Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly finalised a verbal agreement to appoint former Juventus manager Igor Tudor as their interim head coach, with a deal set to run until the end of the current season. This strategic move comes in the wake of the club's decision to sack Thomas Frank, who was dismissed following a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United.
Frank's Departure and Tottenham's Struggles
Thomas Frank was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, leaving Tottenham in a precarious position just five points above the Premier League relegation zone with only twelve games remaining. Despite securing automatic qualification to the Champions League last 16 last month, Spurs have managed to win just two of their last seventeen league matches, a run of poor form that ultimately cost Frank his job.
The club issued a statement acknowledging Frank's commitment but emphasised that results and performances necessitated a change. Tottenham's persistence with Frank through a difficult winter period proved futile, as their failure to secure a Premier League victory since December highlighted deepening issues on the pitch.
Tudor's Interim Role and Background
Igor Tudor, a 47-year-old Croatian manager, is poised to take charge on an interim basis until June. According to reports from Sky Italia, Tottenham are seeking a coach with a proven ability to make an immediate impact, and Tudor fits this profile due to his previous experience as an interim at Juventus.
Last March, Tudor was hired by Juventus on a temporary basis and impressed enough to earn a three-year contract, only to be sacked in October. His task at Tottenham will be to stabilise the team and make a case for a permanent role, though the club plans to delay a long-term decision until the summer.
Pochettino's Potential Emotional Return
Behind the scenes, Tottenham are reportedly shaping a plan to bring back former manager Mauricio Pochettino, who remains a fan favourite. During the loss to Newcastle, supporters chanted Pochettino's name, signalling strong desire for his return.
Currently in charge of the United States national team, co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup, Pochettino would only consider a move back to North London after the tournament concludes this summer. This timeline aligns with Tottenham's strategy to appoint an interim like Tudor, allowing them to pursue Pochettino when he becomes more attainable.
Immediate Challenges and Upcoming Fixtures
With the FA Cup campaign already over, Tottenham's first-team players are not due back in training until Monday. Their next match is the highly anticipated North London derby against Arsenal at home, a crucial fixture that could define their season.
The club's focus now shifts to Tudor's ability to inspire a turnaround, leveraging his interim experience to navigate the remaining Premier League games and Champions League commitments. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if this temporary appointment can reignite Tottenham's fortunes and pave the way for a potential Pochettino reunion in the months ahead.
