Inside Futbol

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Tottenham Hotspur are now looking to make a key addition to their hierarchy, as the club are keeping their tabs on Kyriakos Dourekas and Dougie Freedman.

The north London club are currently in a heavy crisis, as they are right in the mix of the relegation battle with nine games to go in the Premier League.

One former star believes that Nottingham Forest and West Ham United will have an advantage over Spurs in the relegation dogfight, as the pair have experience of fighting to stay up.

Igor Tudor’s appointment as the new interim boss has not seen any new manager bounce, as the north Londoners have lost all three of their matches under the Croatian boss.

The Spurs fans are fuming with how the club are being run, and one former Tottenham star urged the club to get rid of Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham after Thomas Frank’s sacking.

Fabio Paratici, who served as the club’s technical director, left Spurs recently for Serie A strugglers Fiorentina.

Paratici’s appointment was dubbed ‘revolutionary’, and La Viola are currently out of the relegation zone, as they sit 17th in the Serie A table.

Person Position Vinai Venkatesham CEO Johan Lange Sporting director Rafi Moersen Director of football operations Dan Lewindon Performance director Key Tottenham Hotspur positions

Now, the Premier League side are looking to replace Paratici and have set their eyes on the Saudi Pro League.

According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Spurs have Dourekas and former Crystal Palace supremo Freedman in their mind for the role.

The experienced Greek is NEOM FC’s sporting director, while Freedman moved to Saudi outfit Al-Diraiyah last April.

Dourekas spent more than 20 years at Olympiacos before he served as Nottingham Forest’s CEO for seven years, before he left for NEOM FC last year.

Freedman spent eight years at Palace and he is now on Tottenham’s radar, as they are considering bringing him back to London.

Whether Spurs will make a move for either of them in the coming weeks or months remains to be seen and may be dependent upon whether they can survive.

Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur are now looking to make a key addition to their hierarchy, as the club are keeping their tabs on Kyriakos Dourekas and Dougie Freedman.

The north London club are currently in a heavy crisis, as they are right in the mix of the relegation battle with nine games to go in the Premier League.

One former star believes that Nottingham Forest and West Ham United will have an advantage over Spurs in the relegation dogfight, as the pair have experience of fighting to stay up.

Igor Tudor’s appointment as the new interim boss has not seen any new manager bounce, as the north Londoners have lost all three of their matches under the Croatian boss.

The Spurs fans are fuming with how the club are being run, and one former Tottenham star urged the club to get rid of Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham after Thomas Frank’s sacking.

Fabio Paratici, who served as the club’s technical director, left Spurs recently for Serie A strugglers Fiorentina.

Paratici’s appointment was dubbed ‘revolutionary’, and La Viola are currently out of the relegation zone, as they sit 17th in the Serie A table.

Person Position Vinai Venkatesham CEO Johan Lange Sporting director Rafi Moersen Director of football operations Dan Lewindon Performance director Key Tottenham Hotspur positions

Now, the Premier League side are looking to replace Paratici and have set their eyes on the Saudi Pro League.

According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Spurs have Dourekas and former Crystal Palace supremo Freedman in their mind for the role.

The experienced Greek is NEOM FC’s sporting director, while Freedman moved to Saudi outfit Al-Diraiyah last April.

Dourekas spent more than 20 years at Olympiacos before he served as Nottingham Forest’s CEO for seven years, before he left for NEOM FC last year.

Freedman spent eight years at Palace and he is now on Tottenham’s radar, as they are considering bringing him back to London.

Whether Spurs will make a move for either of them in the coming weeks or months remains to be seen and may be dependent upon whether they can survive.

Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Former Premier League manager and survival expert Tony Pulis has told Tottenham Hotspur how to avoid being relegated from the Premier League, suggesting a tactical tweak.

Igor Tudor was brought in on a contract until the end of the season after Thomas Frank’s dismissal, with the sole goal of avoiding relegation.

Spurs have lost all three of their games with Tudor at the helm, with the once unthinkable drop to the Championship, seeming like a very distinct possibility.

Pulis feels that there is a pressure to play exciting football at Tottenham, something he thinks might have contributed to the short-lived spells at Spurs for Frank and Ange Postecoglou.

Stressing that Spurs do not have the squad to play expansive football, Pulis is worried that the issue has not been identified, with Tottenham being open as recently as their last game against Crystal Palace.

The survival expert believes that Spurs need to change the way they play and stressed that in his view that means playing inside and being solid and tight.

