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Tottenham Hotspur interim head coach Igor Tudor has acknowledged this current job is the biggest challenge of his career.

Tudor has been parachuted into his first managerial role in England with Spurs' Premier League future at stake after a horror run of form over the winter months.

A painful 4-1 debut defeat at home to rivals Arsenal extended Tottenham's winless league run to nine matches and made it only two wins from their last 18 in the division.

Asked if this was his biggest rescue job, Tudor said: "Probably, if I see, if I recognise the difficulties there are, probably, yes. It's even a bigger challenge, even a bigger motivation to do this and we do it."

The former Juventus boss also admitted the role was harder than expected, but believes work on the training ground can turn around the club's fortunes before Sunday's trip across London to Fulham.

"Probably yes," Tudor reflected.

"Yes, very tough, but it's what I said before, I don't change my opinion, it is how it is, so, daily work, focus, raising in all things we need to do, physical condition, mental confidence, performance and waiting for the players to come back.

"We need to be focused on us, what we can do, less thinking about others, that's always good and it will be good."

Spurs will discover their Champions League opponents for the round of 16 on Friday, but Tudor promised to waste no "energy" on fixtures with either Atlético Madrid or Galatasaray due to the current situation.

Tudor added: "I don't think too much about the draw. If you ask me whether I expect the draw tomorrow, it won't change for me nothing."

The Croatian coach will be boosted by the return of defender Kevin Danso and full-back Pedro Porro for Sunday's fixture at Craven Cottage.

- World's best team Arsenal showed me Tottenham's 'level' - Tudor

- Igor Tudor could get permanent job with wins, attacking football

- As new Tottenham manager gets to work, here's what players really think

The duo could line-up alongside Micky van de Ven, who has faced criticism this week after a clip on social-media implied the Dutch centre-back had ignored the instructions of Tudor to push up during the loss to Arsenal.

Tudor said: "It was not an instruction to Micky, it was an instruction to the team to go up. It was about the team coming up and what we were speaking before.

"We want to go up because we want to have this style where we press high, but in this moment it's too much for them, so that's why I was a little frustrated on that, but this is part of it.

"If you watch carefully now, you see that I don't speak with [Van de Ven] because after that one [team] advice, I said to him, come closer and he came closer. In that moment, I stood there like this, it was all for the defence to go up.

"We didn't even speak about this me and Micky because there was nothing to speak about. He's a fantastic guy, a very good professional and he would never do these things."

Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid are ready to move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven, while Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva is looking to move on and could head to MLS. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's winter grades | Women's grades

TRENDING RUMORS

- Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven is on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid, according to TEAMtalk. It is reported that the 24-year-old is expected to leave Spurs in the summer, regardless of whether they avoid relegation, and the Red Devils are the latest club to join the race to sign him. TEAMtalk also reports that the Premier League side isn't close to reaching an agreement over a new contract with Van de Ven, whose deal expires in 2029, and the Netherlands international is now weighing up his options.

- Chicago Fire, Benfica and Juventus are looking at signing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva in the summer, says the Daily Mail. Silva, 31, is out of contract at the end of the season and is reportedly keen to leave for a new challenge. The Portugal international has been a key player for Pep Guardiola over the past decade, and there has also been interest from the Saudi Pro League.

- Real Madrid are weighing up a move to bring back Como defender Jacobo Ramón, according to AS. It is reported that Los Blancos now see the 21-year-old as a potential long-term starter for the club after they let him leave in 2025, but luckily they included a clause that allows them to sign him back for €8 million. The report adds that the LaLiga side hasn't made contact with the respective representatives of defenders Antonio Rüdiger, 32, and David Alaba, 33, regarding potential contract extensions, which could see Ramon brought in as one of the reinforcements to replace them.

- Barcelona and on-loan Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford have reached an agreement in principle on personal terms, says Nicolo Schira. The 28-year-old has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract until 2030, with the Blaugrana pushing to sign him on a permanent deal. Fresh talks are expected to take place, but sources told ESPN last week that United have no plans to accept anything less than the permanent option clause fee, which is worth between €30 million and €35 million.

- Chelsea have made an approach to sign Independiente del Valle and Ecuador international midfielder Patrik Mercado, according to TEAMtalk. The Blues are reportedly among several Premier League clubs keen on the 22-year-old, with Brighton, Bournemouth and Fulham also interested in securing his signature. Any move to Stamford Bridge for Mercado would be expected to include a spell at Strasbourg on loan to allow him to develop, while also making the future switch to West London more feasible due to their ownership under BlueCo.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN's Sam Tighe on the future for Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.

