Mason details Tottenham chats with Levy; has one-word Bielsa verdict

Ryan Mason TEAMtalk

Tottenham interim head coach Ryan Mason insists that talks about the next game have been the only subject of his negotiations with chairman Daniel Levy.

Mason has four matches left in his time in the dugout, as Spurs seek a more experienced manager next season. However, amid several setbacks, there remains a glimmer of possibility that the interim boss could get the job. He began his spell in charge with a win and his only defeat so far is still to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

Furthermore, he has seemingly got new life out of winger Gareth Bale.

The winger has endured a mixed loan spell from Real Madrid, previously working with Jose Mourinho. However, he recently lauded Mason for getting Spurs to play “the Tottenham way”.

Nevertheless, pressed again on his future in north London, the temporary boss insists that he is only focusing on the next task at hand.

He told a press conference (via Football London) when asked if making the top four could boost his chances of a permanent deal (via Football London): “That’s all hypothetical – ‘if we win, if we do this’.

“I’ve said all along my only focus is on the next game, I’m really not silly enough to start thinking ahead of certain situations. My mind has to be on this game tomorrow and then once that game’s out of the way my mind will be fully focussed on the next one.

“That’s all I have to say on that matter.”

Asked if he has had chats about his future with club chief Levy, he added: “All we’ve spoke about is the next game. It really has been the next game. It has to be.

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“There can’t be any thought of the summer or next season. If you take your eye off the moment… the next game is important for the club, the players, the fans, the chairman, everyone. Our focus as a football club is on that at the moment.”

Tottenham currently sit in sixth, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. However, Liverpool have yet to play their rearranged clash with Manchester United.

Nevertheless, Spurs’ next task is facing Leeds United at Elland Road.

For Leeds, a top-half finish remains in sight and Marcelo Bielsa’s men have earned plaudits from across the Premier League for their aggressive, energetic play.

Indeed, Mason added his name to the list of admirers, labelling Bielsa’s efforts “incredible”.

Mason hails Bielsa, Leeds

Bielsa.Leeds_.TEAMtalk

“I think every team should play in a different way and should bring something different otherwise it’d be quite boring if everyone played the same way,” Mason said of his elder.

“I think that’s the beauty of the Premier League as you’ve got so many different styles, so many different beliefs and so many different challenges as well.

“I think that’s why the Premier League is the most watched league in the world and also it’s the most difficult league to win and the difficult league to win matches in.


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“Listen he’s done incredible. He’s done a great job last season and he’s done a very good job this season as well so tomorrow will be a proper test and we’re looking forward to it.”

Mourinho led his side to a 3-0 win over the Whites earlier in the campaign.

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