Tottenham Hotspur's interim manager Igor Tudor sought to start his tenure positively by organising a team bonding dinner for his squad on Thursday evening. The former Juventus head coach, appointed just last Friday, faces an immediate challenge with his first competitive match: a high-stakes north London derby against arch-rivals Arsenal this Sunday.
A Strategic Move to Lift Spirits
In an effort to improve morale following the departure of previous manager Thomas Frank, Tudor opted for an unorthodox approach by taking the players out for a meal. This move appears to echo methods used by Europa League-winning manager Ange Postecoglou, as Tudor chose Ousia, a Greek-Cypriot restaurant in Muswell Hill, for the occasion.
The players likely enjoyed classic dishes such as chicken souvlaki, lamb kleftiko, or beef moussaka as they toasted Tudor's new role. After dinner, the team posed for a photograph, with beaming smiles suggesting that the darkening mood at the club might be beginning to lift after Frank's exit.
Baptism of Fire Against Arsenal
Tudor's first task is daunting: Tottenham currently sit just five points above the relegation zone, and Frank was dismissed after a dismal defeat to Newcastle nearly two weeks ago. Frank's tenure was marred by worrying losses and reports that he overly focused on comparisons to Arsenal, allegedly telling players how impressive the rival team was, even before and after matches at the Emirates Stadium.
With Tottenham's Premier League future potentially at risk, Tudor acknowledged the challenging atmosphere in his opening interview. He emphasised the need for confidence, courage, and concrete improvements on the pitch, stating there is no time for excuses. Tudor highlighted the injury crisis at the club, noting the importance of finding the best system for available players.
As Tottenham prepares for the derby, this team dinner represents a small but symbolic step towards unity and resilience in a critical period for the club.
