Tottenham Hotspur have parted company with head coach Igor Tudor after just seven games and 44 days, as the club fights to avoid relegation from the Premier League. The decision was described as mutually agreed, with Spurs now renewing their pursuit of former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi to take over immediately.
Tudor leaves the club in a perilous position, with only one point from five league matches, leaving them one point and one place above the relegation zone. The final straw was a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest last Sunday. Spurs have now gone 13 league games without a win, their worst run since 1934-35, when they were relegated from the top flight.
De Zerbi, who left Marseille in the summer, had previously turned down Spurs after they sacked Thomas Frank in February. The Italian is reportedly hesitant to take on a relegation battle mid-season, but Spurs hope to convince him with a long-term contract. De Zerbi's open, attacking style and Premier League experience appeal to the club's hierarchy.
Tudor's tenure was also marked by personal tragedy, as he learned of his father's death after the Forest match. The club expressed their condolences. His assistant, Tomislav Rogic, and physical coach, Riccardo Ragnacci, have also left. Bruno Saltor will take training until a new head coach is appointed, which Spurs hope will happen in the coming days.
Spurs have been exploring the market for several weeks, but many candidates have been reluctant to commit to a short-term relegation battle. With seven matches remaining, the club faces the prospect of a devastating drop to the Championship, which would be the first since 1976-77.
