With Tottenham Hotspur opening up the 2020/21 Premier League campaign with a very disappointing defeat to Everton on Sunday, attentions quickly turn to our Europa League Qualifying Second Round tie against Lokomotiv Plovdiv on Thursday.
Qualifying rounds are never the nicest and you generally tend to meet a few teams who, with the greatest of respect, you’ve never actually heard of before, so whilst the assumption is usually ‘a cricket score’ – the matches themselves can often play out quite differently.
Manager Jose Mourinho will be looking for a comfortable and steady victory here to boost spirits and bed in our new signings but it’s definitely one of those games for fans where it’s an ‘avoid a banana skin’ moment at all costs and if it’s not pretty, just scrape through somehow.
Plovdiv...
Win
Draw
Lose
That’s probably never been more true after our opening day defeat as after last season’s struggles, we need some confidence and momentum as it still hasn’t quite clicked for the manager formerly known as the ‘Special One’.
With that said, it’s never ‘just’ the manager, it might be early doors and some players take a bit longer than others to get up to speed, but there surely can’t be any excuses for this one….can there?
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My post had nothing to do with whether Rose should stay or go. (Or, even the controversial things he has said). I was talking about something all together different… And, we all know he is finished at Spurs. That is obvious. ………
Later, I haven’t got a clue who Jose will play. But I’m pretty sure he will be putting out what we should see as a strong side. A side good enough to beat the Bulgarian team with ease. Which is why I have gone for 6-0!
Of course what that really means is that I feel we should be able to thrash them and not that I know we will…
😉 My crystal ball is still broken. It has been for years!
HT… There is a big difference between players being feisty with team mates and wanting to win, and players being sly and undermining moral and harmony to get their own agenda of improved personal contract / satisfaction.
Rose was naive and exploited by journalists, and therefore caused Levy and poch / jose to react
HT – good morning first of all mate – loving that post about Dele already – bang on – going nowhere end of!
Indeed just had a good long think about it and the only 3 (ACM’s) I can say currently match or are better than him on current form in the Prem are the following:
KDB, Fernandes and Pogba.
Sure there are many others : Havertz, De Beek, (our very own Lo Celso and N’Dombele LOL) Foden, Grealish, Maddison, Mount, Oxo-Chamberlain, Ceballos, Ozil, Barkley, Mata, James Rodriguez, Ozil, Siggy, Ward_Prowse, Almiron, etc in the Prem but I still don’t think any of these currently are as good already or have the potential still that Dele has (maybe Havertz, De Beek, Lo Celso and N’Dombele and maybe at a big stretch Foden, Grealish, Maddison and Mount – could potentially match his overall quality but got to be honest and say doubting it, etc but the jury is definitely out especially in the Prem where it truly counts and Dele has fully proven himself indeed already here especially in his first 3 potent and injury free season’s – remembering he’s also still only relatively recently season wise turned 24 – meaning hopefully his best year’s are ahead of him especially if he can stay relatively injury free like for those said 1st 3 season’s)!
Can’t wait to see him back fully fit and raring to go especially with the calibre of player we are bringing in and adding to what was already in the squad anyway in quite a decent even good amount………..!
‘Morrning block… Yes, he was naive imo as well. At the time I said this. Although he did say what a hell of a lot of Spurs fans continually complain about…. Still, I think he should save such stuff for his memoirs. But equally, he has a right to express himself regardless…..
But my point was more about how Jose’s form of management and use of words, can conceivably have a much worse effect on club and player disharmony, than anything a naive Rose has ever said… And yet supporters will defend Jose whilst knocking Rose.
We’ll see what happens…….. I’m not saying bad things WILL come from Jose and his ways. Just that he has a lot more sway and influence with his actions and words than Danny has ever had.
EJ……regarding CCV, I saw reports a couple of days ago which suggested a deal had been done with Bournemouth for him to replace Ake but then it all went quiet.
Sorry all but I find it hard to contain my excitement at what looks to be pretty much done deals with the two Real players. (Fingers crossed)
This is most unlike me during a TW. I’m excited for once… But I can see a much improved team and squad coming very soon to a football ground near you. A squad with potential set-ups that could well compete with the best of the rest of the PL and Europe, this season…
Ironically I can see Jose setting up formations that are similar to MP when Spurs were in their pomp under him. With a solid defence, flying wing backs, a creative midfield and goals!….. I’ll leave it there and discuss more when we know for sure that Bale and Reguilon are indeed a couple of spuds……
Then it will be over to you Jose to make it all work… Please!
Up the Spurs!
HT – another great post already – touche my friend, tou-bloody-che – EXACTLY – how I am feeling indeed in fact!
But trying to contain myself as best possible until all announced and secure and talk of still a STR and maybe even a CB also – God Almighty – please make it happen…………………… LOL!
Hold it together old friend and hopefully already this season by some minor miracle from the looks of things we might actually again be in with a shout of something decent even good even……….. LOL!