No one could blame Van de Ven for wanting to leave Spurs this summer. Despite his impressive performance since joining in 2023, the club have only moved backwards.

With the ball at his feet, he's a rare breed of game-breaking central defender. He can carry the ball through the opposition lines and over long distances, picking up serious speed in the process -- only three Premier League center backs have clocked a max speed faster than his 34.12 km/h this season, per Gradient Sports. He has delivered remarkable goals and remarkable assists at the end of these long runs.

That speed also helps him immensely in defense, enabling him to stop strikers from working space in behind. The only weakness in his game is perhaps a lack of progressive passing: He's inconsistent (at best) in feeding the ball forward and into dangerous areas.

It wouldn't surprise if Liverpool were weighing him up as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, while Real Madrid's center back situation is so unhealthy they need answers fast. But Man United? For the first time in a while, they seem quite set there; Lisandro Martinez is fit again, Matthijs de Ligt was having an excellent season until injury paused it, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are high-potential players, and Harry Maguire seems to be working his way towards a fresh deal with the club.

So perhaps they don't need to spend more on another defender.

OTHER RUMORS

Laurens: Glasner is tarnishing his Crystal Palace legacy

Gab & Juls discuss Oliver Glasner's future at Crystal Palace.

- Juventus and USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie are "one step away" from sealing an agreement for a new contract extension. (Nicolo Schira)

- Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is open to a switch to MLS. (Telegraph)

- Manchester United and defender Harry Maguire remain in talks regarding a new contract, with "positive signs" that a deal could be reached. (BBC)

- Liverpool left back Andy Robertson remains on the radar of Atletico Madrid. He has also attracted attention from Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers. (Caught Offside)

- Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea remain interested in Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-Jae (Football Insider)

- Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior wants to keep hold of striker Liam Delap amid interest from Everton. (Football Insider)

- Boca Juniors are interested in Roma forward Paulo Dybala when his contract at the Stadio Olimpico expires. (Matteo Moretto)

- Marseille are unlikely to activate the permanent option clause to sign on-loan defender Benjamin Pavard from Internazionale in the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Galatasaray are considering a move for Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Juventus are weighing up an approach to sign Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi. (Corriere dello Sport)

- Internazionale are monitoring the situation of Udinese defender Oumar Solet, and recently sent scouts to watch him. (Nicolo Schira)

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper, Josh Oluwayemi, had an afternoon to forget on Saturday when his comical error in goal began a chain of events that not only led to a thrashing but for his own manager to resign post-match.

Oluwayemi, who joined Wellington Phoenix last year, managed to head the ball back into his own net after misjudging a defensive clearance from the opposition, Auckland FC, that spanned nearly the full-length of the pitch.

The 24-year-old attempted to clear the ball with his head as he found himself outside of his own box but could only manage an ignominious fluffed header that rolled back into his own net and began the procession for Auckland.

They went on to score two more inside the first-half leading to Oluwayemi being hooked at the break by soon to be departing head coach Giancarlo Italiano.

- World's best team Arsenal showed me Tottenham's 'level' - Igor Tudor

- Arteta says 'ashamed' Arsenal showed grit in Tottenham win

- Eze, Gyökeres star as Arsenal outclass Tottenham and settle title nerves

The change couldn't revive the game for Wellington though, with the side eventually falling to a 5-0 loss to leave them teetering near the foot of the A-League table.

But the drama didn't end there, with Italiano promptly announcing his resignation as head coach, with immediate affect.

"To lose 5-0 at home with the season still to play for is unacceptable, I take full responsibility," he said.

"I've told the club, I've tendered my resignation. I think it's easier for someone to come in with new energy and refocus the group."

Oluwayemi began his career at Spurs before spells at Chelmsford and Maidenhead preceded a move to the A-League. He has also been a part of England Under-15 and U16 squads.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães playfully mocked his countryman Richarlison on Sunday after his side's dominant 4-1 north London derby win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres both bagged braces to cancel out a Randal Kolo Muani strike as the league leaders settled any title nerves they may have been feeling after dropping points in both their previous league games.

The result plunged Spurs further into the relegation fight with Igor Tudor's side now just four points above the drop zone with 11 games to play.

