It’s been a disastrous start to life in charge of Tottenham for interim Igor Tudor, who became the first Spurs manager in history to lose his first four matches in charge. Spurs stooped to previously unimaginable lows on Tuesday night, after they found themselves 4-0 down after 22 minutes during their Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid.
The match finished 5-2, meaning Spurs remarkably are still alive in the contest heading into next week’s second leg. But the defeat was overshadowed by Tudor’s decision to drag goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky off the pitch just 16 minutes into the match, despite having made the decision to start him ahead of usual No.1 Guglielmo Vicario.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
It’s a decision that has rendered plenty of criticism, with former Tottenham shot-stopper Joe Hart having ripped into the Croatian post-match. But it was another example that Tudor isn’t afraid to make bold calls, even if the outcome doesn’t necessarily go the way he wants.
During one of his previous roles, Tudor is said to have banished five players from training after falling out with them. It came during an ill-fated spell as Marseille manager, when the writing was already on the all upon his arrival at the Ligue 1 outfit.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
His tenure was characterised by friction and internal strife, which started after a gruelling pre-season campaign. Brazilian midfielder Gerson was reported to have been involved in a confrontation with Tudor and was excluded from training as a result.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
But the exiles didn’t stop there, as Jordan Amavi was also removed from the squad following a reported bust-up. Whereas Nuno Tavares and Bamba Dieng were believed to be removed from training sessions, although the reason behind their dismissals is less clear.
Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Get More of Our News on Google
Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.
The final Marseille player to have been at odds with Tudor is ex-Arsenal ace Matteo Guendouzi. He’s said to have been involved in a ‘lively altercation’ following a pre-season game, to which there are claims the Frenchman left the pitch for a shower at half-time and failed to emerge.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
It’s safe to say the Marseille president wasn’t best pleased with Tudor’s efforts as coach, with Pablo Longoria telling Calciomercato: "I wouldn't wish what Igor suffered on my worst enemy. He found himself at a club where everyone was against him, from the inside and outside. Many people organised themselves to increase the tension against him. People were asking for Jorge Sampaoli to return, whilst others wanted to give power to the players.”