Tottenham have decided to give Igor Tudor the chance to earn his place as the permanent long-term manager, with the Croatian already being trusted to line up his first summer signing.
Lange says Tudor could be at Spurs for a "long time"
Johan Lange has defended Tottenham’s lack of activity in the final weeks of the winter transfer window and revealed interim boss Tudor could get the role permanently.
The former Juventus boss is no stranger to a mid-season arrival and difficult position, but will be without at least 11 players for Sunday’s visit of rivals Arsenal.
“We interviewed a few (interim) candidates. Igor impressed us very, very much in the interview,” Lange explained.
“If you come in here on the Monday and you are playing at the weekend, you need to build relationships with the players immediately.
“You need to come in to build relationships but of course assess the style of the club immediately. He has shown that with great success, not only once but a few times, to come into that.
“That is one of the reasons why we believe he is the best candidate here now but of course also with his reputation and what he’s done in his career. Of course if things go well, he could be here for a long time.”
Tudor already lining up Italian midfielder as first Spurs signing
Spurs lost nine players through injury last month, but only signed Conor Gallagher and 19-year-old left-back Souza in the winter window.
"I personally believe the new European format changed the dynamic a little," Lange continued. “You are playing two very competitive matches (in January), with the fact that not only us but a lot of teams have what they would say is too many injuries.
“(That) meant that in January very few players who could make a difference for us now or in the future was available."
It seems that could change in the summer however, and they are so confident Tudor could get the long-term gig he is already lining up transfer targets.
Indeed, according to reports in Italy, Tudor is personally leading Tottenham's pursuit of Roma attacking midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, a 36-cap Italy international.
The 29 year-old has played nearly 250 Serie A games in Rome, but is nearing the end of his contract, and the report claims the Giallorossi are now hurriedly trying to enter contract talks to ward off the interest.
However, the player is tempted by a move to the Premier League, knowing it could be the last major move he makes in his career.
Pellegrini has made 17 appearances in the Italian top flight this season as well as a further seven in the Europa League, scoring four times.
The midfielder has long been linked with a move to Newcastle, possibly as a replacement for Sandro Tonali who could soon return to Italy, but it seems Tudor's knowledge of Serie A could give Tottenham the upper hand.