Tottenham Hotspur confirms the departure of interim manager Igor Tudor after just 43 days in charge, as the club battles to avoid Premier League relegation. Tudor took over on Valentine’s Day following Thomas Frank’s dismissal but struggled to turn around the team’s poor form. The decision follows a 3-0 home defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.
Disappointing Tenure and Record
Tudor oversaw five Premier League matches, recording four defeats and one draw. His stint began with four straight league losses before a late draw against champions Liverpool on March 15. The Nottingham Forest loss proved decisive, leaving Spurs in 17th place with 30 points—just one point above the drop zone. West Ham sits 18th on 29 points, with both teams facing seven games remaining.
Club Statement and Staff Changes
The club announces a mutual agreement to part ways, with an update on a new head coach forthcoming. Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci also depart as goalkeeping coach and physical coach, respectively.
In a statement, Tottenham expresses gratitude: “We thank Igor, Tomislav, and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.” Tudor attended his father Mario’s funeral in Croatia this week.
Upcoming Fixtures
Spurs utilize the international break to seek a replacement. Key matches ahead include:
- Away at Sunderland (April 12)
- Home vs. Brighton (April 18)
- Away at Wolves (April 25)
- Away at Aston Villa (May 2)
- Home vs. Leeds (May 9)
- Away at Chelsea (May 17)
- Home vs. Everton (May 24)
Champions League Exit and Internal Tensions
Tudor’s brief spell also saw elimination from the Champions League last-16, losing 7-5 on aggregate to Atletico Madrid. Spurs fell 5-2 in the first leg in Spain but won 3-2 at home—the manager’s only victory.
Tensions arose when Tudor substituted young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after 17 minutes in the Atletico defeat, following two errors. Names like Roberto De Zerbi and Sean Dyche link to the vacancy.
Relegation would mark Tottenham’s first top-flight drop since 1977.
