Tottenham Hotspur have parted company with head coach Igor Tudor after just 44 days and seven games, as the club desperately tries to avoid relegation from the Premier League. The decision was described as mutual, but Tudor leaves with the team in 18th place, one point above the bottom three, having taken only one point from five league matches. The final straw came with a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest last Sunday.
Spurs have now renewed their efforts to persuade former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi to take over immediately. De Zerbi had previously turned down the job after Thomas Frank was sacked in February, preferring a break until the summer. However, Tottenham believe they can convince him with a long-term contract, valuing his attacking style and Premier League experience. De Zerbi remains hesitant about taking on a relegation fight mid-season.
Tudor's brief reign was marred by poor results and personal tragedy. After the Forest defeat, he was informed of his father Mario's death. The club expressed their support for the Croatian and his family. Tudor's tenure included heavy league defeats to Arsenal, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, as well as a Champions League last-16 exit to Atlético Madrid (7-5 on aggregate). He was criticised for substituting goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after 17 minutes in the first leg.
Spurs have now gone 13 league games without a win – their worst run since 1934-35, when they were relegated. The prospect of dropping to the Championship would be devastating for the club's prestige and finances. With seven matches remaining, time is of the essence. Bruno Saltor will take training until a permanent successor is appointed, which the club hopes will happen in the coming days.
