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• 'Determined' Postecoglou aiming to turn Tottenham's fortunes around

  Ange Postecoglou said he was not "hurting" but "determined" to turn Tottenham's fortunes around after their inconsistent season continued at Bournemouth on Thursday. 

  Postecoglou watched on as his side slipped to a 1-0 defeat to the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium, with Dean Huijsen's first-half header sealing the victory for the hosts. 

  The result saw Tottenham slip to 10th in the Premier League, having won just one of their last six games in all competitions, with that victory coming against Manchester City. 

  Following the full-time whistle, several Tottenham fans confronted Postecoglou as he made his way over to the away end, with the Australian engaging in conversation. 

  This Sunday, London rivals Chelsea are the visitors to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Postecoglou is aiming to put things right on home soil. 

  "I'm not hurting, I'm determined, that's all. I don't want to say it's unacceptable (the fans' abuse) because it is what it is," Postecoglou told reporters.

  "I've lived in this world for long enough to know that when people aren't happy they'll express their opinions, and I'm never going to hide, I'm never going to shirk that responsibility. I'll take (it) on board.

  "Is it nice? No, because like I said last night, I'm not just a manager, I'm a human being like everyone else. None of us like to hear those sorts of things, but it is what it is.

  "It doesn't disappoint me, it doesn't frustrate me, it doesn't make me angry; I'm just as determined as ever to get it right. Not because of that, but because of my resolve to bring success to the football club."

  Postecoglou said he was still searching for answers to Spurs’ inconsistency, and is also hoping to improve his own record in London derbies. 

  After winning his first four games in charge of Tottenham against teams across the capital (W2 D2), Postecoglou has now lost seven of his last 13 such matches (W4 D2).

  Adding to his woes was an injury to Ben Davies, who was playing as centre back in the absence of injured duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

  “Ben will go for a scan today so we’ll find out more," Postecoglou said. “Cuti’s (Romero) due to training, but we’ll see how he goes on Saturday."

  “Chelsea are going really well, they are in a good space at the moment with a fairly healthy squad and in good form.

  "Always a tough game against them but we are at home, and we need to make sure we produce a performance like we have in the other games," he added.

• Leverkusen's Schick to miss St. Pauli clash, confirms Alonso

  Patrik Schick will miss Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga encounter with St. Pauli due to injury, Xabi Alonso confirmed on Friday. 

  Schick was forced off during Leverkusen's 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal in midweek, despite only being introduced at half-time for Robert Andrich. 

  The Czech has been in impressive form in the absence of Victor Boniface, netting five goals in his last three league appearances, including a hat-trick against Heidenheim. 

  His goal against Union Berlin last time out saw him net his 48th Bundesliga goal on his 100th appearance in the competition, equalling Ulf Kirsten's club record. 

  "Patrik won't be there tomorrow, everyone else is fit," Alonso said.

  Alonso will also be without Amine Adli, Jonas Hofmann and Boniface, who are all long-term absentees, for Saturday's encounter at the BayArena. 

  Leverkusen enter the weekend in third, seven points behind leaders Bayern, but will be confident of closing the gap to Vincent Kompany's side against St. Pauli. 

  They are unbeaten in their last 10 competitive home games against Saturday's opponents (W6 D4), only losing at home to them in professional football in their very first clash (3-2 defeat in March 1976). 

  Leverkusen have also lost only one of their last 20 Bundesliga fixtures against promoted sides (W15 D4), last losing to Arminia Bielefeld in March 2021. 

  Since then, the Werkself are on a 13-game unbeaten run in such fixtures (W10, D3 – only RB Leipzig’s 33-game streak is longer), an ongoing club record in the top flight.

  Despite recent results being in Leverkusen's favour, Alonso was expecting a tough test for his side on home soil. 

  "After the DFB-Pokal, we're back in Bundesliga mode," Alonso said. "After the win in Berlin, we want to take the next step. We're expecting a strong opponent. 

  "We still have four games until the end of the year. The two wins against Heidenheim and Union have done us good.

  "We have a good feeling and are more efficient than before. We want to build on that and keep going."

• Reggae Girl Kiki Van Zanten signs two-year extension with Houston Dash

  Reggae Girl Kiki Van Zanten has signed a two-year contract extension with the Houston Dash, the club announced on Friday. The new deal will keep the 23-year-old midfielder with the NWSL side through the 2026 season, with a mutual option for 2027.

  Van Zanten’s rookie season was cut short after just four appearances (one start) due to a season-ending foot injury in April. Despite the setback, the Dash remain confident in her potential and versatility.

  "Kiki's resilience has stood out as she navigated her return from injury, and we are excited about what she can bring to the team next season," said interim general manager Erik Ustruck. "Her versatility is invaluable as we mold a new identity for the club, and players like Kiki will play a key role in building on the foundation we are establishing."

  Drafted with the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, Van Zanten brought an impressive collegiate resume from Notre Dame, where she tallied 27 goals and nine assists in 95 matches between 2019 and 2023.

  Internationally, the Illinois-born midfielder represents Jamaica, earning one goal in nine appearances for the Reggae Girlz, further showcasing her talent on the global stage.

  The Dash are optimistic about Van Zanten's ability to make an impact upon her return in 2025, as they continue to shape their squad for the future. Her signing reflects the club’s commitment to fostering young talent and building a competitive roster.

  With her blend of technical ability, international experience, and determination to overcome adversity, Van Zanten is set to play a pivotal role for both Houston and Jamaica in the coming years.