Month: May 2023

Tottenham fans were ecstatic when the club announced the arrival of Antonio Conte in November 2021 but fast forward 18 months and they are on the verge of their worst Premier League finish since 2008.

Harry Kane’s future is unclear and the North London outfit have burned through their third permanent manager in four years.

With sporting director Fabio Paratici out of the frame, the club are also without a clear head of recruitment as they approach a crucial summer transfer window.

As Ryan Mason’s men prepare to take on Leeds, we take a look at what a potential rebuild would look like at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Manager mayhem

Before Spurs can do any business this summer, they must first bring in another manager and reports suggest that chairman Daniel Levy is looking to abandon his strategy of hauling in a head coach with a huge reputation.

Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is the current frontrunner for the hot seat and there are rumours that the Dutchman would like to bring captain Orkun Kokcu with him to England.

Spurs are looking light in midfield and after losing Rodrigo Bentancur to an ACL injury, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp failed to step up in his absence.

Slot would likely look to transform the squad’s current defensive approach and revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation that was so successful under Mauricio Pochettino.

Kane must remain

While pundits and ex-professionals may feel sorry for Harry Kane, the England skipper is wise enough to make his own decision on his future.

His recent comments are enough to give fans hope that the No10 may remain at his boyhood club.

Speaking on Spurs’ season, he said: “I think there’s a conversation to be had, in terms of some of the values of the club.

“There is obviously a big summer ahead and there’s a lot that needs to change here to start being successful again.

“We’ve had many conversations before like that on how we can improve, and that will be the case again.”

No mercy

Incomings will be a huge measure of any success that is to come Tottenham’s way next season, but they must also be ruthless with their outgoings.

Lucas Moura said his farewells after the defeat at Brentford on Saturday and a host of players could also see their time in North London come to an abrupt end.

Talks are ongoing between Hugo Lloris and the Spurs about ending his contract early, while Ryan Sessegnon, Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga are all reported to be surplus to requirements.

Those on loan at other teams are also likely to face crunch talks with their parent club. The likes of Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele, Joe Rodon and Giovani Lo Celso have failed to make a huge impact abroad.

Sales must be a priority for Levy, who will be desperate to restructure the current crop and repair an image that is taking significant damage as a result of poor performances on the pitch.

Splash the cash

Once the mess within Hotspur Way is sorted, Spurs can begin to recruit players that will take them forward.

A new goalkeeper will definitely be needed to replace Lloris and Brentford’s David Raya may be the man to command a more resolute defence next term.

James Maddison is another name to be linked with a switch to the capital but they will likely face competition from other Premier League clubs.

Almost every area of Tottenham’s squad will need improvement if they are to compete at the top of the table any time soon and end their 15-year trophy drought.

Celtic have been handed a pre-Hampden boost after Alistair Johnston returned to training.

Johnston has been out since taking a heavy knock to his lower leg during Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final win over Rangers on April 30.

The Canada right-back will not feature in Wednesday’s cinch Premiership encounter with Hibernian at Easter Road but is in line to return against Aberdeen on Saturday, seven days before the cup final against Inverness.

Johnston was back in training on Tuesday morning and came through the session with no problems.

Manager Ange Postecoglou said: “All things being equal, if he gets through the rest of the week’s training he should be available for the weekend’s game.

“We will hopefully get him some game time at the weekend and assess it from there.

“He has worked really hard to get back with the cup final in mind. He has got back really well and worked hard with the medical team and looked after himself really well.

“It was good to see him training and good to see him part of it because he has obviously been a big part of the second half of the year.”

Celtic have only taken a point in two games since clinching the title and face a Hibs side who are still battling for a European place.

Postecoglou said: “We just go out there and try to play our football but we know the league is done.

“We can’t lose the league now, unless someone has brought in a new rule. The players are aware of that so I can’t go about pretending, trying to create some alternative universe where they are trying to achieve something they have already achieved.

“But we still want to enjoy our games and prepare for the cup final and the best way to do that is play our football and take each challenge as it comes.

“The players are training well and we want to finish the season strongly.”

