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Tottenham appoint Igor Tudor - Football Focus explain

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Tottenham appoint Igor Tudor - Football Focus explain - BBC
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'It is a gamble' - Why Spurs appointed Tudor. Video, 00:05:49'It is a gamble' - Why Spurs appointed Tudor

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Newcastle: Bruno Guimaraes set to be out for two months with injury

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Newcastle: Bruno Guimaraes set to be out for two months with injury - BBC
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Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes is expected to be out for a couple of months after sustaining a hamstring injury.

The Brazilian hobbled off in the closing stages of Tuesday night's 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur in just his second appearance since recovering from a separate ankle issue.

Head coach Eddie Howe said at the time Guimaraes was "a little bit worried because he has never had a problem with his hamstrings before".

Guimaraes is now set for an extended spell on the sidelines in a huge blow for Newcastle.

Newcastle have, obviously, lost games Guimaraes has played in before, including a 3-2 loss against Brentford last week.

However, Howe's side have failed to win any of the 10 Premier League matches in which the influential Guimaraes did not feature since his debut in February 2022.

Newcastle, by contrast, have a 53.1 win percentage with Guimaraes in the side in the top flight.

They have also picked up significantly more points per game (1.8), scored more goals per match (1.9) and conceded fewer goals on average (1.2).

But Newcastle are going to have to find a way to win without their talisman as they embark on a crunch run of games, starting with Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Aston Villa.

Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey are Newcastle's only three senior central midfielders available for the trip to Villa Park.

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Igor Tudor: What will new Tottenham manager bring to club?

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'Intense, aggressive, entertaining' - what will Tudor bring to Spurs ? - BBC
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Igor Tudor has agreed to take charge of Tottenham for the remainder of the season, so what can supporters expect to see from his side?

Following his appointment as interim head coach, Tudor's first game in charge will be a significant one as Spurs host north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on 22 February.

That will allow the 47-year-old less than a week to attempt to implement his style of play once the players return to training on Monday - and they could be in for a shock.

"His style is intense," George Boxall, a football journalist based in Marseille, where Tudor managed between 2022 and 2023, tells BBC Sport.

"The players do a hell of a lot of running. There's lots of intensity, lots of pressing.

"He is a really strong personality and he could be a good appointment for Tottenham if they feel they need an electroshock."

Tudor has been out of work since being sacked by Juventus in October 2025 and is set for his first spell in England, after previously taking charge of clubs in Italy, France, Turkey, Croatia and Greece.

He is tasked, first and foremost, with easing Tottenham's relegation fears, after a 2-1 loss to Newcastle in Thomas Frank's final match on Tuesday left them five points above the bottom three.

Having earned a reputation as a no-nonsense defender during a playing career in which he won 55 caps for Croatia and made more than 150 appearances for Italian giants Juventus, there is one certain non-negotiable for Tudor as a manager.

"He asks his players to run a lot. In a previous interview he said 'If you don't run, you don't play'," says L'Equipe journalist Pierre-Etienne Minonzio.

"In his one season in Marseille it was always the same way of playing - 3-5-2 - and it was great to watch.

"It was not easy because Marseille's best player was Dimitri Payet, a very gifted player but not well-known for running, and he didn't play.

"It was a joke in L'Equipe - if Igor Tudor had Lionel Messi in his squad, Messi would not play!"

Tudor's sole season in France saw Marseille finish third behind Paris St-Germain and Lens, despite surpassing the club's points total from the previous campaign when they finished second.

"He did pretty well in Ligue 1. What I liked is that he doesn't try to be liked. He is very direct, says what he thinks and doesn't try to be attractive. There is no seduction," says Minonzio.

"It is the same with the players. He keeps his distance and his obsession is to make training intense with a lot of running so they can be physically fit for the game."

Tudor won back-to-back Serie A titles with Juventus in 2001-02 and 2002-03, also starting in the 2003 Champions League final, which his side lost to AC Milan.

Having begun his management career with former club Hajduk Split, Tudor had spells with Galatasaray, Udinese, Marseille and Lazio before he replaced Thiago Motta at former club Juventus in March 2025.

