Tottenham Round-Up, Friday 13th November: De Zerbi Picks Up Manager of the Month Award as Mikey Moore Recall Talk Grows
Roberto De Zerbi has been named Premier League Manager of the Month for October, with his first award as Spurs boss coming after an unbeaten run that lifted Tottenham away from the relegation zone (6)(16)(21)(31). It's a landmark moment that was also confirmed on the club's own website (16), while Spurs Web did note that previous managers to win the award haven't always gone on to have the smoothest time afterwards, pointing to a bit of a "Nuno curse" superstition among fans (21).
There was also recognition further down the pyramid, with Tyrese Hall winning the PL2 Player of the Month award for October (11), while Luca Williams-Barnett appears to have had his role at the club subtly reshuffled, according to a change spotted on Tottenham's official website (32).
On the injury front, Xavi Simons gave a fresh update on his own recovery while away on what he called a "dream" visit to the Netherlands camp, and a separate report suggested he is nearing a return to action (17)(28). Graham Potter was also said to have followed through on a promise regarding Dejan Kulusevski's workload as part of the club's wider injury management plan (23), and Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has spoken about the club's approach to overhauling their medical department amid hopes of mass returns from injury (10).
Mikey Moore's loan spell at FC Köln continues to generate talk, with multiple reports suggesting Tottenham could be ready to cut the loan short and bring him back to north London in January amid his struggles for game time and form in Germany (4)(13)(14)(33).
On the international scene, Scotland have reportedly stepped up their efforts to try to convince Tottenham's Archie Gray to switch allegiance from England, with under-21 boss Sebastien Pocognoli said to be driving the pursuit alongside interest in Everton's Hayden Hackney (1)(19)(34). Elsewhere on international duty, Pedro Porro impressed for Spain against Czechia, a performance that will offer some reassurance after his difficult afternoon in the defeat away at Leeds (35). Sandro Tonali also continued his fine form for Italy, earning praise from Italian media after a statement win over France (26)(36), while Mohammed Kudus shone for Ghana in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, playing in a different role that De Zerbi may take note of (39). Harry Kane, meanwhile, was given a special award by Croatia to mark England's most-capped player, presented to him by his former Tottenham teammate Luka Modric, who reflected warmly on their time together at the club (24).
Jan Paul van Hecke has been discussing his start at Tottenham and the role Roberto De Zerbi played in bringing him to the club, while also responding to criticism he's faced from some sections of the media this season, insisting simply "I play for Tottenham Hotspur" (12)(38).
Elsewhere, Antonin Kinsky has spoken to Czech media about his admiration for life at Tottenham and in the Premier League since his move (8), and Spurs youngster Viddal Riley has spoken about carrying the Tottenham name with him whenever he steps into the boxing ring (9).
Looking ahead to the weekend, Martin Ho has confirmed Eveliina Summanen remains sidelined for Tottenham Women's Women's Super League clash with Everton on Saturday (7), a game fans can find viewing details for (27). That follows Spurs Women's 2-1 win over Brighton and a 1-1 League Cup draw with Crystal Palace earlier in the week, with a League Cup trip to face Leicester up next on Wednesday 18 November.
In the men's game, Tottenham's Under-18s have been drawn away to Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the FA Youth Cup (30). The first team, after their Premier League defeat at Leeds, will return to action at home to Ipswich on Saturday 21 November once the international break concludes.
On the transfer rumour mill, Football.London reported that Mauricio Pochettino could look to Tottenham for his first Manchester United signing (3), while speculation around Harry Kane's long-term future continues, with one former Spurs and England player suggesting he will never return to the club and that his time at Bayern Munich has improved him as a player (2), and another report claiming Kane could reject Spurs in favour of "another crack at the domestic title" with Manchester United (18). RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa has also addressed rumours linking him with a move to Spurs or Arsenal (22).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.