Respect and Kudos to Levy and JM if they do pull all this off already and then like you say mate JM to get down and dirty LOL and make it happen for us finally – he’s done it pretty much everywhere else so why can’t we dream about him being able to do it here with us also…………….!
BRING IT ON LOL………………………!
THE MIGHTY YIDS ARE BACK LOL………….!
All together now!
He’s coming home…..
He’s coming home…..
He’s coming…..
Gareth’s coming home.
Do you think we could make it a triple transfer deal and bring Modric back as well? It would make Geof a very happy man!
HK10 must be licking his lips, imagine the extra space he is going to get with defenders having to look out for Bale!
Morning TQ – yes I’ve been on NewsNow constantly these last couple of days, etc LOL so know what you are talking about – Levy, etc surely busy on the Real pair so CCV pushed to the back burner most probably for now especially given Levy wants to be involved in absolutely every deal, etc – and did read a 7 figure sale possibly agreed (although whatever that means exactly) but also and maybe even quite importantly a future % sell on clause so that if the lad does well and properly makes it (indeed perhaps sometime soon/eventually in the Prem or even abroad and moves from them – similar to Edwards last season who is now tearing it up in Portugal in fact with Sporting already linked with him for relatively decent money – several million for example and we’ve got a 50% right on any of that) we might be able to profit from him again (remembering he’s an Academy graduate so apart from training costs, etc which come naturally obviously on having such a system in place – he’s cost us basically nothing and given so many loans – his wages which never likely to be that high anyway probably subsidised quite heavily everytime or even in full, etc – especially as was always pretty much at Championship level – decent money down there especially for young-guys still learning their trade even coming from Prem teams, etc I would have thought at least anyway)!
If the deals go through, the signings of Bale and Reguilon could be as significant as the Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa era. This much needed boost to add some quality to our “ordinary” squad could give us the kick start our club needs. Good to see the stadium on BBC News this morning. Wow what a spectacular view from a very scary position.We have a magnificent stadium. I am looking forward to when the team can match the spectacular surroundings giving us something to shout about and raising the pulse with brilliant attacking play, slick passing and great goals. (Not the dismal stuff churned out against Everton). Remembering now the tremendous attacking runs of Bale and then watching some of his wonderful goals at Real Madrid. Waiting for an announcement tomorrow.
Tonight’s game, yes will be watching have paid for the channel…Premier Sports 1 & 2, looking forward to it, am going for a 0-4 win.
Now regards Mr Bale, respect to him given, every bloody thing I can cross is crossed for both of the RM players to join us, with confirmation putting on the SHIRT, get it done Mr Levy.
As WW said this whole thing of the signing of GB & Reggie is very similar to the hype and happiness of us signing Ossie and Ricky, esp Ricky for the 1981 cup final and that goal YEAH! it will give all the team/squad player’s a massive boost/lift, so bring it on. COYS
Just one thing worries me. Levy’s dithering has often cost us signings e.g. Willian, Grealish plus recent striker signings. Other clubs know this can can often nip in and steal our goods. Just hope we don’t get a major embarrassment this time. Have been watching All or Nothing on Amazon Prime which has convinced of my dislike of Jose. Rather unpleasant character full of foul language and rather a conceited bore Can’t wait for a modern, forward thinking coach to replace him. Poch we miss you. A true gentleman.
Morning folks
Hope you are all keeping well. Geoff 100% re DR I’m much of the same opinion. Although as EJ says we don’t know his mindset at the time mental health is an invisible disease and can attack anyone.
Re the possible new signings. If we get em, we now have the “game changer” Bale is that player who can take the game by the scruff of the neck lead the charge so to speak.
As another poster said HK must be licking his lips. If only some else taking the talisman pressure off him. I think as HT said could you imagine that squad coming to your football ground. Fantastic like many, I’m positive and excited and EJ hasn’t mentioned “King” now for a couple of posts, got to be positive. Lol.
Morning ND mate – very funny – I actually wouldn’t mind this Willian Jose – he’s got a decent scoring record in La Liga for starters at a very average club – he’s tall, he’s got a bit of weight to him which apparently makes him pretty powerful, but not that much weight that then becomes immobile, etc – so effectively he can put it about a bit but also move as well LOL! Only problem would be his transfer fee – indeed how much would they want for him if they even countenance selling him in the 1st place?! Think he’d want to come and wages not really a problem I would imagine.