Initially appointed as interim head coach, Tudor was given the job full-time after leading Juventus to a fourth-placed finish in Serie A and Champions League qualification.

"Tudor is an aggressive manager and that is also what he demands from his clubs," says Italian football journalist Daniele Verri.

"A lot of pressing. When he conquers the ball, he goes vertical. Big strong defenders. He likes to play on the wings. But the main characteristic is being aggressive.

"Juventus brought him in because he was a former player and they wanted Juventus DNA, someone fans could identify with due to his past, being aggressive, vertical, fighting hard."

But, according to Verri, Damien Commoli's arrival as Juventus' general manager that summer led to growing tension.

Tudor was sacked after just seven months following an eight-game winless run, leaving The Old Lady eighth in Serie A and 25th in the Champions League's league phase.

He departed with eight wins in 17 league games for a win rate of 47.1%.

"Commoli and Tudor never really got on. Tudor wanted more say during the transfer market, he wanted Kolo Muani to stay and that didn't happen," says Verri.

"He kept changing the starting 11 and that brought uncertainty. Tension grew. Tudor criticised what Juventus did in the market during press conferences, and openly criticised the players after the Lazio defeat before he was sacked.

"After a relatively good start, he lost control of the team and they stopped performing. The fans were obviously not happy, they are used to winning.

"Juventus never really had the impression they could take the next step with Tudor."

Analysis by BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel

First of all, they wanted an interim head coach until the end of the season. And that immediately narrows the field down.

Within that, the Spurs hierarchy were looking for someone with top level managerial experience who plays attacking football.

After reviewing their options, it is understood Spurs felt Tudor fit the bill for a few key reasons.

He has experience of working at some top European clubs – and managing big name players.

Tudor's reputation is for aggressive football with an attacking intent. This element was particularly important to Spurs after criticism of their style of play under Frank.

Tottenham are also said to have admired his work improving teams on a short-term basis.

For example, his Lazio team were unbeaten in the league for his first two months after he joined.

At Juventus, he lost only one of his first nine games. In his first full season, he was unbeaten for his first eight matches. His downfall came quickly, however, following that run after losing three away games in a week – to Real Madrid, Lazio and Como.

Tudor will be an interim manager and it is thought that they will be looking to secure a different, long-term option in the summer.

However, like with Michael Carrick at Manchester United, it may well be an intriguing conundrum if he hits the ground running and sustains a good run of form through what is left of the season.

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Tottenham news: Fan views on Igor Tudor appointment

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'Igor who?' - fans on new boss and his 'impossible challenge' - BBC
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We asked for your views on Tottenham appointing Igor Tudor as interim manager until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Here are some of your comments:

Mark: Was his name pulled out of hat from the job centre? Oh dear, hardly the lift needed!

Paul: No Premier League experience, middling success. Struggling to see how this will "unite the fanbase", which is essential in keeping us up. Hope I'm wrong.

Ian: Igor who?? Good luck! he'll need it. It will take an enormous change in mood and tactics to advance up the league and a miracle to get players fit.

Andy: What? Well, let's hope this unknown manager with no big reputation, no Premier League experience or any Spurs DNA has a few amazing magic coaching tricks and tactical manoeuvres up his sleeve, otherwise we are doomed.

Jasmine: How low can this management team keep destroying a once GREAT club? Never heard of the man but looking at the last sacking he got, he should fit in well seeing he was sacked for losing eight games on the trot. Tottenham needs relegation to get rid of the owners!

David: Hardly an inspiring choice given his winless record in his last eight games before he was sacked - clearly buying time till end of season. Pochettino in the summer a must but if we're relegated... would he come?

Peter: Was not expecting his name but if the players want an interim they have an interim. Igor Tudor is a well-known manager, but his recent interim and then permanent spell at Juventus ended with an extensive winless run. I do think, however, he will walk into that dressing room with a class suit and just get going. If we can salvage yet another shocking season, then maybe we put his name on our Wall of Fame because this has been horrible if you like it or not.

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Rodri: Manchester City midfielder charged with misconduct over referee comments

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Rodri: Manchester City midfielder charged with misconduct over referee comments - BBC
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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following comments he made about referees after his side's 2-2 draw at Tottenham earlier this month.