And after the win, Gabriel took to his social media to pose for a photo in front on his player of the match award from the night, holding up a playing card with the number "4", a reference to the scoreline on the night.

To make matters worse for those of a Spurs persuasion, fellow Brazilian Richarlison was tagged in the image, continuing a long-running joke where both players poke fun at each other after various north London derby results, and adding to the ignominy of the defeat for the Spurs forward.

- Arsenal answer title pressure with resounding derby win at Spurs

- Jamie Redknapp warns Spurs of relegation after Arsenal thrashing

- World's best team Arsenal showed me Tottenham's 'level' - Igor Tudor

After the game, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said the win showed what Arsenal are made of heading into the title run-in.

"It feels like we showed what we are made of. I cannot be prouder of what I've seen out there but especially with the context of the way we lived the last 72 hours," he said.

"After what happened against Wolves and losing two points with the last kick of the game, it was tough. But that's the beauty of this game.

"There was no explanation watching the game back and how the hell we drew that game. From any angle, you say it's impossible and you have to watch it again and say it's not going to happen.

"But it happened and then you have to lift yourself up because you're feeling angry, upset, and even ashamed."

On the other hand, Jamie Redknapp believes Spurs are in major danger as relegation fears deepen with the club yet to register a league win in 2026.

"They can't keep performing like this. They've not had a win in 2026. But Arsenal were fantastic, it was a brilliant performance by them, they were just too good," he said.

"They were so much better than Tottenham, it's like two different leagues ... if Tottenham aren't careful they might be in a different league next season."

Information from PA contributed to this report.

LONDON -- Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres both scored twice in an emphatic 4-1 North London derby win for Arsenal as the Gunners restored their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with 10 matches remaining.

Eze, who became the first Arsenal player to score a Premier League hat-trick against Spurs in a 4-1 win at the Emirates last November, extended his scoring streak against the side he rejected in favour of a move to his boyhood team from Crystal Palace last summer, netting twice. Meanwhile, Gyokeres (two second-half goals) produced his best performance since arriving from Sporting CP last summer. Although Randal Kolo Muani briefly gave Spurs hope of a positive result when he cancelled out Eze's first-half opener, new coach Igor Tudor suffered a heavy defeat in his first game in charge, and his team are now facing a battle against relegation at the wrong end of the table.

With City turning up the pressure on Arsenal with a 2-1 home win against Newcastle on Saturday, Mikel Arteta's team responded with character to claim victory against their local rivals and deliver a message to City that they are prepared to go the distance in order to win their first league title since 2004. -- Mark Ogden

Arsenal respond to mounting pressure

Regardless of Tottenham's current struggles, this was billed as a huge test of Arsenal's character after dropping four points against Brentford and Wolves in the past 10 days.

Manchester City cranked up the pressure even further with a 2-1 win over Newcastle, which cut the gap to just two points at kick-off, and when Kolo Muani equalised on 34 minutes, catching Declan Rice in possession and finishing from a narrow angle beyond David Raya, they could have easily folded once again. However, the gulf in class between these two sides was obvious and, for once of late, Arsenal kept playing with purpose to eventually translate that superiority to the scoreline.

They may have been expected to win given Spurs had only 13 senior fit players available and have won just two home league games all season, but nevertheless this is a result that should quieten -- if not silence -- the talk of Arsenal losing their 'bottle' with three months still to go. -- James Olley

Let's not deny it: Spurs are in a relegation battle

Igor Tudor now has 11 league games to save Tottenham Hotspur from relegation from the Premier League. It sounds incredible, but it's a fact that everyone at the club needs to accept quickly.

Sunday's heavy defeat left Spurs just four points above West Ham, who occupy the third relegation spot right now, but the Hammers, Nottingham Forest and Leeds have all shown signs in recent weeks of being able to escape the drop zone. Spurs, meanwhile, haven't won a league game in 2026, and they really don't look like ending that streak anytime soon if they continue to play without any kind of goal threat.

Their next fixture is a difficult trip to in-form London rivals Fulham before a potentially crucial home game against Crystal Palace on March 5. Alongside Spurs, West Ham, Leeds and Forest, Palace are the other team in the five-way battle to avoid the drop, and their form is almost as bad as Tottenham's, with Oliver Glasner's future as coach continuing to be a major issue.

