Ryan Mason wants Harry Kane to drive change at Tottenham Hotspur

LONDON – In a battle for what is likely to be a Europa League spot and not Champions League football next season, Tottenham Hotspur’s caretaker boss Ryan Mason has called on talisman Harry Kane to drive a culture change at the club.

Spurs travel to Aston Villa for their Premier League clash on Saturday sitting in sixth on 57 points, while the home side are three points behind in eighth.

Tottenham have a six-point gap to make up to fourth-placed Manchester United, having also played a game more, so it will be a big surprise if they can finish in the top four.

Amid a disappointing season in which both Antonio Conte and his assistant Cristian Stellini failed to make an impact, Kane said in April that “values” at Spurs have been lost since former manager Mauricio Pochettino left in 2019.

Mason was asked about the striker’s comments on Friday and he agreed with the 29-year-old.

“We’re talking about a massive football club here,” he said. “It’s important that everyone here is pulling in the same direction and wants the same things.

“I agree with him, I am happy he has said it because I want him to drive it (the change) because of his stature at this football club.”

Kane has been linked with a summer move, so it remains to be seen if that is a hint that he will stay.

For now though, the focus is on Saturday.

Mason will be concerned that his team are winless in eight straight away matches since they beat Championship side Preston North End in the FA Cup in January.

Spurs have already lost to Villa this season, when a Conte-led team fell 2-0 at home to Unai Emery’s men.

If they are to clinch all three points, Kane could play a big part, having scored 26 league goals this season, behind only Manchester City hotshot Erling Haaland’s record-breaking 35.

He has also netted in Tottenham’s last two games.

Hugo Lloris, Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Bentancur are out for the rest of the season, while Clement Lenglet is a doubt.

“We’re in a moment where we need to finish as high as possible,” added Mason.

Villa, meanwhile, have suffered a minor blip of late.

They had scored in each of their first 22 games under Emery but failed to find the net in their last two matches (1-0 losses at Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers).

Villa could, however, draw level on points with Tottenham with a win.

“The last two matches against Manchester and Wolves we lost but we have to be positive,” said Emery.

“Now is the moment to focus 100 per cent. The club is working to try to build for the progression and the next years. 

“Overall, we are making very good progress individually and collectively as a team. I am going to try and get the best performance on Saturday.”

Emery’s men are on a five-game winning run at home without conceding a single goal.

Another positive for them is that they have no fresh injuries, with only Jed Steer sidelined. REUTERS