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 the move comes after a disastrous run of results that has left Spurs one point and one place above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining.
The club has now renewed efforts to persuade former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi to take over immediately. De Zerbi, who left Marseille earlier this season, initially declined the role when Spurs sacked Thomas Frank in February, preferring a break until summer. However, Tottenham believe they can convince the Italian, whose open, attacking style and Premier League experience appeal to the hierarchy.
Tudor's tenure was marked by poor results and personal tragedy. He took just one point from five league matches, culminating in a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest last Sunday. After that game, Tudor learned of his father Mario's death. The club expressed condolences, saying they wanted to show sensitivity during this difficult time.
His reign began with league defeats to Arsenal, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, followed by a 5-2 Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid. Although Spurs won the return leg 3-2, they exited 7-5 on aggregate. A 1-1 draw at Liverpool offered brief hope, but the Forest defeat proved final. The team has now gone 13 league games without a win, their worst run since 1934-35, when they were relegated.
Goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci have also left. Bruno Saltor will take training until a successor is appointed, which the club hopes to announce in the coming days. Spurs have been exploring contingency plans for weeks but have found it difficult to attract candidates willing to commit to a short-term relegation battle.
Spurs do not play again until Sunday week at Sunderland, giving them time to finalise an appointment. The club's last relegation from the top flight was in 1976-77, and a demotion now would be devastating for both prestige and revenues. De Zerbi remains cautious about taking the role mid-season, but Tottenham are pushing for a long-term deal to secure his services immediately.
