Tottenham Hotspur are spending their international break looking for another new manager and Adi Hutter has issued a statement in the wake of Igor Tudor's exit
Tottenham Hotspur have been told by Adi Hutter he is not interested in replacing Igor Tudor this season. The Austrian reportedly held discussions with Spurs about the possibility of taking over, according to French media.
Tudor's exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was officially announced by the club on Sunday. Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange are now in a rush to find their next manager, with coach Bruno Saltor believed to be overseeing training sessions for the coming days.
However, it now looks like the Spurs chiefs have lost one of their main contenders. The Austrian has made it clear he won't be managing any team until at least this summer.
In a statement released to Austrian press, he said: "In recent days and weeks, I have been increasingly linked with various clubs.
"However, as I already stated immediately after my time at Monaco, I would prefer not to work as a head coach again until the start of the new season at the earliest. My position on this matter has not changed since then."
This is a big blow for Venkatesham and Lange. Hutter boasts an impressive track record in the Bundesliga and is currently without a club, having left Monaco in October last year. Tottenham have also been heavily linked with Roberto De Zerbi, who is likewise a free agent after leaving Marseille in February
However, the Italian's backing of ex-Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood, who joined Marseille and featured under the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager around a year after after the ex-England international saw charges of one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm be dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, has led to supporter groups opposing the potential appointment.
The speculation surrounding De Zerbi was criticised by fan organisations Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane and Spurs Reach. In a statement, Women of the Lane wrote: "We want to be clear about how this (speculation) is landing with many women and allies in our community.
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"De Zerbi has publicly defended Mason Greenwood in a way that downplays the seriousness of male violence against women and girls. That raises serious questions about judgement and leadership. This is not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make."
Alongside De Zerbi and Hutter, former Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has been identified as a possible successor. Ryan Mason has also been mentioned for a third stint as caretaker manager, but the ex-Spurs midfielder has just endured a disappointing period in charge at West Brom.
Former Spurs striker Robbie Keane, who currently manages Hungarian giants Ferencvaros, has also been identified as a possible successor, just as he was when Thomas Frank was dismissed. The main advantage for the Tottenham board is that there remains sufficient time to secure an appointment.
Tottenham don't play again until April 12, when they face Sunderland away from home. Spurs are aiming to have a new manager installed before their international players rejoin the squad from their respective nations.