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      Daniel Levy’s Ange Postecoglou dilemma is ultimate head vs heart debate… he simply must think like a Tottenham fan

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      HE wears a chip on one of his shoulders, his heart on his sleeve and a winner’s medal around his neck.Ange Postecoglou is one of the most fascinating men in football and his boss, Daniel Levy, faces a fascinating dilemma over whether to keep him.Daniel Levy (right) has a huge decision to make over Ange Postecoglou’s futureCredit: GettyThe Aussie ended Spurs’ long wait for silverware despite a dismal domestic campaignCredit: AFPWhile Levy rarely attracts sympathy, how on Earth should he weigh up a first trophy in 17 years against 22 defeats in one Premier League season – a record number for any team which has avoided relegation?Before last week’s Europa League final victory over Manchester United, most Tottenham fans wanted Big Ange out.Yet, having celebrated silverware after so long, the majority are now clearly ‘Ange in’.And that swing in opinion shows that Postecoglou called it right with his bold approach to the second half of the season — to prioritise the Europa League and largely toss off the domestic campaign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe most joyous moments of this season have arrived when Spurs, Newcastle and Crystal Palace all ended long trophy droughts, as well as Aberdeen, north of the border.Because actually winning things – as opposed to finishing as high up a league table as possible – is the essence of sport.The game is about glory, as Danny Blanchflower famously said.‘To Dare Is To Do’ says Tottenham’s club motto.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd the charismatic, prickly Aussie manager recognised both.Big Ange dared to gamble on the singular glory of Bilbao, over the possibility of finishing mid-table rather than 17th. He won.Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradeEven though last Wednesday’s final was a terrible game between two terrible teams, in which Spurs showed the lesser attacking ambition.And even though winning a knockout competition tends to do little for a manager’s job prospects – just ask Tottenham’s last trophy-winning boss Juande Ramos, or Erik ten Hag and Louis van Gaal at Manchester United.Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive years – which is harder than winning the Europa League but nowhere near as fun. And sport is supposed to be fun.This kind of thinking has become increasingly unfashionable among managers and club owners in recent years. Postecoglou went against the grain and, in doing so, showed himself to be in tune with Tottenham supporters.Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…Just as he has been with his consistently brilliant take-downs of the lunacy of VAR, as well as modern football’s obsession with largely meaningless stats. In an industry polluted by bulls**t, Big Ange is the fumigator.For the gaiety of the nation at large, and certainly for us lot in the footballing media, it is sincerely hoped he remains in post.Postecoglou’s press conference on the eve of the Europa League final was extraordinary theatre.At various points during that 20-minute session, Postecoglou was chippy, charming, angry, funny, bullish, touching, wise, petty, proud and scathing.Which basically meant he was extremely, obviously, human. And while a manager’s performance in media interviews shouldn’t really be important, they are.As Postecoglou pointed out, Spurs have played 60 times this season, which means he conducted 120 rounds of pre-match or post-match interviews.He is the frontman for the club.Levy, like most other Premier League club owners, rarely utters a word in public.Postecoglou can certainly be thin-skinned. When he cupped his ears to fans after Spurs scored a soon-to-be disallowed goal at Chelsea in early April, it was a significant point in turning supporter opinion against him.During that press conference in Bilbao, Postecoglou sounded like a man who knew he was leaving.But the response to the Europa League win — including a turnout for the open-top bus parade which was (probably) visible from the Moon — is making Levy think again and has increased Postecoglou’s confidence that he may be afforded a third season.Would that be the best decision for Spurs’ future?After Tottenham’s hungover players were battered at home by Brighton on Sunday, it feels a difficult case to argue.Tottenham have a huge decision to make after ending a 17-year wait for silverwareCredit: GettySpurs can’t keep finishing 17th and targeting knockout competitions.Not least because, with such a mindset, they might well end up relegated.Tottenham’s league campaign was beyond awful — but then their injury crisis earlier in the campaign was also extreme.Their record when their first-choice keeper and back four — Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie — play together is excellent.Tottenham win 62 per cent of games with their preferred backline compared to 38 per cent without.And during his first season, Postecoglou led Spurs to fifth place, despite the loss of their all-time record scorer Harry Kane.Now, Champions League qualification has boosted Tottenham’s finances and their desirability as a destination among potential summer recruits.Levy’s decision will not be easy. It is a classic head-versus-heart dilemma. If Levy votes with his heart, and sticks with Big Ange, he will at least prove to Spurs fans that he has a heart.And that he is a Tottenham fan at heart, before he is a hard-headed businessman.Which might not be a bad starting point.REF’S NO VILLANASTON VILLA’S frustration was understandable after referee Thomas Bramall ruled out Morgan Rogers’ ‘goal’ against Manchester United and Unai Emery’s men missed out on Champions League qualification.But making a formal complaint over the selection of the ‘inexperienced’ Bramall was daft.Experienced refs make mistakes, too.And inexperienced refs only become experienced by refereeing big matches. Also, it was a mistake by the experienced World Cup-winning keeper Emi Martinez, which earned him a red card and played an equally significant role in the Villans’ failure to make the top five.Emi Martinez saw red as Aston Villa missed out on the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyBOXES GENIUSGOALSCORING and broadcasting are two ­difficult crafts to master.Before Gary Lineker, only Jimmy Greaves had been seriously good at both.No ex-footballers were in the running to succeed Lineker as Match of the Day host.And the fact the BBC are replacing him with a rota of three journalists — Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates — says much about how he made the show his own over the last 25 years.Whatever your opinions on Lineker’s social-media posts, at least he never stuck to the tiresome belief that those involved in football, should only ever ‘stick to football’.Gary Lineker has signed off after 26 years fronting Match of the DayCredit: PAAMORIM HAMMERINSHORT of sticking them in the stocks and pelting them with rotten fruit, it’s difficult to know how much more public punishment Manchester United’s players can take.The sight of these humiliated flops staring awkwardly at their feet in the Old Trafford centre circle, while Ruben Amorim issued an apology for the club’s  ‘disastrous’ season, was genuinely cringeworthy.And this was swiftly followed by a post-season tour of Asia, to recoup a few million in lost revenues, which knackered players need like a hole in the head.Read More on The SunNobody involved with United really needed Amorim’s David Brent-like apology.They just require things to get significantly better,  very soon. 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      Chloe Kelly stuns Arsenal fans as she heads straight to local PUB after Champions League trophy parade