The 29-year-old was left angry by a Dominic Solanke goal being allowed to stand after the Spurs forward appeared to kick through the leg of the City defender Marc Guehi.

While the FA did not specify the exact comments the charge relates to, Rodri accused referee Robert Jones of not being "neutral".

"I know we won too much and the people don't want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral," said the Spain international after the game.

"It's not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated."

Rodri is accused of acting in an "improper manner" by making comments that "imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official".

He has until 18 February to respond to the charge.

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Igor Tudor agrees deal to become Tottenham's interim boss

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Tudor agrees deal to become Spurs' interim boss - BBC
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Igor Tudor has agreed a deal to become Tottenham interim head coach until the end of the season.

Thomas Frank was sacked earlier this week, with Spurs five points above the relegation places.

Sources told BBC Sport that Spurs wanted an interim manager in place for the players' return to training on Monday.

Tudor has been out of work since being sacked by Juventus in October 2025 following an eight-match winless run, leaving the club eighth in Serie A.

The 47-year-old has had a varied managerial career, having had stints at Lazio, Marseille, Galatasaray and Udinese among others.

He led hometown club Hajduk Split to the Croatian Cup in 2013 to win his only trophy as a manager.

During a nine-year stint as a player with Juventus he won Serie A twice and finished runner-up in the 2003 Champions League final.

Tudor started his career with Hajduk Split and returned to the club before retiring aged 30, in 2008, due to problems with his ankle.

He also had loan spells with Croatian side Trogir and Italian outfit Siena.

Tudor was part of the Croatia squad that was knocked out of the 1998 World Cup at the semi-final stage, eventually finishing third.

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Tottenham to name interim manager before appointing permanent head coach this summer

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Tottenham to name interim manager before appointing permanent head coach this summer - BBC
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Tottenham Hotspur plan to name an experienced head coach as interim manager for the remainder of the season, before making a long-term appointment in the summer.

Thomas Frank was sacked earlier this week, with Spurs five points above the relegation places.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Spurs want to appoint an experienced manager to take charge on an interim basis in time for the players' return to training on Monday.

Former two-time Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic is now a strong contender.

The German, 43, has been out of work since 2024, when he left the Bundesliga club for a second time after their Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid at Wembley.

Marco Rose, who replaced Terzic as manager at Dortmund after his first stint in charge in 2021, is another candidate under consideration.

The 49-year-old was sacked by German club RB Leipzig in March 2025, with the side sixth in the Bundesliga table.

Former Ajax head coach John Heitinga, who joined Spurs as an assistant coach under Frank in January, was a consideration for the interim role but sources have told BBC Sport that his appointment is unlikely at this stage.

Spurs' exit in the FA Cup third round mean they have a nine-day break before the north London derby against rivals Arsenal on 22 February.

With no fixture this weekend, the first team squad were given time off and asked to return on Monday.

The club are aware that mid-season options are limited and that there is likely to be greater availability for potential managers at the end of the campaign.

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Tottenham next manager LIVE: Igor Tudor agrees deal to become new interim head coach

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Tottenham next manager LIVE: Igor Tudor agrees deal to become new interim head coach - BBC
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Tudor's reputation forged as a player with Juve

Igor Tudor's reputation as a no-nonsense defender was forged during successful spells with Juventus, at club level, and his national side Croatia.

He won back-to-back Serie A titles with Juve - in 2001-02 and 2002-03 - and started the 2003 Champions League final, finishing with a runners-up medal after Juve lost to rivals AC Milan on penalties at Old Trafford.

Tudor also helped his country to a shock third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup in France.

'We are all fighting for something'

Grimsby Town v Wolves (Sun, 13:30 GMT)

Wolves

Wolves manager Rob Edwards on what motivates the side who are currently bottom of the Premier League: "We are in a difficult situation. If everyone just decided not to turn up anymore we would be getting pretty badly criticised.

"We are all fighting for something. Our careers, the football club, our pride and it is important we show up. The lads are doing that. We didn't get everything right, far from it the other night.

