Destiny Udogie
January 2026
Udogie’s car was broken into and damaged after he returned from Spurs duty, adding to a season marked by off-field incidents and instability. Thieves smashed a window of his Range Rover, with the report noting an earlier case where an agent allegedly threatened him with a firearm; the suspect was arrested and bailed while enquiries continued, and Tottenham staff supported the player.
Quinten Timber
January 2026
Timber publicly attacked van Persie for not protecting him, after being benched and criticised for training attitude, suggesting the relationship has broken down and his departure is imminent. Van Persie justified dropping Timber by questioning his work and intent; Timber responded post-match saying the coach repeatedly fails to shield players and challenged him to say criticisms directly, with the outburst overshadowing a derby decided by a last-second Kitolano winner.
Jurgen Klopp
January 2026
Klopp dismissed links to the Real Madrid vacancy, saying Alonso’s exit did not trigger any desire to coach again and he is settled in his global advisory role. Klopp described the role as advisory with decision power, focused on listening, stabilising situations, and supporting club leaders across the Red Bull network; Leipzig staff cited his influence in recruitment, including helping persuade Bakayoko to join.
Rayan Cherki
January 2026
Evra called out Cherki for disrespecting United after Cherki’s earlier quote about wanting to “kill” United resurfaced following City’s derby defeat. Cherki started on the bench and came on at half-time, but had no meaningful impact as United controlled the game; Evra posted a pointed response online, tying the loss to Cherki’s pre-match bravado.
Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026
Arbeloa criticised supporters who chanted “Florentino resign” during his first home league win, arguing the protest came from people who do not truly support the club. After replacing Xabi Alonso and starting with a Copa del Rey upset loss to Albacete, Arbeloa steadied things with a Levante win via second-half goals from Mbappe and Asencio, but the match was dominated by sustained anti-Perez chants from early on.
Lisandro Martinez
January 2026
Martinez invited Scholes and Butt to confront him directly after they questioned his ability to handle Haaland, with Martinez responding that criticism is easy on television but different in person. Pre-match comments suggested Haaland would overpower Martinez, but United’s defence held firm in a derby win; Martinez used the outcome as leverage to dismiss the talk and emphasise focusing on performances.
Oliver Glasner
January 2026
Palace leadership moved to calm sack talk and keep Glasner through the end of his contract, despite his public criticism of the club after losing key players and enduring a long winless run. Glasner described the squad as abandoned after Guehi’s sale and transfer noise around Mateta, and the chairman held talks before deciding continuity was preferred; Palace still involved Glasner in January business and expect a turnaround.
Thomas Frank
January 2026
Reports say Spurs are considering sacking Frank after a 2-1 home defeat to 18th-placed West Ham and a run of one win in eight, with home fans turning on the manager. Spurs conceded an injury-time winner and the pressure intensified after recent cup disappointment and a mounting injury list, while Frank insisted he still feels backing internally and pointed to effort levels as proof the squad has not checked out.
Oliver Glasner
January 2026
Glasner publicly attacked Palace’s board after news of a deal to sell captain Guehi to City emerged just before a match, describing the squad as abandoned and hinting at deeper frustration ahead of his own exit at season end. With limited squad availability and ongoing uncertainty, the timing of the Guehi sale became the flashpoint, and Glasner used post-match comments to defend players and condemn the lack of support, with further departures also being discussed around the club.
