Harry Kane sends warning to Newcastle United after Tottenham Hotspur’s 6-1 humiliation

Harry Kane has warned Newcastle United that Tottenham Hotspur are still fighting for a place in the Premier League top four. The England international held private talks with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy after their implosion at St James’ Park last weekend.

Their 6-1 defeat, where the Magpies became the second-fastest team in Premier League history to score five goals in a game, saw Cristian Stellini sacked as interim head coach and the travelling Spurs fans reimbursed for the price of their match ticket.

Fifth-place Spurs currently sit eight points behind Newcastle in third but Kane is refusing to give up on his hopes of sealing Champions League qualification after his teammates came from 2-0 down to draw against Manchester United on Thursday night.

“The chairman asked for a meeting,” Kane explained. “Obviously I won’t go into what was said but I think it was important (for him) to understand where the players’ heads were at in that moment.

“Obviously coming off the back of that (Newcastle) result and it wasn’t just that result, it had been building up since the international break when we conceded the two goals against Southampton.

“It was an honest conversation about where everyone is at and what we need to try to do to give us the best possible chance to finish the season with something. We’re still fighting for fourth place but if it’s not fourth we’ll try to finish fifth or sixth, as high up as we can.

“In this league, it’s so competitive, you can easily end up eighth or ninth if you’re not careful. That’s what it was - to give us the best chance and I’m glad we reacted like that.”

Antonio Conte’s assistant Stellini managed just four games before being removed from his duties. The Italian was due to take on the role until the end of the season after Conte was sacked for criticising the Spurs’ penalty mentality.

Ryan Mason has taken on the managerial duties until the summer, and Kane insists he and his teammates are right behind the former Spurs and Hull City midfielder.

Kane said: “I think Ryan’s been great. He’s come in at a really difficult time after that defeat and he’s not had long to implement any style, so it’s all been about motivation and getting some belief back in the boys.

“I’ve known Ryan a long, long time. He’s a great football brain. He sees the game in a really good way, he’s worked under some fantastic managers so far.

“So look, we’re all fully behind him. We really want to work for him and try to finish the season as strong as we can. And he’s a great guy and a great manager. Hopefully we can finish strong and see what happens.”

Spurs have five games remaining this season compared to Newcastle’s six.

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