Spurs manager hints at squad overhaul, with key departures expected following a mixed season.

Ange Postecoglou has indicated that Tottenham will undergo significant changes this summer, as the manager looks to reshape the squad to better suit his progressive playing style. Despite showing signs of improvement during his first season, Tottenham’s recent run of three consecutive defeats has highlighted the need for further adjustments.

Postecoglou’s squad has been primarily assembled by pragmatic managers like Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Antonio Conte, but the current players have now been tasked with playing a more dynamic, attacking brand of football. The team’s deficiencies were exposed in Thursday’s loss to Chelsea, underscoring the gap between the desired playing style and the existing personnel.

To address this, Postecoglou has already made bold moves, including the departure of seasoned players such as Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier in January. Additionally, the club has brought in new signings, including Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, and Brennan Johnson.

Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Postecoglou is expected to oversee more departures, with players like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso, and Bryan Gil likely to be moved on. “Change is necessary,” Postecoglou explained. “You can’t expect a drastic change in direction and still keep the same group. It’s just not feasible.”

While acknowledging the progress made over the last two transfer windows, Postecoglou stressed that there is still much work to be done to create a squad capable of playing the style of football he envisions. “We need to be realistic. We can’t expect everyone to be on board with this journey overnight,” he said. “For the style I want to implement, the squad must be adjusted.”

He also pointed out that the path to success often involves significant changes, citing the transformations seen at clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal. “By the time they reached their peak, their teams were almost unrecognizable,” he noted.

Postecoglou is committed to staying true to his principles of high-intensity, front-foot football, which includes playing with a high defensive line and focusing on building from the back. Despite some criticism of his tactical rigidity, he remains resolute in his belief that this approach will eventually bring success. “I believe in what I do, and I will continue to do so,” he stated with conviction.

In closing, Postecoglou assured fans that the team will continue to play according to his philosophy: “As long as I’m here, you will see this team play the way I want it to.”

Aston Villa midfielder remains confident despite costly penalty miss in 4-2 loss to Olympiacos.

Douglas Luiz has insisted he will continue to take penalties for Aston Villa, despite his crucial miss in their Europa League Conference semi-final first-leg defeat to Olympiacos. The Brazilian midfielder’s spot-kick, which came late in the match, hit the post and denied Villa the chance to reduce the deficit, with the team ultimately losing 4-2 at Villa Park on Thursday night.

Villa’s hopes of reaching their first European final since 1982 are now in serious doubt, but Luiz remains confident in his abilities. Reflecting on his miss, the 25-year-old said, “Of course, I am still confident. This is the first penalty I have missed, but that is football. I have scored six penalties this season, and I will keep taking them if needed.”

Luiz’s night was further marred by a handball that led to a penalty for Olympiacos. Despite the setback, he acknowledged the need to improve. “I wasn’t happy with my handball. When I saw the picture, it was a clear penalty, and then I missed the penalty as well. I am not happy today, but I need to get my head up and focus, especially on the Premier League,” he added.

Villa’s defensive performance was below their usual standards, but Luiz was optimistic about their attacking play. “We played really well and created chances, which gives me hope for the second leg. The game is not over. We can still come back strong,” he said. Luiz emphasized the importance of going into the return leg with a positive mindset: “We didn’t deserve to lose 4-2, but we have to try to change the result next week. We need to keep a clean sheet and score two goals.”

While the loss was a disappointing one for Villa on the pitch, there was some good news off it, as Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea pushed Villa closer to securing a spot in the Champions League next season. Luiz was encouraged by the result, saying, “Today is good because Tottenham lost, so we are happy there. Now, we need to train more and focus on our next games.”

Aston Villa could move into the top four of the Premier League if they beat Brighton on Sunday and Tottenham lose to Liverpool.

Manchester City’s manager draws parallels between England’s recent progress and his team’s path to European glory.

Pep Guardiola has expressed his belief that England are on the brink of securing a major international trophy, citing their recent performances and the guidance of Gareth Southgate as key to their potential success. The Manchester City manager compared England’s trajectory to that of his own team, who finally triumphed in the UEFA Champions League last season after several near-misses.

Guardiola, who oversaw City’s historic victory, thinks that Southgate’s side, having reached the final of the European Championship and the semi-finals of the World Cup, is now primed to win the ultimate prize. “England are really close,” he stated, emphasising the depth of the squad and the talent across all areas of the team. “They’ve made steps, with every major tournament they’ve played in. Losing a final, reaching a semi-final—it’s a process, and they are close to achieving greatness.”

Guardiola reflected on how such near successes are often followed by eventual victory. He believes that with the right mindset, England could lift the trophy at Euro 2024 this summer, just as his own team did in the Champions League after a series of narrow defeats.

He also highlighted the passionate support that England receives from its fans, who celebrate their team’s achievements on the streets. “The pride the fans have in their team is the ultimate reward for any footballer,” he said. “If they believe in themselves, they can do it. They just need to believe.”

One player Guardiola is particularly excited about is Phil Foden, whose standout season at Manchester City has earned him recognition as the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year. Guardiola spoke highly of Foden’s potential, predicting that if the young midfielder continues on his current trajectory, he could become one of City’s greatest-ever players.

Foden’s development from a youth prospect to one of the club’s key players has been nothing short of remarkable. Guardiola believes that if the 23-year-old maintains his current form, he will continue to elevate both his own game and that of Manchester City.

Despite the intense competition, Guardiola remains steadfast in his support for his players, regardless of whether they secure another title this season. “Even if we don’t win, my opinion of them won’t change,” he insisted. “We are fighting for something no team in this country has ever achieved. It’s a big challenge, but my love and respect for them will not alter.”

City is currently vying for their fourth consecutive Premier League title and a potential second domestic double, continuing their dominance in English football.