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      Jamie O‘Hara pleads with Tottenham to sack Antonio Conte and bring back Mauricio Pochettino in talkSPORT meltdown

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      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has called on the club to sack Antonio Conte and seal Mauricio Pochettino’s return.Spurs were dumped out of the Champions League in dismal fashion on Wednesday evening as a goalless second leg saw them lose 1-0 on aggregate to AC Milan in the round of 16.
      Antonio Conte’s reign as Spurs boss seems to be coming to an endCredit: Getty
      Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: Reuters
      Jamie O’Hara wants Spurs to replace Conte with PochettinoCredit: Talksport
      The Lilywhites’ European exit comes just one week after they were eliminated from the FA Cup by Championship side Sheffield United.
      It means the club’s wait for a first trophy since 2008 rumbles on for at least another season.
      And after the AC Milan result, Tottenham fans were heard singing ex-manager Pochettino’s name inside the concourse of the stadium.
      In a post-match interview, Conte then admitted he could be axed before the end of the season.
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      And O’Hara, who came through the Spurs youth set-up and featured for the first team from 2005 to 2011, wants the change in management to happen NOW.
      Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I feel for the Spurs fans there tonight because it was embarrassing. It was a pathetic performance all over the park.
      “I think for me now the time has come for Conte to go. He doesn’t look like he wants to be there and the players are not getting what he wants to do.
      “I just think put him out of his misery, put everyone out of their misery, get Poch in and move on.
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      “Let him have three months until the end of the season to see what he’s got, and then have pre-season and the start of next season and we might get top four.
      “There’s no way I can keep watching… I’m actually tired of watching Tottenham, I just want to enjoy watching the team.”
      Pochettino, 51, was sacked by Spurs in 2019 after a five-year spell at the club and replaced by Jose Mourinho.
      He guided Tottenham to three top four finishes – including second place in 2017.
      The Argentine also led them to the 2019 Champions League final.
      After leaving Spurs,he was appointed Paris Saint-Germain boss at the beginning of 2021.
      He had 18 months in the role, in which he won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, but was dismissed at the end of last season.
      Meanwhile, Spurs are on their third manager since sacking Pochettino.
      Mourinho was axed after less than 18 months and replaced by permanent successor Nuno Espirito Santo.
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      He was then sacked four months into the job and replaced by Conte.
      But Tottenham fans are now thoroughly unhappy with the style of football and calling for change. More

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      ‘It’s not enough’ – Harry Kane gives damning verdict on Spurs’ season as he’s linked with Man Utd transfer

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      HARRY KANE says finishing in the top four alone is no longer good enough for Tottenham.Qualifying for the Champions League again is the best Spurs can hope for this season after a nightmare week in which they have crashed out of two major cup competitions.
      Tottenham were dumped out of the FA Cup by Sheffield United last weekendCredit: GETTY
      Champions League heartache followed for Spurs on WednesdayCredit: ALAMY
      Skipper Harry Kane has slammed the team’s collapse and their season as a wholeCredit: REX
      Last Wednesday saw them suffer an embarrassing defeat at Championship side Sheffield United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
      That was followed up seven days later by a 1-0 aggregate defeat to AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League, with a 1-0 Premier League loss at Wolves sandwiched between.
      There was a time when securing a top-four spot would have looked like success for Spurs.
      But when asked if that is still the case now, Kane, who has famously never won a trophy, replied: “No, I don’t think so.
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      “Where we’re at as a club, we should be winning trophies. That’s always the aim.
      “The top four [being our only target] is a consequence of not playing as well as we want to play.
      “Now that’s all we can fight for so that’s going to be the goal and hopefully we can achieve that come the end of the season. But for sure, it’s not enough for this club.”
      Spurs were poor in their second-leg home tie against Milan, which ended up goalless.
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      They had only two shots on target, with Kane’s header in injury time the closest they came.
      Boss Antonio Conte revealed afterwards that he feared he may be sacked before his contract is up in the summer as a result.
      Though the Italian is expected to take charge of Nottingham Forest at home on Saturday, where Spurs will hope to get back to winning ways to boost their top-four chances.
      Asked to explain why Spurs have come up short over the last ten days, Kane responded: “It’s hard to put a finger on it.
      “Especially over the last week, we’ve lacked quality in key moments against teams that we’ve had good opportunities against.
      “Not just opportunities where you’re one-on-one with the keeper but opportunities where you’re in a good position on the pitch and we need more from all of us.
      “To be more direct, more clinical. The last three games we haven’t scored a goal and that’s not good enough.
      “Over the two legs, we can’t really say we did enough to get through. That’s just the reality of it. We need to improve in a lot of aspects and that’s the bottom line.”
      There were a fair few boos at half-time on Wednesday and many more come the final whistle with fans facing up to a 15th consecutive season without a trophy.
      Many are fed up with Conte’s pragmatic playing style and questioning whether the manager still even wants to be there.
      Kane added: “I totally understand it (the fans’ frustration). Top four [alone] is not good enough for anyone at this club, especially the fans. They have the right to voice their opinion.
      “The last week especially just hasn’t been good enough.
      Spurs boss Antonio Conte believes he could be axed before the end of the seasonCredit: REX
      “Before the Sheffield United game, the season could have been a whole lot different.
      “You go through there, you take that momentum into the league game [at Wolves] and this game.
      “But I feel like that loss last week put a dagger in our hearts and as you can see we haven’t really recovered from that.”
      Many Spurs fans will worry that the events of the last week will have convinced Kane that his long-term future lies away from his boyhood club. His contract expires in the summer of 2024.
      The uncertainty surrounding Conte’s position is unlikely to help the squad either.
      But when that exact question was put to Kane, he remained diplomatic.
      The 29-year-old said: “That’s his decision, he’s going to be the one that makes that choice.
      “All we can do as players is try to perform for him, work as hard as we can.
      “That’s what we’re doing. I said after the Wolves game at the weekend, you can’t fault the effort of the players.
      “We’re trying, we’re training but we’re just lacking something.
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      “We’ve talked about mentality before and that ruthless hunger to be better, to be the best, to be one of the best teams in Europe.
      “We just haven’t quite found that yet.” More

