Exclusive: Igor Tudor says Tottenham Hotspur must 'recognise' their situation and 'be very critical' amid Premier League relegation battle

Tottenham Hotspur's players need to be "very critical" of themselves, but first must "be aware of the situation" they find themselves in, head coach Igor Tudor said. The Spurs boss included himself as part of the group that he feels needs to "give something more", as an unlikely battle against relegation from the Premier League is set to unfold over the concluding months of the 2025/26 campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Igor Tudor said his side must "be aware of the situation we are in" and take a "very critical" view of why they are facing potential relegation from the Premier League.

Spurs' defeat to Crystal Palace on Thursday meant they remained in 16th, just a single point above West Ham United, who currently occupy 18th place but have enjoyed positive results in recent weeks.

Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg against Atletico Madrid, Tudor said he has been encouraged by his players' response to the latest setback.

"[We] need to give something more," Tudor said. "It was not enough for sure, [we need] to be aware of the situation we are in, and what is right to do.

"Each of us needs to give something more, but first recognise that it wasn't enough and be very critical.

"Each of us stand in the mirror and point the right things to do, 'I really need to give something extra'.

"Not thinking 'maybe I’m doing okay'... the wrong way of thinking. So the guys, I saw them in the right mood before this game."

Intriguingly, Spurs have been one of the strongest sides in the Champions League this season. They finished fourth in the 36-team league phase, ensuring immediate passage to the final 16, the first leg of which is taking place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Based upon league position alone, Spurs' domestic struggles compared to continental success is a curious case, but Tudor said the physicality of the Premier League sets English football apart.

"Premier League we know the physicality in those games," he said. "How hard it is playing in the Premier League, duels, all stuff. Champions League, a little bit different, but there’s also quality in all teams so we need to be good tomorrow."

Tudor said the last-16 tie is a "big challenge" for Spurs, but expressed his delight at having a stronger squad to pick from, with Richarlison fit to start following his hamstring injury, Djed Spence set to return, and Cristian Romero free to return following his four-match suspension.

"We have some players who are important coming back, we can be complete in all positions for the first time from when I came," Tudor said. "We have defenders, full-backs, midfielders, strikers all positions and the guys on the bench so let’s see."

Sandwiched between their two legs against Atletico is a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

Porro: Tudor 'needs time'

While it has been three matches in charge and three defeats for Tudor since he was appointed on a deal until the end of the season, Spurs defender Pedro Porro insists the players are behind the manager, and that he needs time in order to reap the desired rewards.

"It’s difficult," Porro told TNT Sports. "It’s a different situation. We are 100% with him, we believe in him.

"But sometimes in your job you need time. This is the third or fourth week, but at the moment we believe we’ll change the situation with him, everything, the team-mates, together."

Porro recognised Spurs are in a "bad moment in the Premier League", but said the Champions League offers an "opportunity" similar to their UEFA Europa League triumph last season.

The full-back urged his team-mates to "push everything", whether it be in "training, the gym, or the swimming pool".

Porro said: "I believe to change the situation, [it] is important when you do the right things in the bad moment. It’s good for us. I believe we can change the situation."

He added: "The most important thing for the team now is to take everything outside of your head.

"Focus on everything every day. For my team-mates and me myself, I’m working every day at the training ground, the games, because I believe, we believe we can change our situation."

Having been sidelined for five matches between January and February, Porro said he can sympathise with the powerlessness of fans who are unable to control the outcomes on the pitch.

"It’s a hard moment for them [supporters]," he said. "When you see your team lose every week it’s a hard moment.

"But I say this because in the last four weeks I was the supporter. Because I didn’t play, as fans it’s the same. I understand the situation for them.

"They know it’s important for us. When I played many good games the fans' support and away support is very good. I say thank you to them because it’s good for us and now the last games of the season, we need everything, we need them, the support. We need everyone in the dressing room now."

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