I would really though like Carlos Vinicius – problem is going to cost a minimum of 50-60m Euros for sure if not more (certainly more than Willian Jose already for example) – indeed I think I remember hearing Benfica already turned down a 60m Euro offer for him from an un-named Prem club in January. Of course now they’ve got JJ (Jorge Jesus) back and they’ve bought in this Darwin Nunez fella so depending on whether he wants to play 2 STR’s together which I doubt and seeing as they broke their record and Portugal’s in general also to get Nunez in, he may well be the new 1st team choice – harsh on Vinicius who is quality and was last season’s joint top scorer in Portugal in his 1st season there already no less. Although to my surprise it was Seferovic who led the line for them on Tuesday in their crucial CL match, Nunez and Vinicius eventually both coming on in the last 15-20 mins or so (which they subsequently lost……….. LOL). Given they’ve blown over 80m Euros this summer on signings (a further Portuguese record and by far at that) and given this CL withdrawal already – who knows – they might even have to sell now – hope so LOL from a personal point of view being a Portista naturally but would also love to get Vinicius! He’s actually a bit taller and heavier than WJ above, but crucially he can move for sure because I’ve seen him play – physically he’s got it all covered in abundance and he also knows how to score, very technical also for a big man and can even beat players with skill and a decent turn of foot, etc -basically he’s got it all – would be a great signing for sure (but will be expensive guaranteed) but then I think so might even WJ be also (and for less money also). Wouldn’t mind signing Vinicius in a Fernandes type deal with them again and this guy would almost certainly prove to be worth the eventual 50-60m Euros unlike Gedson LOL!
Only problem with the 2 of them is that they are both FRGN!
Currently (assuming Reguila joins and obviously Bala also even though he’s naturally home-grown) including the likes of Aurier, Foyth and Gazzaniga, etc we have 18 FRGN’s in the squad for the EL as Davies also unfortunately counts as FRGN given his early starting years being in Wales. For the Prem though Davies reverts to being home-grown so even with Reguila we’d still be bang on the 17 limit.
If we don’t want to get riff off anyone then we might have to go home-grown if still wanting to secure said STR.
This could of course prompt a move for a TQ suggestion in Rhian Brewster – question is will Liverpool sell and if so would they sell to us – I assume our money is as good as anyone else’s and he’s a London boy I believe so not completely beyond the realm of possibility and should be cheaper than the other 2 mentioned if they do decide to sell and wages shouldn’t be a problem at all and would be very interesting to eventually have both him and Parrott at the club long-term if both prove worthy of course – 2 future super-stars potentially and again both home-grown on top! Does not have the proven finishing etc of the of the 2 above, also much smaller and lighter as well – no doubt pacey and that’s a great thing to have for sure but then again we’ll already have all that and much more with both Sonny and Bala being able to play as STR’s if really needed, etc! Thus to get in something different and a proper STR like HK10 who can do it all (barring perhaps super face – but like I say we’ve got Sonny and Bala, etc for that already) would prefer Vinicius or Willian Jose, etc!
King is still a fair option for around £15m plus lowish wages and very versatile, home-grown and Prem proven and would mean any of HK10, Sonny and Bala and King could play up top at the STR, etc so still an option for me and hopefully for the club also………! Although given what I’ve said above about height and even weight (so power, etc) – now actually not as convinced as regards King as I was – still a decent option but with signing Bala and having Sonny also – would now prefer someone in the mould of HK10 who has it all barring maybe as I say above super-face, etc!
Versatility as regards for example King no longer a big need given all the wingers we’ll have: Bala, Sonny, Bergs, Moura, Lamela, even Sess and Clarke, etc (some even suggesting Reguila could eventually play as a winger also LOL)!
Finally Belotti is similar to Brewter and King in terms of physicality but would cost double or more what either of these would cost and is FRGN on top – so not really for me IMHO (especially in an ideal scenario og getting a proper HK10 type, etc)!
Just my take on the new STR situation presently!
Lunch-time then back to scour NewsnNow and see what’s been/is happening on here naturally also……..LOL!
ND …. Why did you have to mention ‘King’ and start EJ off again, mate!!
I thought tonight’s game would be on Optus Sport …. but it seems not.
Rose attitude was a disgrace time to remove player power.
123, very simple that mate, but we live in a time of me me me! COYS
Sorry Geoff I’ll do my best not to mention the “K” word again.
Ok! who mentioned the “K” word? go on own up Lol!, ah! I see you have owned ND, sorry missed that, now off to the naughty step in the corner with you. COYS
Me, me, me, PY?
The human race has always lived in times of me, me, me… It has also always had its fair share of generosity and good will too. And I see a lot of that in my world and life ….. I’m surrounded by it. Generosity and kindness that is …..
I think that Jose could easily be seen as a me, me, me kinda man. But maybe he is misunderstood. Likewise with Danny Rose…
I choose not to be too cynical in life… It helps me to see the good through the bad… And I don’t find it that difficult, tbh…
Like I said last night, Jose is not the devil. (TK will disagree). And Rose is just a footballer who maybe said too much….. No great sin.
And funnily Rose said a few things about his club that I have read a 1000 times from supporters on here and elsewhere… I didn’t agree with him and thought he should have kept it quiet… But really, what harm has he done, other than to speak his mind. Which I know you firmly believe in… That, we all should have the right to do… Unfortunately, in this world there are those that don’t let it happen. Those that just want people to shut T F Up, if they don’t like what they have to say!
If Jose can be a right ol’ c…t, then why can’t we all! 🙂