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      Fans loving Arsenal icon Thierry Henry’s epic reaction to Olivier Giroud after knocking Spurs out of Champions League

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      THIERRY HENRY shared an epic reaction with Olivier Giroud after knocking Tottenham out of the Champions League. Giroud started for AC Milan in the 0-0 draw against Spurs, which saw the Italians through to the quarter-finals.
      Thierry Henry had an epic reaction after Tottenham were knocked out of the Champions LeagueCredit: Paramount+ via Twitter
      His hilarious reaction was directed towards Olivier GiroudCredit: Paramount+ via Twitter
      And fans loved Henry’s jubilant conversation with GiroudCredit: Paramount+ via Twitter
      Following the game, the former Arsenal and Chelsea star was interviewed by CBS Sports on Paramount +.
      And on the show, Gunners icon Henry could not help having a laugh with his fellow Frenchman.
      A jubilant Henry said: “Hey, oh la la, the big man.
      “(In French) The guy is handsome, beware!”
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      Fans loved the interaction between the pair, with one saying: “Every clip from this studio makes me smile, every single one!”
      A second admitted: “Don’t understand a thing but I’m in stitches.”
      A third commented: “Always loved Thierry.”
      Arsenal fans also believed his former links to the club fuelled the joke.
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      One hypothesised: “Man is just happy seeing a former gooner knocking out their rivals.”
      While another added: “Henry couldn’t hold his laughs seeing a former gooner knocking out Arsenal rivals.”
      It was certainly a motivating factor for Giroud, who said: “It means a lot. I received a nice warm welcome here.
      “As an ex-gunner, it always feels good to win against Tottenham. It was a great atmosphere.”
      Henry is typically joined in the CBS studio on Champions League nights by Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and host Kate Abdo.
      They are normally involved in some sort of wind-up, with a recent joke seeing them drink cans of 7up in a dig towards Manchester United. More

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      Liverpool ‘increasingly confident of Jude Bellingham transfer but Dortmund star will only join if huge condition met’