Meanwhile, Postecoglou was completely unmoved by news from Rangers that several experienced players will be leaving Ibrox this summer including Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield.

When asked if he expected a tougher title challenge from their rivals next season, he said: “I don’t know why that would even concern me to be honest.

“This time last year Rangers were in a Europa League final and a Scottish Cup final, and they strengthened after the season didn’t they?

“So does anybody really care? Like, seriously. We didn’t start favourites in my first year and probably weren’t overwhelming favourites this year, so people will say what they want, mate. Everyone has got a plan until they are punched on the nose and then you kind of reassess from there.

“When we start next year, when the games start, everyone will see who is really strong and who isn’t strong and all that sort of stuff.

“Right now, league-wise anyway, it’s the equivalent of junk-time, mate, so we just get on with it.”

Roberto De Zerbi believes Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister “deserve to play in another level” but hopes European football can convince the in-demand duo to stick with Brighton.

Ecuador international Caicedo and Argentina World Cup winner Mac Allister continue to be heavily linked with summer transfers following standout seasons in Sussex.

Albion potentially strengthened their hopes of retaining two of their star performers by securing continental qualification with Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League win over relegated Southampton.

While De Zerbi feels that may prove persuasive, he does not wish to hamper the careers of the pair and concedes Wednesday evening’s match with Manchester City could be their final appearances in a Seagulls shirt at the Amex Stadium.

“It can be the last game but I don’t know,” said the Brighton head coach.

“They can have the possibility to change (clubs) because they deserve to play in another level.

“But now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe because our level is bigger now. We can offer them one possibility more.”

Asked if a European place can make the difference, De Zerbi replied: “It can be. They can have more motivation. But they are very good guys.

“When I work, I think for myself, I think for my club but I think still for the players because the players have one career, one life and we can’t decide for them.

“I don’t know what Tony (Bloom, Brighton owner) can decide but if they want to leave, for myself, it’s right they leave.”

Albion will almost certainly finish sixth and be in the Europa League next term due to their goal difference being significantly better than Aston Villa’s but need one more point to banish any prospect of slipping into the Europa Conference League.

De Zerbi insists his side will not play for a draw against champions City as they attempt to cement their spot in the superior competition.

“The focus is to play seriously,” said the Italian, whose team conclude the campaign at Villa on Sunday.

“We want to play in the Europa League and to play in the Europa League we have to make another point.

“We can’t start the game to make one point. We have to think to win the game.

“We have a big, big, big target – bigger than Conference League because we expect Conference League.

“If we have the possibility to play in a more prestigious competition, we have to try it.”

City boss Pep Guardiola compared De Zerbi to a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant ahead of the midweek clash on the south coast, while hailing him as one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years.

De Zerbi reciprocates that respect and praised the Spaniard for aiding his transition to life in England.

“I can’t forget that before I arrived here, I received his call and he helped me a lot in the first period,” De Zerbi said of Guardiola. “He was very nice with me.

“I can’t explain Guardiola. My opinion is he is the best coach in the Premier League and the best coach in the last 30 years. It’s my opinion but I think a lot of people think like me.”

Meanwhile, De Zerbi backed Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk for an international recall.

England boss Gareth Southgate will on Wednesday name his squad for next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

“He deserves to play in the national team,” De Zerbi said of defender Dunk, who won his only international cap in 2018.

“It’s not my work to decide the players of the national team but for us it should be a target. I hope he can play in the national team.”

Sadio Mane’s first season at Bayern Munich has been far from plain sailing.

A change of manager, one goal since October and a dressing room bust-up with team-mate Leroy Sane means the ex-Liverpool ace faces an uncertain future in Bavaria.

What is more, Bayern will miss out on the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 this weekend unless leaders Borussia Dortmund make a catastrophic slip-up in their final outing.

Ahead of his side’s last league game at FC Cologne on Saturday, we take a closer look at Mane’s rough year and ponder whether a move is on the cards.

Main Mane

Bayern’s capture of Mane looked to be one of last summer’s most impressive signings.

The Senegalese star, 31, won everything there was to win during his six-year stint at Anfield but turned down a contract offer to explore pastures new. 