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      ARSENAL hero Chloe Kelly enjoyed a Bank Holiday to remember after winning the Champions League – but isn’t sure where she’ll be playing next season. The 27-year-old hit the town following Arsenal’s parade to celebrate their shock triumph over Barcelona. Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly headed straight to her local after beating Barcelona in the Champions LeagueCredit: X/ TheTollingtonThe 27-year-old stunned crowds gathered at The Tollington just outside the EmiratesCredit: X/ TheTollingtonKelly’s future at Arsenal remains up in the air after leaving Manchester CityCredit: X/ TheTollingtonStina Blackstenius scored the only goal of the game in Lisbon to deny the Catalan giants a third-straight title. The result sealed Arsenal’s first Champions League title since way back in 2007.And Lionesses star Kelly – who almost stepped away from football in January – wasted no time in heading to her local after jetting back to London.The on-loan Man City star arrived at The Tollington in Holloway on Monday, just minutes away from the Emirates. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKelly, decked out in her Arsenal shirt, danced with fans and posed for selfies in footage shared by the pub.One fan responded: “What a legend!!! Chloe is having a grand day…we have to give her a contract!”While another said: “I kinda think, she wants to stay :-), how cool is that going into the Tolly.”Kelly – England’s Euro hero in 2022 – began her career as a youth player at Arsenal. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShe has since joined Everton and City before heading back to North London on loan in January.Kelly told The Guardian: “As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness. Chloe Kelly shows off her dancing as Arsenal stars get private performance from Alex Scott’s girlfriend Jess Glynne”Renee Slegers, as soon as she got on the phone to me, to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her. “From being in such a dark place to now, it’s crazy.”I was ready to take a break from football completely. I’m just grateful.”Kelly is still not sure if her move back to Arsenal will become permanent. She added: “If it’s my last game for the club, I’ll forever be grateful. “I know I’ve given my all to Arsenal and Arsenal has given their all to me. Read More on The Sun”They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. “It’s not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.” More

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      Chelsea ‘strongly considering’ Hugo Ekitike transfer as Enzo Maresca lines up new striker for Champions League