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      LIVERPOOL are reportedly growing confident about landing Jude Bellingham – but their success could hinge on one condition. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of world football’s most in-demand stars.
      Dortmund signed Bellingham in the summer of 2020 for £25m from BirminghamCredit: Alamy
      Dortmund will likely command a huge fee with Bellingham’s contract not expiring until 2025.
      And Liverpool are now confident they can break free from the chasing pack and make the marquee signing, according to the Mail.
      But much could depend on how the Reds finish the season.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side have finally found some form, especially after Sunday’s demolition of Manchester United.
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      If Liverpool can finish in the top four, that could be a big factor for Bellingham.
      He has played in the Champions League in the last three seasons, with this campaign coming to an end on a frustrating night at Stamford Bridge earlier this week.
      Other clubs interested in Bellingham, including Real Madrid and Manchester City will almost certainly be able to offer games in Europe’s top competition next season so the stakes are high for Liverpool.
      After four wins in five league games, they sit 5th in the table, three points behind Tottenham with a game in hand.
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      Even with Champions League football, Liverpool face an almighty battle for Bellingham.
      Bellingham’s father Mark was allegedly holding talks with interested parties in a London hotel this week before Dortmund played Chelsea. More

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      ‘Harry Kane will be thinking… now or never’ – Pundits slam Spurs’ woeful squad and hint at transfer for England captain

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      RIO FERDINAND and Peter Crouch have urged Harry Kane to leave Tottenham.The Spurs striker, 29, suffered a disappointing night in North London as Antonio Conte’s men crashed out of the Champions League following a goalless last-16 second leg with AC Milan.
      Harry Kane will go another season without a trophy at TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch believe Harry Kane should leave TottenhamCredit: BT SPORT
      Following Spurs’ FA Cup exit seven days earlier, it means the Lilywhites’ wait for a first trophy since 2008 will extend for at least another season.
      Kane is Tottenham’s all-time record goalscorer, hitting the back of the net 267 times for the club.
      But an empty trophy cabinet continues to see him linked with a move away, with Manchester United interested in a summer transfer.
      And Ferdinand feels the only way Spurs keep the England skipper is if he wishes to end his career as a one-club man.
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      Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “Whatever happens silverware-wise, Spurs fans will be hoping that Harry Kane is ‘that’ guy. They’ll hope he wants to be ‘Mr Spurs’ for the rest of his career.
      “If I was him I’d be looking at pastures new to get some silverware. It’s not long ago playing the Champions League final and finishing second in the league, but they’re a club that are moving further and further away from where he wants to be.
      “He needs to go where he thinks he’ll get his hands on a trophy quickest.”
      Crouch then offered his opinion on Kane’s future, insisting he must make a move at the end of the season or face spending the rest of his career at the club.
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       “I think it’s now or never,” said the ex-Spurs striker. “He’s the club’s record goalscorer, he’s done everything he’s been asked to here. 
      “Then again, the grass isn’t always greener. If he leaves and then sees Tottenham win an FA cup that’ll hurt him. But having said that, the likelihood of Tottenham winning things feels low.
      “I do think he goes in the summer. He’ll look at it tonight and the season he’s had. He is in the 20-goal bracket. There’s no one close to him at the club.
      “I think he’ll perhaps want to move on. I see him at [Manchester] United.” More

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      Thierry Henry says everyone knows who Jude Bellingham wants to join with star linked with huge Premier League transfer

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      THIERRY HENRY has claimed everyone knows who Jude Bellingham wants to play for when he leaves Borussia Dortmund.Bellingham, 19, has been linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea.
      Jude Bellingham is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summerCredit: Getty
      Thierry Henry believes he knows where Bellingham wants to goCredit: Twitter
      But Arsenal legend Henry believes all of those sides are set to miss out on the England midfielder.
      That’s because he understands Bellingham has his heart set on Liverpool.
      While discussing Kylian Mbappe’s future on CBS’ Champions League coverage, Henry made a passing remark to Jamie Carragher.
      He said: “Bellingham wants to play for Liverpool, right? Everyone knows that.”
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      Liverpool legend Carragher, grinning from ear to ear, replied: “I hope so.”
      Bellingham, who is set to cost around £100million, is widely regarded as one of the hottest young talents in European football.
      Earlier this week, it was reported his father, Mark, who manages his son’s career, met with Real Madrid chiefs.
      However, Jurgen Klopp’s men are still hopeful they can agree a deal for the former Birmingham man – who is under contract until 2025.
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      And they could use his potential arrival as extra motivation to secure Champions League football next season.
      Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League table and will move into the top four if they win their game in hand.
      Speaking about Bellingham back in December, Klopp said: “I don’t like to talk about money when you talk about a player like him. Everyone can see he is just exceptional.
      “If you mention to someone who has no clue about football, or who knows about football and has not watched it for a while (and ask) ‘How old do you think Jude Bellingham is?’, I don’t think anyone would get even close to his age.
      “They would say 28 or 29 because he plays so maturely. He played an exceptional World Cup. Absolutely exceptional.
      “With all the things he has and things he can improve, to describe him I would say the things he can do are difficult to learn, and the things he can improve are easy to learn.
      “So, yes, he is a really good player. What can I say? I have thought that already for two or three years since he had his breakthrough at Dortmund.
      “Everybody knew already but I have no idea what that means for the money side of it.
      “I really think if we all want to do him a favour then we do not talk too much about money. I mean that from an England point of view. Do not throw any hurdles in his development.” More