And after seeing talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski leave for Barcelona, Bayern board member Hasan Salihamidzic was quick to hail Mane as the club’s new star attraction.

Salihamidzic said: “The fact that he’s joining Bayern Munich shows that our club and he have big aims.

“Sadio fits perfectly with the football that we play under Julian Nagelsmann.”

Change of plan

Unfortunately for Mane, Nagelsmann is no longer in charge at the Allianz Arena.

The ex-RB Leipzig boss, 35, was sacked two months ago with club CEO Oliver Kahn citing “fluctuation in performances since the World Cup” as the reason for his dismissal.

His departure has unquestionably impacted Mane’s form. Under Nagelsmann, the forward notched 16 direct goal involvements (11 goals, five assists) in 28 appearances across all competitions — a steady, if not outstanding, return.

But since ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel took the reins, he has managed only a solitary goal and assist apiece in 10 outings.

What is more, six of those 10 appearances have been cameos from the bench lasting under half an hour.

Sane scrap

Sections of the German press have suggested that Mane’s April punch-up with Sane has lowered his stock among club chiefs.

The forwards came to blows after Bayern’s 3-0 Champions League loss at Manchester City and a bust lip for the former Citizens winger saw Mane internally disciplined with a fine and one-game suspension.

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg said this week: “That situation with Sane was a shock for the management and his team-mates. 

“My information is that he is seen critically inside from now because of his performances and that behaviour.

“A lot of players have distanced themselves from Mane. He is a candidate for sale in the summer because he has a high salary and Tuchel has no real plans to work with him next season.”

English return

Though Mane has suggested he has no intention of departing, the decision may be taken out of his hands.

A Premier League return would surely appeal, though his high wage demands would price most sides out of the running — including his former club.

Manchester United and Newcastle are reportedly the two suitors most keen on exploring a deal, though his Liverpool links make an Old Trafford move improbable.

However, the Magpies are set to embark on their first Champions League campaign in 20 years and their big-spending Saudi owners will surely be eyeing high-profile reinforcements.

If Mane wanted the ultimate cash injection, a reported approach from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal would surely be his best bet.

But given his apparent desire to continue playing at the very highest level, perhaps a switch to Tyneside is the likeliest outcome this summer. 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expects an inevitable drop off in intensity from his players now the Premier League has been retained but warned them that major challenges still lie in wait.

A fifth title in six years was attained following Arsenal’s defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, which essentially gave City three ‘free’ games until the end of the domestic campaign.

They have already dispensed with Chelsea and Brighton follow on Wednesday before Brentford on the final day, but the bigger picture is the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

“They have the party after the (Chelsea) game. I don’t know how they feel,” said Guardiola.

“They have to be ready to run a lot. The best way to prepare for the final is be ready. The players set the standards, they have to maintain it.

“It’s normal the energy would drop. Arsenal play for just the Premier League, we have FA Cup, Champions League, the energy we spend is massive.

“It’s normal you drop, you have to avoid it or don’t drop much otherwise the two teams (Brighton and Brentford) can hurt us.

“Play our game, adapt the way we play, arrive to United and Inter in the best condition possible.”

Guardiola has plenty of options at his disposal in terms of being able to keep his players fresh, so there should be no excuse for a huge drop off in performance.

Against Chelsea he made nine changes, allowing him to be able to bring on the likes of 52-goal striker Erling Haaland, playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and John Stones while not even using Jack Grealish or the in-form Ilkay Gundogan.

That meant a first Premier League start for Kalvin Phillips, who has had a difficult debut season since arriving from Leeds for £42million.

Guardiola insists all his squad still have a part to play.

“Everyone can have influence, sometimes five minutes is as important as the rest,” he added.

“Everyone has been important, everyone has been involved in the fact we are where we are.”

The City boss, however, remains wary of Brighton, who are riding the crest of a wave having qualified for Europe for the first time in their history.

Guardiola is a huge fan of the work done by Roberto De Zerbi since taking over from Graham Potter.

“Congratulations for Brighton for this incredible achievement for the Europa League,” he said.

“Pay attention to what I’m going to say. I’m pretty convinced I’m right in what I’m saying: I think Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years.