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      CHELSEA are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike ahead of the summer transfer window.The Blues punched their ticket to next season’s Champions League after beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Sunday at City Ground, which sealed fourth place in the Premier League table.Chelsea have discussed a move for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo EkitikeChelsea are also keen on Ipswich Town star Liam DelapAnd the West Londoners’ qualification to Europe’s elite competition has given them a massive financial boost in terms of PSR flexibility for the summer market.And according to The Independent, the Prem giants have discussed a move for Ekitike, 22, who is very high on their wish list.Chelsea are actively looking for a striker to spearhead their attack in the Champions League and are “strongly considering” the French star.However, Enzo Maresca’s side will have to splash an astronomical fee with the forward rated at around €100million (£83.9m).Read More on ChelseaThe centre-forward shone bright this season with Eintracht as he amassed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances.The France Under-21 international joined Frankfurt in 2024 following a loan stint from Paris Saint-Germain last term.Ekitike counts a total of 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 appearances with the Bundesliga outfit.Chelsea, though, are also keeping tabs on other options, such as Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.Most read in FootballSunsport revealed the London giants are very big on Delap and are willing to meet his £30m release clause.The England Under-21 international is also keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot securedThe striker favouring a link-up with Chelsea boss Maresca, who was his academy coach at Manchester City.The club’s current recruitment director Joe Shields was also instrumental in Delap’s move from Derby to Man City’s academy in 2019. More

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      Why Jude Bellingham’s brother Jobe requested NOT to have surname on Sunderland shirt for Championship play-off final

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM spent this season with his first name on the back of his Sunderland shirt. Bellingham – younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude – helped Sunderland gain promotion back to the Premier League. Jobe Bellingham spent this season with his first name on the back of his Sunderland shirtCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnd he did so wearing the No.7 with Jobe on his shirt – opting not to wear his surname as is usually the case for players. According to the Daily Mail, the reason being is that midfielder wants to create his own identity away from that of his older brother.Players can ask for “appropriate variation” on the back of their shirt – should they wish at the start of the season.Older brother Jude joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and has won the LaLiga title and Champions League in Spain. READ MORE IN footballHe has also become a regular for England – scoring six times in his 42 caps so far. Like Jude, his younger brother also came through Birmingham’s academy before joining Sunderland in 2023. This season, he made 40 appearances with four goals and has attracted attention from across Europe. Dortmund – who helped Jude make his name – are believed to be rivalling Eintracht Frankfurt for his signature. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBellingham wanted to make a name for himself with Sunderland – and achieved that alongside the rest of his team-mates at Wembley. The Black Cats saw off Sheffield United 2-1 thanks to a last-minute Tom Watson winner. Bellingham, 19, said: “I’ve been part of this great team so every player has made a name for themselves here. So really proud.”Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley More

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      Nottingham Forest in Champions League and Newcastle miss out on Europe – how Premier League table would look without VAR

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST would have earned a Champions League spot at the expense of Newcastle if VAR did not exist.And the Magpies’ escape from any consequences for their home defeat by Everton is put into even starker content as they would have missed out on European football altogether without the technology.Nottingham Forest would have earned a Champions League spot if VAR did not existNewcastle would have missed out on Europe if VAR did not existSunSport have analysed all 380 Prem matches this term and worked out how the table would have looked if the original on-field decisions had not been overturned after intervention by the Stockley Park video booth.Our number crunchers found that Eddie Howe’s men were by far the biggest beneficiaries of VAR changes. Newcastle had a staggering 13 decisions changed in their favour, with just five reversals hurting them.That brought a net figure of +8, with Aston Villa and West Ham next in the benefits column with each having four more interventions in their favour than against them.Read More on FootballOur analysis, which assumes every penalty that was initially awarded and then wiped was scored, suggests that without VAR Newcastle would have picked up four fewer points – dropping them to eighth in the table – and conceded seven more goals.Forest, whose home defeat by Chelsea left them in the Conference League slot, would have finished fifth in our “No VAR” table.And Bournemouth, ninth in the actual table, would have been preparing for a first continental campaign in the Europa League without the technology changes.Andoni Iraola’s side had 11 VAR changes against them and just three in their favour, costing the Cherries EIGHT points and seven goals.Most read in FootballThe study of the 111 changed decisions cannot determine definitively what would have happened in real life if the initial decisions had not been overturned.But one of the most contentious calls saw Dango Ouattara’s last-gasp “winner” against Newcastle in August chalked off for a handball PGMOL chief Howard Webb subsequently conceded was wrongly overturned after the VAR intervention.Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs ChelseaOver the course of the season there were 12 goals and 25 penalties awarded through VAR intervention – with 21 of those spot-kicks converted – compared to 48 goals and 11 penalties disallowed.Liverpool’s 10-point advantage over Arsenal at the top of the pile would have been reduced to just two without VAR, as the Gunners lost eight points from the six overturns against them – including “winning” goals against Chelsea, Fulham and Aston Villa.Chelsea and Manchester City swap places, with the Londoners up to third, with Villa down one to take the Conference League slot. More