Spurs have the games to get themselves out of trouble, but when you haven't won a game since December and your squad is lacking top quality and the ability to scrap, then you have a problem. Spurs have that problem, and denial about the situation they're in could see them spiral towards an unthinkable relegation. -- Ogden

Eze excels and Gyokeres produces his most important goal

Of all the failed transfer moves Tottenham have endured, their inability to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace last summer must haunt the club more than most. Spurs had agreed a £60m deal with Palace, only for Eze to choose to join the Gunners at the last minute.

How has he fared? Well, the 27-year-old has scored seven goals for Arsenal this season, with five of them coming against Tottenham. Amazingly, Eze's 32nd-minute strike on Sunday was his first shot on target in the league since his hat-trick in November's reverse fixture.

While Eze has struggled for consistent minutes this season, Viktor Gyokeres has faltered under the weight of expectation following his summer move from Sporting Lisbon. He wasn't entirely convincing again on Sunday, but his superb 47th-minute strike probably ranks as the most important goal he has scored for the Gunners. It might surprise you to know it was his 14th of the season, but many of those have come against weak opposition or late in games with the result already beyond doubt.

Spurs are of course 16th in the league, but the match was firmly in the balance when Gyokeres picked the ball up on the edge of the box and finished emphatically to restore the visitors' lead. It is a moment that continues an upward trend of late and he built on it further in stoppage-time -- scoring the sort of goal we have seen more often to reach 15, muscling in on goal and curling the ball in from a narrow angle -- as Arsenal counter-attacked quickly. -- Olley

Tottenham fans buy into Tudor ... for now

The game was less than half an hour old when the Spurs fans started singing "Igor Tudor's blue and white army," and that was at least one positive for the new Tottenham coach during a humbling first game in charge.

It was the displeasure of the Spurs fans that sparked Thomas Frank's downfall after half a season in charge, so the voice of the supporters does have an impact on decisions made at the top levels of all clubs. And although the Spurs hierarchy were initially resistant to calls for Frank to go, the combination of bad results and fan anger ultimately cost him his job earlier this month.

It's very early days for Tudor, but the Spurs fans never warned to former Brentford coach Frank, so the fact that he already has buy-in from the supporters is something on which he can build.

Tudor was a left-field appointment, and the majority of fans were -- and may still be -- skeptical of the former Lazio and Juventus boss, but the tenacity and desire shown by the Spurs players early in this game was down to Tudor's management and motivation and it impressed the supporters. The result clearly didn't, and Spurs still have a long way to go, but the fans at least seem to believe in their new coach. -- Ogden

Arsenal's individual errors continue, but aren't costly this time

Moments after Eze gave Arsenal a 1-0 lead, Declan Rice could be seen on the pitch telling his jubilant teammates to stay focused and switched on. It was a message repeated from interviews he gave in the build-up to Sunday's derby, citing a need to cut out individual mistakes that had cost Arsenal of late. And yet, just two minutes later, Rice was caught in possession deep in his own half by Kolo Muani, who turned and drove a low finish past David Raya to make it 1-1.

LONDON -- Igor Tudor labelled Arsenal as the "best team in the world" after the new Tottenham head coach said the Premier League leaders gave his team a reality check in a 4-1 north London derby defeat.

Two goals apiece from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres sealed a comfortable win for the Gunners, with Randal Kolo Muani giving Spurs brief hope with a first-half equaliser.

But after seeing his new side lose heavily on his first game in charge since replacing the sacked Thomas Frank earlier this month, Tudor said Spurs had simply lost to the world's best team.

"Arsenal are now probably the best team in the world at this moment," Tudor told reporters. "If we were thinking today that it's a derby and we can give something more, more mentality and more motivation, the reality is that there are things you can't change in 3-4 training sessions. It's impossible.

"So this was not a perfect team to play in the first game, but we need something good and today shows me the level.

"There is a big gap between the two teams, too much Arsenal for us. But it is nice to understand where we are -- a game to show the reality.

"It's nice for one point of view to understand that we must change habits, change state of mind. It's the only way to work."

Tudor, who now has 11 league games to save Spurs from relegation, said his players, who have not won a league game in 2026, were low on confidence.

"Without the ball, a lack of confidence is very evident," he said. "I am very sad, angry, I am everything, but it is good to understand where is our goal and to become serious.

"The medicine is to look in the mirror, but I saw the will and the passion, so I am not angry because they didn't do, but because they weren't able to do at this moment."

