Tottenham Hotspur have parted company with manager Igor Tudor after just seven games and 44 days, as the club desperately tries to avoid relegation from the Premier League. The decision was described as mutually agreed, with Spurs now renewing their efforts to persuade former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi to take over immediately.
Tudor leaves the club one point and one place above the relegation zone, having taken just one point from five league matches. His tenure was marred by a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest last Sunday, after which he learned of his father Mario's death. Spurs acknowledged the bereavement, sending their support to Tudor and his family.
De Zerbi, who left Marseille earlier this year, had initially turned down Spurs in February when they sacked Thomas Frank, preferring a break until summer. However, the club hierarchy believes they can now convince him, offering a long-term contract. The Italian's attacking style and Premier League experience appeal to Spurs, who have seven matches left to avoid an unthinkable drop to the Championship.
Tudor's brief spell included a 5-2 Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid and a 1-1 draw at Liverpool, but a 13-game winless league run — the club's worst since 1934-35 — proved fatal. He experimented with formations and personnel but could not reverse the slide. Goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci have also left, with Bruno Saltor taking temporary charge until a successor is named.