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      Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants at Champions League parade – but Win the dog steals the show

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      KATIE McCABE got the party started as Arsenal lifted the Women’s Champions League trophy in front of a huge crowd of supporters outside the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners beat European giants Barcelona 1-0 on Saturday to win their second Champions League title.Katie McCabe got the party started at Arsenal’s Champions League trophy celebrationsCredit: ReutersThe full-back sang an anti-Tottenham chantCredit: GettyMcCabe recreated the moment Jack Wilshere addressed the crowd at Arsenal’s 2015 FA Cup celebrationCredit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal just seven minutes after coming off the bench for midfielder Frida Maanum.Against the odds, Arsenal went on to lift the trophy at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.After partying into Saturday night – and enjoying a performance by popstar Jess Glyne at their hotel – the Gunners returned to London the following afternoon.They spent Sunday evening partying in Mayfair before taking to the Emirates Stadium on Monday for a trophy lift.READ MORE ON ARSENALAt least 10,000 fans arrived at the ground to watch Renee Slegers and Co parade the silverware.But it was McCabe who stole the show during the presentation, which was hosted by Alex Scott just above the club megastore.The defender took the microphone from the Arsenal icon before breaking into song.McCabe sang chants for the likes of Blackstenius, Slegers and Beth Mead before having a ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in front of the supporters.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMuch like the fan-favourite midfielder did in 2015 after Arsenal’s FA Cup final win over Aston Villa, McCabe said: “What do we think of Tottenham?” to which the crowd responded: “S**t!”The full-back then screamed: “What do we think of s**t?” before the fans then replied: “Tottenham!”Inside Katie McCabe and her family’s wild Champions League celebrations after Arsenal’s historic winArsenal’s second mascot, a labrador named Win, also made an appearance at the celebration.She was lifted up to the crowd by Mead after the trophy lift.Speaking about the match, head coach Slegers said: “I’m often very calm and there’s a lot of thoughts and feelings inside me. When the whistle blew for the final, I knew we had two weeks of preparation.”We were so prepared. We were ready, let’s go and see where we’re at and go for the win.”We are working everyday with the players and the staff, there is incredible work being done. When we step on the pitch and see you guys, it makes it all real. Thanks so much, you’ve been incredible.”The club’s labrador Win was lifted up to show the crowd by Beth MeadCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham ‘mulling over whether to sack Postecoglou as rival Premier League boss eyed as replacement’

