Igor Tudor’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur hangs precariously by a thread, with the club opting to keep him at the helm for at least one more fixture as they mull over potential managerial alternatives, according to sources.
The North London side finds itself navigating troublesome waters, having shown no substantial improvement since dismissing Thomas Frank, the former Brentford gaffer, just last month. Tudor, who stepped into the role as interim head coach until season’s end, is already facing scrutiny after a dismal start comprising three consecutive defeats to Arsenal, Fulham, and Crystal Palace. His next challenges include a daunting trip to Anfield against Liverpool, squeezed between crucial Champions League clashes against Atletico Madrid.
With a mere point safeguarding them from the relegation zone following West Ham’s 1-0 triumph over Fulham, and Spurs capitulating 3-1 to Crystal Palace, whispers of a second managerial change this month have intensified. The Daily Telegraph suggests that Tottenham are actively assessing their options, as Tudor has thus far struggled to uplift squad performance.
Tudor is expected to lead the team for the impending fixture against Atletico Madrid next Tuesday. Meanwhile, there is speculation of a possible managerial switch during a three-week interval before their next Premier League outing against Sunderland on April 12th. This pause could potentially facilitate the introduction of a new manager, especially with the possibility of a Champions League quarter-final leg in that timeframe.
Though no definitive frontrunner has surfaced for the interim role, there are reports of discussions regarding Roberto De Zerbi assuming the position, contingent on Tottenham’s Premier League survival this season.
TalkSPORT reports reiterated the decision for Tudor to remain as manager in the immediate term. Intriguingly, ex-Tottenham forward Robbie Keane has been mooted as having interest in the role should Tottenham decide a different direction is imperative. However, the club appears hesitant to undertake a second managerial reshuffle within this season.
In response to queries about Tottenham’s potential relegation, former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara didn’t mince words on talkSPORT, proclaiming, “Yes. This team is terrible. The players are terrible. They’re Championship players. They’re Championship players.”
His critique didn’t stop there, as he lambasted several players, questioning their capabilities and fit for top-flight football. O’Hara’s comments underscore the urgent need for strategic re-evaluation at Tottenham if they are to stave off the spectre of relegation.