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      I’m an ex-Tottenham ace.. I don’t understand why Spurs bother qualifying for the Champions League if they play like that

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      FORMER Tottenham striker Peter Crouch has slammed the club following their Champions League knockout. The North London side were held to a goalless draw by AC Milan at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium which saw them crash out.
      Harry Kane was unable to prevent Tottenham’s Champions League exitCredit: Getty
      The flat nature of the performance has drawn criticism from many fans and punditsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Peter Crouch joined in the criticism of the clubCredit: Getty
      And the flat nature of the performance has seen fans and pundits alike rip into manager Antonio Conte and his flops.
      And former Spurs ace Crouch didn’t hold back, questioning whether there is even a point in them even qualifying.
      He told BT Sport: “What’s the point of the top four if you’re going to perform like this in the Champions League? The fans want to see a trophy.
      “So to rest players for that FA Cup game, it was for the league and then they lose the league game.”
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      Club talisman Harry Kane almost managed to rescue Spurs with a late header, but saw his effort saved by Milan goalie Mike Maignan.
      Interest in the England skipper is high, with SunSport revealing Manchester United have made contact with him.
      There is also a belief that should Spurs fail to qualify for the Champions League next season then Kane will push for a move away.
      And Crouch admits he couldn’t blame him.
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      He added: “How many transitional periods is Harry Kane going to have to wait for?
      “It’s a short career, I don’t think anyone could begrudge Harry Kane if he wasn’t to move. AC Milan were comfortable tonight.”
      It comes just one week after the club were knocked out of the FA Cup by Sheffield United, before seeing their top four hopes take a dent with a 1-0 loss to Wolves.
      Boss Conte seems to have given up as well, suggesting the club may sack him.
      Spurs star Richarlison also blasted the club’s season as “s***”. More

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      ‘This season has been s***’ – Richarlison launches savage attack on Antonio Conte after Tottenham’s Champions League KO

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      RICHARLISON has slammed Antonio Conte after Tottenham were dumped out of the Champions League.Spurs failed to score over two legs against AC Milan and lost 1-0 on aggregate.
      Richarlison took aim at Antonio Conte after the AC Milan defeatCredit: Rex
      Conte admitted he could be sacked before the end of the seasonCredit: Alamy
      Richarlison was brought on with 20 minutes to go but failed to make an impact on the match, with Tottenham managing just two shots on target.
      The Brazilian fumed at Conte after the match, complaining he has not been picked regularly enough even when he is playing well.
      Richarlison told TNT Sport: “I didn’t understand…I was playing well, we won against Chelsea and West Ham and suddenly I was on the bench.
      “I played five minutes against Wolves, asked the reason and no-one told me why.
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      “Yesterday they asked me to take a fitness test in the gym and told me I was going to start (against Milan) if I passed it.
      “And (against Milan) I was on the bench, there are things I can’t understand.
      “There was no explanation again, let’s see what he (Conte) will tell us tomorrow but I’m not silly, I’m a professional that works hard every day and I want to play.
      “There hasn’t been enough minutes given to me, this season – and forgive my language – has been s***.
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      “I don’t have enough minutes, was injured for a bit, but when I’m on the pitch I give my life.
      “I played well in two games, especially against Chelsea, so I think I should have played (against Milan), but I can’t go on crying about it now.”
      Spurs fans turned on Conte on Wednesday night and booed his side off at half-time and again after the final whistle.
      Some supporters even began singing the name of former manager Mauricio Pochettino, who they want to take over from the Italian.

      A video posted on social media showed them singing: “He’s magic, you know, Mauricio Pochettino.”
      Conte was uncertain about his future when asked last night, admitting he may not see out the rest of the season.
      He said: “My contract expires in June.
      “We will see — they might sack me even before the end of the season, who knows, maybe they are disappointed.” More