Fakayejo Paul
The experiment with Igor Tudor appears to be nearing a rapid and ignominious end.
Just four weeks after his appointment as interim manager, the Croatian is at “serious risk” of being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur following a disastrous run of results that has left the club teetering just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.
The atmosphere in North London has turned toxic after Tudor presided over four consecutive defeats, including a demoralizing 5-2 thumping by Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.
His decision to hook goalkeeper AntonĂn KinskĂ˝ after just 17 minutes in that match has reportedly caused significant “wear and tear” within the dressing room.
The De Zerbi Dilemma
While Roberto De Zerbi remains the “dream target” for the Spurs board, the move is currently classified as “unlikely” for the immediate future.
- The Break: Having left Marseille in February, the Italian is reportedly keen on taking a break until the summer.
- Competition: Manchester United are also heavily monitoring De Zerbi as a potential permanent successor to Ruben Amorim, creating a high-stakes tug-of-law for his services.
- The Condition: Reports suggest De Zerbi would only consider the Spurs project if Premier League survival is guaranteed—something that is currently far from certain.
The “Survival Specialist” Shortlist
With Tudor expected to be in the dugout for the daunting trip to Anfield this weekend, the board is already vetting “emergency” alternatives should a fifth straight defeat occur:
- Sean Dyche: The current favorite among bookmakers. Available after leaving Nottingham Forest, Dyche is seen as the “safe pair of hands” needed to organize a defense that has conceded 14 goals in four games.
- Mauricio Pochettino: The “emotional” choice. Currently leading the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup, any return for Poch would likely have to wait until July, though fans continue to chant his name.
- Robbie Keane: The “dark horse” candidate. The club legend has impressed at Ferencváros and could be brought in as a high-energy interim to galvanize the squad.
The Next Steps
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly waiting for the outcome of the Liverpool match before pulling the trigger.
The club’s priority is to avoid the “unimaginable fate” of relegation, and they are prepared to appoint a second interim of the calendar year to ensure top-flight safety.