Interim Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor has delivered a passionate rallying cry to his beleaguered squad, demanding they block out what he termed external "bulls**t" and dismissive talk of "black magic" affecting the club. This comes as Spurs endure a dire run of form, having lost six consecutive matches, including a heavy 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.
A Call to Arms Amidst Crisis
"It is tough, for sure," admitted Tudor, speaking ahead of Sunday's daunting Premier League trip to face Liverpool at Anfield. "Not just because of the last game, but because of the past period. This is not an easy situation, and it presents a big challenge to change things."
The Croatian coach, who has lost all four games since taking temporary charge, framed the predicament as a fundamental choice for his players. "Like everything in life, you can choose how to see the situation. So, you can stay and cry, or you can fight. You can be the victim, or you can say 'I can change something.' This is the message I have given to the players."
Rejecting the Victim Mentality
Tudor was particularly scornful of narratives surrounding the club's struggles. "In the last period, I've heard a lot of things about the club and the problems, how no one can do nothing, like victimisation," he said. "I said to the players, 'We are the team and we are the staff, it's all about us. All the bulls**t, all the other things are bulls**t'—and sorry to use this word—'but it is on us.'"
He explicitly referenced superstitious explanations for the team's poor form. "You know, like magic on the club, like bad black magic, and these other bullsh**t. This is the message I want to send to everyone involved with this club."
Tudor acknowledged that not every player would respond to his challenge but stated he was looking for "15, 18, or 20" to stand up with him. "I always like to say to the players, 'don't be a victim, don't think it's not about me'. That mindset can be the problem more than all these external things."
Injury Crisis Compounds Problems
The task at Liverpool is made monumentally harder by a severe injury and suspension crisis. Defenders Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha, who clashed heads in the final seconds against Atletico Madrid, have been ruled out as they follow concussion protocols.
Midfielder Yves Bissouma is sidelined with a muscle injury, while Conor Gallagher is battling a fever but hopes to be available. To compound matters, key centre-back Micky van de Ven is suspended. With several other long-term injuries, Tudor faces a serious challenge in assembling a competitive defensive unit.
Goalkeeper Dilemma and Board Communication
In goal, Guglielmo Vicario will return to the starting lineup at Anfield. Backup Antonin Kinsky, who was substituted after just 17 minutes in Madrid following a costly error, will not start but has earned praise from his manager for his response.
"He will play, for sure," Tudor said of Kinsky. "He came back the day after and was very good in training. Positive. This situation happened, very rare, probably the first and last time in my life and the life of a lot of people, but this can happen. He has the strength and quality, and in front of him is a very good career."
On his own future, Tudor refused to be drawn, but confirmed he speaks daily with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and director of football Johan Lange to share thoughts and opinions. He also defended his players' commitment amidst the slump.
"Everyone is disappointed," Tudor stated. "The players care. If you don't care, you don't struggle. You do not lack confidence if you don't care. We are trying to help them and provide everything we can. The other point is, part of the job is to be under stress."
As Tottenham prepare for one of their toughest fixtures of the season, Tudor's message is clear: ignore the noise, embrace the challenge, and fight to reverse the club's fortunes.
