Tottenham's Shocking Interim Manager Choice: Three Key Revelations That Will Stun Fans

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have settled on Igor Tudor as their preferred manager to guide the club through the remainder of the current campaign, following their decision to part ways with Thomas Frank earlier this week.

It became clear that Spurs planned to follow a strategy similar to Manchester United's approach when Ruben Amorim was relieved of his duties, opting for a temporary appointment over the coming months before identifying a long-term solution during the summer window.

Former Spurs striker Robbie Keane emerged as a potential candidate until it became evident that the Irish coach, who has achieved notable success during his tenures with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencváros in his developing managerial journey, would only consider departing the Hungarian club for a permanent position rather than a caretaker role.

Former Borussia Dortmund coaches Marco Rose and Edin Terzić have also been evaluated, though their potential for long-term consideration remains uncertain at this point.

However, Tudor, a former Juventus and Croatia defender who featured in the 2003 Champions League final and secured third place at the 1998 World Cup, is expected to take charge for the next 15 weeks.

Currently positioned 16th in the Premier League table, Spurs face the genuine risk of relegation for the first time since 1978 if this appointment proves unsuccessful.

Igor Tudor and His Risky Style of Play

Igor Tudor and His High-Risk Tactical Approach

Since beginning his coaching journey with hometown team Hajduk Split in 2013, Tudor has cultivated a style of physically demanding football marked by aggressive pressing tactics.

Whether Tottenham possess the personnel to execute this approach—while maintaining fitness levels—remains questionable. The squad is already depleted by 12 injured players, with five suffering from hamstring and thigh issues. They cannot afford additional casualties during this crucial period, and clearly something has been contributing to these recurring problems both this season and last. An intensive methodology might not suit their current situation.

Nevertheless, it's a tactical philosophy that emphasizes offensive play—somewhat paradoxical for someone who played as a defender.

Tottenham's defensive statistics in the Premier League this campaign match those of fourth-placed Manchester United (37 goals allowed), but their attacking production aligns with mid-table clubs around them. They have netted the same tally (36) as 15th-placed Leeds United, scored merely two more than Brighton & Hove Albion in 14th position, and just four more than West Ham United who sit in the relegation zone below them.

If Tudor can extract more goals from his available squad, it would make a significant difference.

Lack of Direct Experience

Absence of Premier League Experience

This isn't to suggest that Spurs should have contacted Sean Dyche—though there might have been some value in such a temporary arrangement given the circumstances—but appointing a manager with no experience in English football represents a significant risk.

Tudor's entire playing career unfolded in Croatia and Italy, serving mainly as a substitute during his prime years at Juventus. His managerial experience spans clubs in Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Italy, and France, with most of his 11 previous positions ending before reaching 50 matches and rarely extending beyond a single calendar year.

While his appointments haven't been lengthy, joining clubs mid-season is familiar territory for him, having done so repeatedly. He's actually taken on mid-season roles more frequently than beginning jobs at the start of campaigns, and the initial outcomes have generally been positive, notably helping Juventus secure Champions League qualification for 2024–25.

The link that brought Tudor into consideration was his collaboration with former Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici at Juventus during 2020–21, when he served as assistant to Andrea Pirlo.

Door Left Open for Mauricio Pochettino's Return

Pathway Remains Clear for Mauricio Pochettino's Comeback

While not directly related to Tudor's appointment, choosing the interim path until summer creates a favorable timeline that could facilitate Mauricio Pochettino's potential return.

Despite Ange Postecoglou being the manager who ended the trophy drought last season, the Argentine remains the most successful Spurs manager of the Premier League era, achieving more consistent results over an extended period compared to Harry Redknapp or Martin Jol.

Securing his services immediately would be costly, potentially requiring around £22 million ($30 million) to release him from his United States men's national team contract just months before the World Cup.

However, that agreement expires following the World Cup, leaving Pochettino available to return to north London if both he and the club desire it. Since his surprising dismissal in 2019, just six months after reaching the Champions League final, he has repeatedly expressed his willingness to come back.

"I still feel in my heart that, yes, I would like one day to come back," he stated recently.