"But what we did get right is some fight and some determination and some spirit and those things are very important."

'There is a human being behind the sacking stories'

Grimsby Town v Wolves (Sun, 13:30 GMT)

Wolves

Wolves manager Rob Edwards on the recent Premier League manager sackings of Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche: "It's never nice seeing people losing their jobs. Obviously it's difficult. There is a human being there, they have a family and people need to remember that as well. I know it's big news and big talking points and people love to talk about it but there is a human being behind that.

"I am sure they will be disappointed so I wish Thomas and Sean the best. They are brilliant at what they do and they will be back in I am sure. We know the business we are in."

Recap: Guardiola news conference

Man City v Salford (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Manchester City

As promised, here is a recap of the top lines from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola:

Erling Haaland is "not 100%" after picking up "some disturbance" in the midweek win over Fulham.

He "will see tomorrow" how much John Stones might feature against Salford City

Guardiola says that his players are physically and mentally exhausted and are looking forward to having a midweek without a game

The City boss is taking nothing for granted in Saturday's FA Cup tie at home to Salford City, despite City running out 8-0 winners against the League Two side at the Etihad in the third round last season

Guardiola refused to say anything directly about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments about immigration, but said: "The more we embrace other cultures, truly embrace it, then we will have a better society - I do not have any doubts about that."

Finally, he said he does not know where Bernardo Silva's long-term future lies, adding that he has told the Portugal midfielder "when you make a decision, let me know"

Guardiola has 'no idea' where Silva's future lies

Man City v Salford (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Bernardo Silva's recent form and his leadership style off the field: "Yes. He can talk too but it is about leadership and he leads by example. Anyone in the locker room, in the dressing room cannot deny that he has that."

On whether he has any idea on where Silva's future lies: "No. I don't have any idea. Honestly. I said to him, when you make a decision, let me know, but I have no idea."

'We have to adapt to the quality of the players that we have'

Man City v Salford (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked how he finds the right balance with his forwards: "We have to adapt to the quality of the players that we have. We have just one proper, proper winger now in Antoine [Semenyo] and have adapted the system to make the players comfortable.

"In years as a manager I have changed many things. The idea is quite similar in the terms of build-ups and pressing but if I don't have proper, proper wingers I won't play with wingers. I have to play another one [system] to make them feel comfortable, no more than that."

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Tyson Fury: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host comeback vs Arslanbek Makhmudov

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Tyson Fury: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host comeback vs Arslanbek Makhmudov - BBC
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Tyson Fury's comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Former heavyweight world champion Fury, 37, will end his latest spell of retirement on 11 April, in a fight which will be broadcast on Netflix.

The Briton has not fought since he lost his rematch with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024, retiring a month after that defeat.

But Fury announced his return to boxing in January with a fight against Russian Makhmudov, 36, who has won 21 of his 23 bouts.

A media conference is scheduled to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday, 16 February.

That was also the venue of his previous fight in the UK in December 2022, when he beat Derek Chisora to retain the WBC title.

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Wilson Odobert: Tottenham winger to undergo surgery after rupturing anterior cruciate ligament

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Wilson Odobert: Tottenham winger to undergo surgery after rupturing anterior cruciate ligament - BBC
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Tottenham winger Wilson Odobert will undergo surgery after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, his club have confirmed.

The 21-year-old Frenchman suffered the injury during the first half of his side's 2-1 home loss to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Spurs said: "Wilson will see a specialist next week before undergoing surgery, and will then commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff."

It is the latest in a line of long-term injury problems for Tottenham, who are searching for a new manager following the sacking of Thomas Frank on Wednesday.

Spurs lost forwards Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison, midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall, and defender Ben Davies to significant injuries in January.

Meanwhile, playmaker James Maddison has also been out since he ruptured his ACL in August.

Tottenham signed Odobert from Burnley for a fee in the region of £25m in 2024.

He has made 33 appearances for the club this season, starting 10 Premier League games and six of the club's eight Champions League group-stage fixtures.

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League and just five points above the relegation zone following a dreadful run of form which led to Frank's dismissal after just eight months.

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