“There is no team playing the way they play, it’s unique. I have the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great – I didn’t expect them to do it in this short space of time.

“If you don’t play at a high level he can do whatever he wants against you. They deserve completely the compliments and the success they have, one of the teams I try to learn a lot from.

“Brighton is the master of passing the ball to the man free, but also when to pass to the free man.

“They move at the right time, this is the best at the world, for the right tempo and the free man.”

Michael Beale admitted Scott Arfield’s departure “pulls at the heartstrings” as he paid tribute to a quintet of Rangers players leaving Ibrox this summer.

Colombia striker Alfredo Morelos, winger Ryan Kent, veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor and long-term injured defender Filip Helander will also depart at the ends of their contracts.

The Govan club also announced that veteran midfielder Steven Davis – another player soon to be out of contract – “remains in discussions to continue working with the club’s medical team to support his return to full fitness following a long-term ACL injury suffered in December 2022”.

Midfielder Arfield, 34, has become a fans’ favourite since signing from Burnley in 2018, although he has found regular starts hard to come by recently.

Ahead of the final home cinch Premiership game of the season against Hearts on Wednesday night, where the players leaving will be given the chance to say their goodbyes, Beale spoke about Arfield in the most glowing terms.

“Scotty Arfield – it pulls on the heartstrings, big time,” he said. “As a man and as a person, he has been absolutely fantastic around the place.

“He is adored by the fans as well, not only (by) his team-mates and staff.

“That was a real amicable conversation between the two of us over the last couple of months around playing time, how the squad will look and what Scott needs moving forward as well.

“You have to live the reality. He is a key player and gives a lot of energy to the building and his team-mates, but he needs to feel he will be involved and play from the start or have a significant involvement, and I can’t promise him that.

“A difficult decision to come to, but I think it is right for all parties.”

Beale, who took over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November, promised a revamp of the Rangers squad for next season, having once again missed out on the Premiership title to Celtic, and admitted that, “as a group, we are losing a lot of experience and a lot of quality”.

McGregor, 41, is in his second spell at the club while 30-year-old Sweden defender Helander has not played since April 2022 due to a foot problem.

Morelos, 26, was signed from HJK Helsinki in 2017 for a reported fee of £1million while Kent, 26, joined from Liverpool permanently in September 2019 after an initial loan spell, with the fee reportedly around £6.5m.

Beale, former assistant coach at Ibrox under Steven Gerrard, said: “McGregor, Hall of Fame member, has been a fantastic servant for the club in two periods and has had many fantastic moments for this club where he has shown his class.

“We have not had Helander available for a long time through injury but his partnership with Connor Goldson was probably the foundation for the league-winning season in 2021 when we were invincible.

“Ryan Kent’s contribution has been fantastic, certainly in big matches, Europe and domestically.

“This season has not gone the way Ryan would like to go but an excellent player for Rangers.

“And Alfredo, for the outlay to what we got back, he has made an outstanding contribution to the club. Top goalscorer in Europe for Rangers and was player of the year last year.

“Their contributions to Rangers were huge.

“It is a sad day in many ways and I am sure the fans will show their appreciation (on Wednesday) night in the last home game.

“They have all made big contributions to the club but it is a sign that there will be change to the club this summer. You will start to see some announcements.”

After Sunday’s 3-1 win over Hibernian at Easter Road, Beale has Morelos, Borna Barisic, Glen Kamara, Scott Wright, Rabbi Matondo and Antonio Colak all back in training and will rotate his squad for the visit of Hearts.

He said: “We are unbeaten at home in the league this season. There is one game to go and we want to make sure we keep it like that.”

England’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia could be the perfect chance for Gareth Southgate to experiment with his squad.

The Three Lions sit top of Group B after wins over biggest challengers Italy and Ukraine in March and face the international minnows on June 16 and 19.

With the clashes taking place so shortly after the domestic season concludes, a host of established players might not be available to the England boss.

Ahead of Wednesday’s squad announcement, we run through the names who could be rewarded with their first call-ups — or win back their places in Southgate’s side.

