TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - Happy to be here

Europa League winners ...Tottenham Hotspur

1 Oct 2025 - World Soccer

Since beating Manchester United in last season’s Europa League final to secure a Champions League spot, Spurs have been an epicentre for changes and shockwaves. 

First, manager Ange Postecoglou was fired almost instantly, his fate sealed by an abysmal 17th-place finish in the English top flight, their worst-ever Premier League placing, with Thomas Frank duly appointed to take over. 

Then, just a fortnight before the Champions League was due to kick off, chairman Daniel Levy departed the club.

And there were earthquakes on the pitch too. First, legendary Korean attacker Son Heung-min opted to move to LAFC after a decade in North London, then outstanding playmaker James Maddison tore his ACL in pre-season, sidelining him for the bulk of the upcoming campaign.

European football will be something of a bonus for Spurs in the months ahead. Their priority should be to restore their Premier League credentials after 22 defeats last season. Expectations in Europe will not be especially high, but that may well prove to be their best friend.

- How to replace James Maddison?

New boy Xavi Simons, whose signing has really excited Spurs fans, should slip into the role seamlessly. Another solution could be to give the job to the highly promising Pape Matar Sarr. The Senegal youngster may not have Maddison or Simons’ creativity, but he adds an extra dimension to Spurs’ pressing game that could come in handy against the very elite sides. Alternatively, young Swede Lucas Bergvall has the flair to fill in, too.

- Will Spurs be as proactive on the flanks as Frank’s old club Brentford?

Frank loves to create overloads out wide, with quality balls being whipped in across the face of goal. His Brentford were among the best crossers in the Premier League and the same route map is sure to be used here, with Pedro Porro in his element.

- How will the attack shape up?

Brennan Johnson, Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison worked in tandem for Spurs’ opening matches, but Dominic Solanke and new signing Randal Kolo Muani will come into the equation. One player who won’t star is £30m signing Mathys Tel, who was surprisingly left out of their CL squad.

COACH - Thomas Frank

An astute man-manager, tactically flexibile, with sharp analytical skills and charisma.

KEY MAN - Cristian ("Cuti", ndr) Romero

The fiery Argentina centre-back is Spurs’ new captain and has signed a new deal at the club until 2029.

YOUNGSTER - Lucas Bergvall 

A midfield allrounder with technical polish, vision, stamina, confidence and feistiness.