Igor Tudor headed straight down the tunnel after Tottenham Hotspur were knocked out of the Champions League following a 7-5 aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid, The Athletic journalist Jay Harris has revealed.
The Croatian reportedly left immediately after the final whistle in Tottenham’s second leg in the round of 16, despite the 3-2 victory, their first under Tudor.
Goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel saw Spurs secure a deserved win on Wednesday night, but they failed to overturn a three-goal deficit, after a 5-2 defeat in the first leg.
Tudor’s side have finally offered encouragement ahead of a crucial run of fixtures in the Premier League and drew applause from the home supporters at the final whistle.
Igor Tudor Secures First Tottenham Win
Harris, writing on X, revealed that Tudor was seen heading straight down the tunnel after securing his first win as Tottenham boss on Wednesday:
The Croatian’s future has been a major subject of speculation going into his last two games, in which Spurs have managed to avoid defeat.
The Lilywhites drew 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday and secured a narrow 3-2 win over Atletico, with Xavi Simons’ injury-time penalty proving decisive.
Spurs will now turn their attention to Sunday’s league meeting with fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, who are only one point behind them in the table.
Tudor Praises Archie Gray
Tudor was full of praise for Archie Gray following his standout display in the 3-2 win over Atletico, after the midfielder registered an assist for Simons’ goal in the second half. The Croatian said:
“He's a guy, you know the positions he plays everywhere, so probably this position in the middle is, I believe, the best one for him, but he's playing continually in the right way, in a good way.
“It's a mix of quality, physically and mentally, to always make the right choices and be humble and have legs to do so.
“He needs to continue this, he's still young, so every day he needs a new confirmation. Together with Pape, I see them very well, there's a quality between these two players. The last two games, they really made a difference.”
Gray stood out as the star performer on Wednesday night as he did a remarkable job controlling proceedings, playing two key passes, completing 38/43 passes and 2/3 long balls.
Cristian Romero Likely to Leave Spurs
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is likely to leave the club regardless of their Premier League status next season.
As GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed earlier, the Argentine could explore his options this summer amid long-standing interest from Atletico Madrid.
Romero also has suitors in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, while Serie A giants Roma have submitted an enquiry as well.