Centre-back

Centre-back is still regarded as England’s weakest area, with Manchester City’s John Stones seemingly the only sure-fire pick in Southgate’s defence.

Harry Maguire and Eric Dier’s spots are seemingly in doubt but Marc Guehi should keep his place.

Uncapped Lewis Dunk and 17-cap international Tyrone Mings have played pivotal roles in Brighton and Aston Villa’s respective pushes for European qualification.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal defender Ben White will return after withdrawing early from the World Cup, while three-cap Fikayo Tomori continues to impress in Italy with AC Milan.

Full-back

Southgate remains stacked with options at right-back but with the qualifier against Malta taking place just six days after City’s Champions League final, Kyle Walker could be rested.

Reece James is also out with injury and the England boss has been reluctant to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in the past, which could see Aaron Wan-Bissaka finally earn his first call-up following his Manchester United renaissance under Erik ten Hag.

On the left, Ben Chilwell is another expected absentee which may free up a space for Tyrick Mitchell, while Brentford man Rico Henry has done his chances of a first England selection no harm.

City starlet Rico Lewis, 18, recently collected his first Premier League medal after playing a key role under Pep Guardiola this term and his versatility could make him an enticing wildcard option.

Midfield

England have a number of talented young midfielders pushing to break into Southgate’s engine room.

Skilful Crystal Palace creator Eberechi Eze is one of the Premier League’s most talked-about attackers and would add another exciting dimension to the Three Lions XI.

The same can be said for Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest and Villa academy graduate Jacob Ramsey, both of whom have dazzled audiences with their all-action performances.

Striker

Ivan Toney was the striker selected to back up captain Harry Kane in March but the Brentford ace has since been hit with an eight-month ban for betting rule breaches.

That could free up a space for one or both of Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins, with the Newcastle and Villa frontmen scoring 32 Premier League goals between them this campaign.

The prolific duo look to be ahead of Roma marksman Tammy Abraham in the queue to return to the international fold.

Bukayo Saka is eager for success at Arsenal after signing a new long-term contract extension.

Saka, 21, has played a key role in the Gunners’ title tilt this term, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in 37 Premier League outings.

The England international has made 178 appearances since making his debut for the North Londoners in November 2018.

He said: “I’m just really happy. There has been a lot of talking and it’s been a while, but I’m here now.

“I think this is the right club, the right place to make the next step.

“It’s a beautiful club. For me, it’s about achieving my personal ambitions — how much I push myself and demand from myself each game, week in, week out.

“Then I have all the right people around me in terms of family, and when I come to the training ground, my team-mates, the coaching staff.

“I think I have everything I need to become the best player I can be. That’s why I’m happy to stay here and be here for the future, because I really believe we can achieve big things.”

Boss Mikel Arteta added: “It’s great for the club that Bukayo has extended his contract.

“Retaining our best young talents is key to our continued progress and Bukayo represents such an important part of our squad now and for the future.

“As well as being a fantastic talent, Bukayo is a special person. He’s loved by us all and he is a credit to himself and his family for the hard work and commitment they have all made to get to this level today.”

Saka becomes the second first-team player to extend his stay at the Emirates in recent days, following in the footsteps of keeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The Gunners finish their campaign at home to Wolves on Sunday after seeing their title challenge end with defeat at Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

Arteta’s side will finish second to Treble-chasing Manchester City.

Anfield waved goodbye to James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last Saturday.

And the vacancies left by the departing stars means the Reds are bound to be busy in the summer transfer market.

A midfield renovation is on the agenda, with Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson beyond their prime years, while defensive reinforcements are required, too.

We take a look at the young talent Jurgen Klopp should sign to ensure that this disappointing campaign is a one-off. 

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill, 20, should be considered the future of Chelsea’s defence but their need to balance the books may tempt Liverpool to make a move.

The defender is bound to be an England regular before long after impressing for Huddersfield last season and in Brighton’s successful pursuit of Europe this term.

Only Ruben Dias and Rodri have completed more passes per 90 mins in the Premier League in 2022-23, while the Cobham academy graduate ranks 12th for interceptions and fourth for aerial duels won of all top-half central defenders.

