Tudor's Authority Crumbles as Tottenham Players Revolt—Sacking Decision Looms Large
Igor Tudor has allegedly fallen out of favor with certain members of the Tottenham Hotspur squad due to his handling of the club's goalkeeping situation, though he remains anticipated to lead the team for Sunday's challenging Premier League encounter at Liverpool.
Spurs descended into what defender Micky van de Ven ominously called a "doomsday scenario" following a devastating 5–2 defeat to Atlético Madrid that marked the club's unprecedented run of six consecutive losses. Tudor has presided over the last four defeats since taking over from Thomas Frank, but questions surrounding the Croatian manager's ability to fulfill his contract through the season's end have intensified dramatically.
Even before kickoff in Tottenham's Champions League encounter with Atlético on Tuesday evening, Tudor had already "stunned" several squad members by benching regular goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, as reported by The Times.
Antonin Kinsky quickly validated concerns about the decision to grant him his Champions League debut with a catastrophic opening fifteen minutes. The Czech keeper conceded three goals, two resulting from his own distribution errors, before being withdrawn in the 17th minute.
Tudor's failure to even recognize Kinsky during his substitution has also reportedly drawn criticism from teammates. The goalkeeper is anticipated to seek a departure from Spurs this summer.
The departure lounge at Tottenham will likely welcome Tudor in the coming period. Nevertheless, various sources suggest that no final decision has been made—at this time.
Tudor to 'Fight on' at Tottenham for At Least One More Game
Tudor to 'Fight on' at Tottenham for At Least One More Game
Despite escalating pressure and diminishing confidence from his players, Tudor is prepared to "battle on" for Spurs against Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday, according to The Guardian. However, that same report expresses little optimism about the manager's prospects of remaining in charge for the crucial relegation clash against Nottingham Forest the following week.
Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham initiated discussions with Tudor and his coaching staff on Wednesday morning and is likely to retain the self-proclaimed crisis manager in his role for Friday's pre-match press conference at minimum, as stated by the Daily Mail.
Rather than representing any vote of confidence, this temporary reprieve stems purely from a shortage of viable options.
Tudor's appointment came with numerous reservations, and he scarcely outshone a limited field of available candidates. While figures like Roberto De Zerbi and Xabi Alonso seem beyond reach for a team currently just one point clear of relegation, they find themselves evaluating a mixed collection of prospects. Sean Dyche, recently dismissed by Nottingham Forest, emerges as the frontrunner to succeed Tudor.
Harry Redknapp disclosed this week that Tottenham's board has made no approach, though he did engage in a thirty-minute conversation with former executive chairman Daniel Levy.
The polarizing figure was "removed" from his influential role at the season's start but maintains over 29% of the club's ownership. According to Redknapp, the 79-year-old, whose most recent managerial position was in 2017 (his last Premier League role ending two years prior), would have been Levy's preferred choice for Spurs manager.
"He mentioned to me, 'Listen, if I were still there, I would absolutely, and I'm not just being polite, I would bring you back for the remainder of the season.' So it would have been fascinating," Redknapp told talkSPORT.
In-Fighting Within the Tottenham Squad—Report
In-Fighting Within the Tottenham Squad—Report
Beyond the figure helplessly gesturing from the sideline, there is allegedly a climate of animosity brewing among certain Spurs players.
This internal discord has been fueled by allegations that some players lack "motivation" to help Tottenham avoid relegation. The Athletic shockingly reports that one unidentified player has already made it clear that he "remains unconcerned" about the relegation threat since his future lies elsewhere.
While it's unsurprising for players in such desperate circumstances to prioritize personal interests, the readiness to make such attitudes publicly known demonstrates just how poisonous the atmosphere has become internally.
"Everything that could possibly go wrong did go wrong," Van de Ven lamented after Tuesday's final whistle, keeping his phone turned off to avoid the torrent of social media criticism directed at the team. "For our goalkeeper it's devastating too. You wouldn't want that to happen to anyone.
"It's incredibly difficult, and now we face a crucial match this weekend that I can't participate in due to suspension. This is truly a dreadful period. It's absolutely horrendous."