness precaution.

And, after Saints shared this news on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to be furious at the prospect of the club captain potentially being ruled out of Southampton’s upcoming fixture against Burnley.

So, what exactly did these Southampton fans have to say in reaction to the news regarding James Ward-Prowse?

“Hope he’s ok, would be gutted if he misses a minute for us after not missing any so far.”

@lacbeckett

“He better not be injured I stg.”

@harrisonlegg1

“We gotta hope he’s not injured otherwise we’ve got a real problem.”

@newington13

“If he’s injured imma cry.”

@ryanrd1905

“Player who is never injured gets injured by England.”

@shirleymush

“Idk tbh. He better not be injured though. He can keep his streak of consecutive games.”

@Ronan97653347

In other news: loads of Saints fans pleaded for this ‘no brainer’ deal for this ‘superb’ £60k-p/w star – find out more here!

Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry doubts that Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers would be willing to move to Tottenham Hotspur, telling Football FanCast that he is set to oversee a major investment in his Foxes squad this summer.

Rodgers has been linked with a move to Spurs, per The Daily Record, with the club seemingly making plans for the potential sacking of manager Jose Mourinho.

Reports earlier this month claimed that both RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann and Rodgers were on chairman Daniel Levy’s shortlist to replace the Portuguese.

The 48-year-old has done excellent work at Leicester since his arrival midway through the 2018/19 season.

He steered the club to a ninth-placed finish that season and they then finished fifth in 2019/20.

This season, it seems they are on the verge of finishing in the top four with the Foxes currently third, seven points ahead of fifth-placed West Ham United, and that will allow a return to the Champions League.

Fry believes Rodgers will be given the opportunity to bring in new additions this summer, having spent £55m on both Wesley Fofana and Timothy Castagne in the summer, while also taking Cengiz Under on loan from Roma.

And Fry doubts that Rodgers will be willing to go to Spurs, such is the level he has reached at the King Power Stadium.

He told FFC: “He’s gradually done a fantastic job at Leicester. He’s well looked after, he’s well respected, he has the run of the thing. The owners back him and they’ve all got a lovely relationship there.

“And I know he’s very ambitious and wants to challenge the top four all the time, all the time, all the time. But he’s built a good, good squad at Leicester and I believe they will give him further finance to improve the squad even further this summer.

“So I’m not quite sure, where years ago, Tottenham, you’d have walked there. I’m not even sure if he was offered it, he would walk there this time.”

After making his Premier League debut against Manchester United in April 2018, Arsenal’s Konstantinos Mavropanos hasn’t quite progressed as perhaps he might have wanted.

The now 23-year-old currently finds himself on loan at Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, and he’s been one of the club’s most impressive performers this season.

His average match rating based on Whoscored is currently 7.04, which ranks him as Stuttgart’s fifth-best player this campaign, and when you look at some of his underlying numbers, it’s easy to see why.

The Greek centre-back averages a monstrous three interceptions and 2.8 tackles per game, both of which are the best in the entire Bundesliga – quite the achievement for someone playing his first season in German football.

Those statistics are also significantly better than what William Saliba has managed in his loan spell at Nice, with the young Frenchman averaging 1.5 interceptions and 0.8 tackles per game in comparison.

Stuttgart manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, has waxed lyrical about the centre-back, saying: “He’s our gladiator! He’s a monster in terms of physique. And when he makes a mistake, he hums around some Greek swear words. I like that. He’s just a tough dog.”

Generally being used as a right-sided centre-half in a back-three, or even at right-back, the 6 foot 4 titan is getting a footballing education in the Bundesliga, certainly in terms of getting used to new positions and systems.

Football.London recently said that Arsenal are closely following his progress with the German side, and that his performances are drawing admiring glances from rival clubs and managers.

So while Saliba could be the young centre-back out on loan who Arsenal fans may be excitedly looking at ahead of next season, Mavropanos has shown this season that he must surely be unleashed by Arteta at the start of the next campaign.