- Arsenal answer title pressure with resounding derby win at Spurs

- Tudor could get permanent job with wins, attacking football - Tottenham chief Lange

Spurs thought they had equalised for a second time when Kolo Muani made it 2-2 in the second-half before the goal was ruled out for a push on Arsenal defender Gabriel.

But despite the push appearing very slight, Tudor did not complain about the decision to disallow the goal.

"Touching the players in the box, it's always about referees," he said. "They make decisions how they see it."

After a week of UEFA Champions League matches, we are back with some league action in Europe! In the big game of the day, league leaders Arsenal turned on the style in thumping Tottenham Hotspur -- under new manager Igor Tudor -- 4-1 to restore their commanding five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with just 10 matches remaining.

Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 after late drama in the Premier League. After a lackluster 90 minutes, the game exploded into life in the final stages as Alexis Mac Allister had a goal ruled out by VAR for handball, before striking in the 98th minute after another VAR check for offside.

Elsewhere, Sunderland lost 3-1 to Fulham and Crystal Palace beat Wolves 1-0.

Also, in LaLiga, Barcelona soundly defeated Levante 3-0 as Hansi Flick's side took their chance to reclaim top spot in LaLiga from Real Madrid.

Here's how Sunday played out across the top leagues.

Arsenal will look to get their title-challenge on track against neighbours Tottenham, who have a new boss in Igor Tudor, and you can follow the updates from the north London derby live on ESPN.

The Gunners have drawn each of their last two league games -- the most recent of which was against bottom-side Wolves -- to allow Manchester City to come within two points of them at the top.

Spurs may be on the other end of the table, but the stakes remain as high for them. New boss Tudor is thrown straight into the deep end, as he attempts to lift the club away from a relegation battle.

Arsenal have won at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in each of the last three seasons, and claimed a resounding 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. But past performances matter little in derbies like this, and Sunday's clash will be a test of mettle as much as of talent.

Tune in below for live updates.

Arsenal have won at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in each of the last three seasons, and claimed a resounding 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. But past performances matter little in derbies like this, and Sunday's clash will be a test of mettle as much as of talent.

Former Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez is on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United after falling out of favor at Al Hilal, while Julián Álvarez will priortize a move to Barcelona if he leaves Atlético Madrid.

Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's winter grades | Women's grades

TRENDING RUMORS

- Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are among the clubs interested in signing Al Hilal striker Darwin Núñez if the former Liverpool striker becomes available, as reported by TEAMtalk. The 26-year-old has been left out of the Saudi club's league and cup squads due to strict foreign-player quotas following the arrival of Karim Benzema. Atlético Madrid and Juventus are also long-term admirers of the Uruguay international and would both be interested in a move if the opportunity arose and the finances were within their reach.

- If Julián Álvarez leaves Atlético this summer, the striker will priortize a move to Barcelona over Liverpool or Arsenal, says Football Insider. Sources have told ESPN that Arsenal are exploring the possibility of launching a summer move for Álvarez, as Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta negotiated the Argentina international's €95 million transfer from Manchester City in August 2024. But it appears the player has other ideas over a future destination.

- Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are all interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Mateus Mané, according to TEAMtalk. They join a flurry of Premier League clubs looking at the 18-year-old as Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton have all been keeping close tabs on his progress. Mane is happy with how his situation with Wolves has progressed in recent months and isn't in a rush to leave the club, although the opportunity to join a top side could interest him, especially if his current side are relegated.

- Barcelona like Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong and are monitoring him, says Fabrizio Romano. They will face plenty of competition for the 22-year-old, with Fulham following his situation, while Levante received a late €30 million offer from CSKA Moscow in the last transfer window, which they were ready to accept until Etta Eyong stated that he didn't want to move.

- Internazionale will trigger the option to make Man City defender Manuel Akanji's loan deal permanent for €15 million, according to Nicolo Schira. Inter have already agreed personal terms on a contract that will be worth €3.75 million-a-year and run until 2028, with the option for an extra year. Inter have an obligation to complete the deal if they win the league, yet they will sign the 27-year-old even if that isn't triggered.

EXPERT TAKE

Are Man City more confident in title charge after win vs. Newcastle

Don Hutchison and Steve Nicol discuss Man City's Premier League title aspirations after their win over Newcastle.