The futures of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are unclear, so Colwill could be the man to upgrade Liverpool’s backline. 

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Liverpool have had great success raiding relegated clubs in the past, moving for Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle in 2016 and Andy Robertson from Hull the following year.

And bidding for Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap, who already has two Germany caps, would be another smart move in their succession planning.

The 21-year-old has impressed despite Saints’ struggles, ranking third for possessions won in the defensive third of all Premier League centre-backs per 90 minutes.

Klopp was reportedly interested in signing Bella-Kotchap before the defender’s move to St Mary’s and any fee under £20million could be a risk worth taking on a current international.

Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister, 24, seems likely to be the first through the door as Liverpool’s midfield rebuild gathers pace.

It is obvious why Klopp has fallen for the World Cup winner, who has lit up the Premier League either side of helping Argentina to glory in Qatar.

The midfielder is just as comfortable receiving the ball off the back four in deeper areas as he is linking the play just behind a striker, with his all-round game appealing to the Reds.

He ranks top for shots, 11th for chances created and third for final-third possessions won of all Premier League central midfielders per 90, proving his worth on and off the ball.

Romeo Lavia

Southampton are not short of young talent and Romeo Lavia is another who could be on the move.

The 19-year-old moved south from Manchester City for £10.5m last summer and was reportedly the subject of a bid from Chelsea during the same window.

City inserted a buy-back clause into the sale and it is not difficult to see why.

He ranks 14th for completed dribbles and ninth for middle-third possessions won of all Premier League central midfielders, characteristics that will appeal to Klopp.

Mason Mount

The calibre of clubs that want to sign Mason Mount are testament to his skillset.

Known as a manager’s dream for his abilities off the ball as well as on it, Mount is one of the best pressers in the division, ranking second for tackles and third for final-third possessions won of all attacking midfielders over the last three seasons.

He can play, too, registering 20 goals and 17 assists in that period, roughly two goal contributions every five matches.

Mount’s versatility and reliability means a transfer to Anfield makes sense.

Leicester boss Dean Smith believes his side have piled the pressure onto Everton after seeing his team set up a dramatic final day of the Premier League season with a battling draw at high-flying Newcastle.

The 2016 champions will head into Sunday’s home clash with West Ham knowing even victory might not prove enough to keep them in the top-flight, but having piled the pressure on rivals Everton and Leeds.

If the Toffees win at home to Bournemouth, both City and Sam Allardyce’s side, who host Tottenham, will be relegated regardless of their results.

But a draw at Goodison Park coupled with a Leicester win would see the Foxes survive by virtue of goal difference and Smith believes they have put the heat on Everton.

“I think we have because if they draw and we win, we stay up. I did say it might be down to goal difference,” Smith said.

“But we’ve got a tough game against West Ham, who have just qualified for a European final and have got a very good manager who’s a friend of mine, David Moyes, who I have got a lot of respect for.

“He’ll make it, certainly, a really tough game for us. We hope now that we can get to the King Power and if fortunes go our way…

“We have taken it to the last game, we’ve made Everton have to win if we win ourselves.”

The need to win – something City have done on only eight occasions to date in the league this season – means there is no margin for error on Sunday with two points currently separating them from the final safe spot in the table.

However, Smith will not adopt a gung-ho approach to the task.

“No, because if you chuck everything, they have got good enough players – they’ve just qualified for a European final – that they could open some doors against us, and we can’t allow that,” Smith added.

“We have to make sure that we play a balanced performance to make sure we don’t give big chances away, but go and create some.”

It was a very different balance on Tyneside, where Smith admitted he had set up simply to avoid defeat by a team chasing and ultimately securing Champions League qualification, although the visitors might have emerged with three priceless points had Nick Pope not made his only save of the game to keep out Timothy Castagne’s stoppage-time volley.

“Have I gambled with Leicester’s future? No. I am a bit of a risk-taker, but that wasn’t a gamble,” Smith said when asked about his approach.

“If I came here and went at Newcastle, we could have been beaten four or five. It wasn’t a gamble.

“We kept a clean sheet, which was what we needed to do. We need to score, which we know we’ve got our problems with.”