Tottenham Hotspur are on the lookout for a new manager after interim boss Igor Tudor left the club less than 50 days after being appointed
Tottenham Hotspur have a decision to make in the dugout after Igor Tudor’s exit and defender Ben Davies is among the names in the mix, prompting a surprised reaction from fans. Tudor’s reign lasted just 44 days, with the Croatian leaving the club in relegation trouble after failing to win any of his league matches in charge.
Tudor picked up just one point from five league outings - a 1-1 draw away at Liverpool. His only win came in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 match against Atletico Madrid but this wasn’t enough to prevent a 7-5 aggregate defeat.
According to The Telegraph, Davies is among a number of interim candidates being considered to take charge for the remainder of the season. Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino, two of the leading candidates to step in permanently, are considered unlikely to want to take charge before the summer.
Davies has been joined by a number of former Spurs players on the list of short-term options. Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle, Tim Sherwood and Chris Hughton have all been mentioned as options, while out-of-work bosses Adi Hutter and Sean Dyche are also reported to be in the mix.
FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Fans’ responses to the Davies links have been mixed. The Welsh international defender, who is currently injured, joined the club from Swansea City in 2014 and has made more than 350 Spurs appearances, though only five of those have come this season.
“Gotta say, as much as it would be a huge gamble, I would take Ben Davies over most, if not all, of the other prospective candidates being suggested,” one wrote. “Initially I was like WTF but after some thought, I can see the vision. I also love that he put his hand up to do it.”
Another called for Davies to take charge with midfielder James Maddison - also currently injured - as his No. 2. “Why not? Only vibes can save us now anyway,” they said.
Other responses were less optimistic. “Ben Davies?! Are we down that bad for a manager?” asked one, with another simply saying: “Not Davies man”.
Spurs sit just one point clear of the relegation zone after losing to Nottingham Forest last time out and there’s even some acceptance in the light of the Davies links. “This fanbase deserve relegation,” said one fan. “I'm convinced it’s a social experiment.”
Tudor took over as interim manager after Spurs sacked Thomas Frank, only for defeats against Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace to leave them perilously close to the drop. The former Juventus manager’s father died earlier this month - with Tudor learning the news moments after the defeat to Forest on March 22 - and the club offered support in the immediate aftermath but still decided a change of manager was needed.
“We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for head coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect,” a club statement on Sunday read. “Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of goalkeeping coach and physical coach.
“We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time. An update on a new head coach will be provided in due course.”