OTHER RUMORS

- Arsenal are in talks over an €80 million summer move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. (Football Transfers)

- Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all particularly attentive regarding Eintracht Frankfurt left back Nathaniel Brown. (Caught Offside)

- Aston Villa plan on triggering their clause to make Douglas Luiz's loan from Juventus permanent for €25 million plus €3.5 million in add-ons. (Nicolo Schira)

- Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are among the clubs monitoring Lyon attacking midfielder Pavel Sulc at around €50 million. (Daily Mail)

- Liverpool could look to offload Cody Gakpo in the summer if they identify a top left-wing option. (Football Insider)

- Lois Openda is not part of Juventus' plans for next season and the Serie A club will try to offload him in the summer. (Nicolo Schira)

- Newcastle United hold a concrete interest in Wolves left back Hugo Bueno, as they look for a player to provide cover and competition for Lewis Hall. (Football Insider)

- Liam Rosenior doesn't want Chelsea to let Trevoh Chalobah leave amid Aston Villa's interest in the center back. (Football Insider)

- Several German Bundesliga and Premier League clubs have shown an interest in Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi. (Nicolo Schira)

Tottenham Hotspur's sporting director Johan Lange has said interim head coach Igor Tudor could get the job on a permanent basis as he revealed style of play will be "high up on the list" when they begin to identify candidates.

Tudor takes charge of his first match in Sunday's north London derby against Arsenal having replaced Thomas Frank, who was sacked last week after just eight months in charge.

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League and sit just five points above the relegation zone. Tudor, 47, has never worked in England but won Serie A twice as a player with Juventus, where he also managed most recently prior to being sacked in October.

The Croatian has had spells at a number of clubs including Hajduk Split, Galatasaray, Udinese, Marseille and Lazio and in a statement confirming his appointment, Spurs highlighted his track record of delivering an instant improvement at clubs as an important factor in his selection.

Speaking to reporters at Tottenham's training base on Friday, Lange said: "He has shown the capabilities of coming into clubs around this time, February, March, and also big clubs, and made an immediate performance impact.

"That was of course a very big reason [for hiring him]. There is a big difference, if you are a coach for example, who has only started a new job on July 1. You have six or seven weeks to prepare to get to know the club.

"I'm not saying that necessarily is easy, but that's a different challenge. 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 into 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."

Sources have told ESPN that United States coach and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is a leading contender for the job and his name was sung by supporters in their final home game under Frank last week, a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle.

But Lange refused to be drawn on their future plans or specific candidates. "Igor has been here for five days," Lange said.

"Our focus right now is to get high up in the table in the league, focusing on the Champions League as well. That is our focus right now, and I am sure you can understand that. I am not going to comment on any names that have been linked to the job."

Pushed on how much style of play would be considered in a potential manager after fans grew frustrated with Frank's football, Lange said: "it is definitely something high up on the list.

"We are very ambitious to create a team that can play dominant football and that can control the matches with the ball for a few reasons. If you look across almost every league in the world, that is how you can say the top teams normally are successful -- that is being able to dominate possession, create chances, be aggressive without the ball and so that is of course the football.

"Then we are also a club with a rich history of having some of the best offensive players in the world and having a very particular style of play that resonates with the history, resonates with the fans and I think that combined with having a possession-dominant, aggressive style of play, those two things go hand in hand."

- Igor Tudor: 13 players training but Tottenham won't get relegated

- Tottenham vs Arsenal: TV channel, kick-off time, referee, injury and team news

- As Tudor gets to work, here's what players really think when a boss arrives

Lange, who confirmed he is employed on a "rolling contract" by Spurs, defended the club's transfer record after former boss Ange Postecoglou -- and to a lesser extent, Frank -- both cast doubt over the club's ability to compete in the market.

Postecoglou claimed Spurs "are not a big club" when it comes to committing wages on players while Spurs missed out on signing Antoine Semenyo in January as the winger chose to join Manchester City from Bournemouth.

Lange said: "I'm not going to sit here and start commenting on an ex-employee of the club's comments. [Chief executive] Vinai [Venkatesham] in his notes earlier this year, or the latter part of last year, made it known in the match day programme that we, as a club, need to grow our wage bill to be competitive.

"I think Thomas commented a little bit on players in January, and it was definitely not because of a lack of emotion from our side or efforts from our side that those players are not here today.

"When you are in any transaction it does take three parties. It takes a player to agree and we are not in control if a player makes a career choice to join another club, then that is unfortunately outside our control."