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      TOTTENHAM are mulling over whether to sack Ange Postecoglou with a replacement already eyed, reports say. Postecoglou became a Spurs legend overnight having guided the North Londoners to their first trophy in 17 YEARS. Spurs are mulling over whether to sack Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyBut despite the Europa League success, it was a worst-ever Premier League finish for Tottenham having ended the season in 17th. According to talkSPORT, Spurs boss Daniel Levy and the board have not yet made a decision on Postecoglou’s future. It is claimed they will wait until the Aussie goes on holiday before deciding on who will be in charge next season. Brentford manager Thomas Frank is said to be one of the leading candidates if Postecoglou is sacked. READ MORE IN football Frank does has a hefty release clause in his Brentford contract, believed to be in the region of £9million.But the Dane also has a long-standing relationship with Spurs’ technical director Johan Lange.Tottenham’s 4-1 loss at home to Brighton on the final day of the season capped off a horror league campaign. But Postecoglou remarkably still called Spurs’ season “OUTSTANDING.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe continued: “We won a trophy, which we have not done for 17 years, and we’re in the Champions League.”Ask any supporter at the start of the season if they’d take that and there wouldn’t be a person in the house that wouldn’t.”Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradePostecoglou also fended off “unnecessary” speculation about his future in North London. He said: “You know my gut feeling? My gut feeling is I feel right now that I’ve done something that no one believed I could.”And I shouldn’t be sitting here talking about it (my future). That’s my feeling, but it is what it is. As I said I am and probably I am talking now because I’m tired, mate. “I have to [talk] about another game and I just want to go on a break and enjoy my family and reflect on being part of something unbelievably special, unbelievably special.”I’ve been fortunate to be in this position a number of times, but seeing those scenes Friday and people have reached out and talked to me about how it has affected them what has happened over the last couple of days. “It’s a beautiful thing and I just want to enjoy that. To be honest, the rest of it? You know I don’t even want to be talking about it. I just think it is unnecessary.”Levy also offered no clarity over Postecoglou’s future in his end-of-season message to Tottenham supporters.Levy’s letter in full read: “Dear all, we did it. What an unforgettable night it was in Bilbao as we ended our long wait for glory.“This is a huge moment for the whole club, an historic achievement that sees us lift our first European trophy since 1984.You know I don’t even want to be talking about it. I just think it is unnecessary.Ange Postecoglou on his Spurs future “This club has been on an incredible journey on and off the pitch since we last won silverware, the League Cup, in 2008 – establishing ourselves as one of the biggest in Europe, moving into our new stadium and experiencing some incredible moments – we knew a trophy was the missing piece.“We’ve come so close on a number of occasions and never quite got over the line – I have never wavered from the belief that success is just around the corner.“I’d like to thank Ange and the players for making this incredible achievement possible and thanks to all of our amazing staff – there is so much hard work that goes on behind the scenes and this moment is for everyone to enjoy.“I’d also like to thank you – the fans – for staying with us and carrying that same belief. “I know it’s been hard at times and I have shared in that pain and frustration along the way. “But when we all come together, we know we can achieve something special.“Your support – whether that was in Bilbao, in our own stadium or in pubs and homes around the world – was the driving force behind our team.“This is one trophy – our clear ambition as a club has always been long-term, sustained success, competing for top honours every year. We have now tasted success and we are determined to use this as a springboard for more.Read More on The Sun“Let’s enjoy this moment as a club together, finish the season strong with a win today and go again next year.“Most of all, be proud. Come on you Spurs!”Postecoglou with Spurs chairman Daniel LevyCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured and fans will LOVE what Caicedo says

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      CHELSEA let out wild celebrations in their dressing room after securing Champions League qualification.But Moises Caicedo knows the job is not done yet. Chelsea let out wild celebrations in their dressing room after securing Champions League qualificationIt comes after a 1-0 win over Nottingham ForestLevi Colwill with Moises CaicedoColwill with third-choice keeper Marcus BettinelliThe Blues finished fourth after holding their nerve to see off Nottingham Forest thanks to Levi Colwill’s second-half winner. And the England centre-back took Chelsea’s Instagram account into the jubilant dressing room to speak to his team-mates. Colwill warned the players were being “pretty calm” ahead of their Conference League final against Real Betis on Wednesday. And record-signing Caicedo said: “Thank you for your support. One more!” READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis reference to Chelsea’s focus on the final game of the season was echoed by Colwill who added: “One more final Wednesday.” Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, let out a scream while third-choice keeper Marcus Bettinelli shouted “let’s go!” And Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall said: “Hello Champions League.” With Aston Villa and Newcastle losing on the final day of the season, Chelsea’s win saw them finish inside the top four. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Colwill said: “When I scored, I stayed calm because we still had more minutes to play but I stayed calm and helped the boys.”What I got taught in the academy is you have to fight. We try to get these clean sheets to win and that’s what we did today.”We had to win. We knew we had to win and that it wasn’t going to be a hard atmosphere but we did it.”This club deserves to be in the Champions League.”Manager Enzo Maresca said: “I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. “All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League.“They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced.“Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything.“So in English, how do you say? Eff off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.”Colwill secured Chelsea’s top four finishCredit: PA More