Pulis said on The Managers (7:20): “Tottenham again are one of these clubs, a little bit like West Ham down the road, we’ve got to play a certain way, we’ve got to do this, we’ve got to do that, we’ve got to be exciting.

“At the moment I think, and whether Thomas has got rolled into this theme of that our perception of we’ve got to play all this attractive open football. Ange did it and got sacked, won a trophy but then get sacked.

“I think you’ve got to get a team that’s going to be really solid, really tight. Play inside the game. Don’t play outside the game.

“I’ve watched them against Palace. They’re playing outside. They’re still playing outside the game.

“Well, when they haven’t got the ball and when there’s turnovers, they’re very easily counterattacked.

“And in professional sport and especially at the top level, even if you watch rugby union or or team sports, teams will punish you enormously with counterattacking football.

“And that’s the best teams and the teams down the bottom if they’ve got pace. And most teams got pace now.

“So I I feel as though Tottenham have played outside the game. They did it with Thomas which I was very surprised with, where they can’t do that.

“They’re not good enough as a team. They’ve got good individuals, but I’m talking about as a team.

“The team is not good enough to play outside the game.”

Pulis ended on an optimistic note, believing that survival in the Premier League will be an easy ask for the quality players at Spurs, as long as they are set up in a narrow and compact fashion.

“It’s good enough if you get them in, narrow them in, play nice and tight.

“They’ve got enough ability and enough quality in that group to stay up, I think easily as long as it’s done the right way.”

Richard Keys has criticised Tudor heavily for his public censure of his team with a particular focus on their fitness.

Eddie Keogh/Getty Images

Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 20:00 UK time

Igor Tudor has picked his Tottenham lineup vs Crystal Palace for this evening’s crunch Premier League clash in north London – match preview here.

With relegation rivals now starting to pick up points, it is essential that Tudor start to have a positive impact on the Tottenham players.

Former Premier League star Don Hutchison believes that West Ham will survive and has put Tottenham’s chances of avoiding the drop at 50-50.

Tudor is also battling though who already feel his appointment, as a manager with no Premier League experience, was the wrong one.

Richard Keys has rubbished Tudor’s claim that he inherited a squad lacking in fitness.

Amid the bad news for Spurs, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been shortlisted for the Save of the Month award due to his efforts in the Manchester City game.

Crystal Palace arrive on the back of a loss against Manchester United and knowing that boss Oliver Glasner is leaving in the summer.

The Eagles look largely safe from being pulled into the relegation dogfight and tonight may be a case of just how motivated they are.

Guglielmo Vicario is in goal in the Tottenham lineup vs Crystal Palace tonight, while in defence Tudor picks Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven and Souza as a four.

In the engine room, where Spurs will want to dominate, Tudor fields Archie Gray, Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr, while Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke lead the attack.

Tudor may want to switch up his Tottenham lineup vs Crystal Palace at times within the 90 minutes and his options include Xavi Simons and Richarlison.

Tottenham Hotspur Lineup vs Crystal Palace

Vicario, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Souza, Gray, Palhinha, Sarr, Tel, Kolo Muani, Solanke

Substitutes: Kinsky, Austin, Simons, Bissouma, Richarlison, Gallagher, Olusesi, Kyerematen, Rowswell

Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor has admitted that he has seen something in Spurs new boy Souza, ahead of the crucial clash with Crystal Palace tonight – match preview here.

Last month, Thomas Frank was dismissed after a Premier League winless run since December, with Tudor stepping in, known for turning struggling teams around, while a former Spurs player cautioned that dropping out of the top flight would be disastrous.

The anticipated new-manager bounce has yet to materialise, with Tudor still seeking his first point after defeats in both London derbies he has overseen: a heavy 4-1 loss to Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a 2-1 setback against Fulham at Craven Cottage over the weekend.

The poor run of form has left the Lilywhites stranded in 16th place, just one point clear of West Ham United, who occupy the final relegation spot.

Tudor underlined the powerful effect that fan presence and atmosphere can have on his players, noting that they are attuned to everything around them, from whispered rumours to every cheer.

The 47-year-old explained that when supporters project their energy onto the pitch, it resonates with the team, shaping their performance and forging a strong bond between the players and the crowd.

He expressed confidence that the fans will rally behind the squad in tonight’s clash with Crystal Palace, providing the vital energy to help the players perform at their peak.

Club Years Santos 2024-2026 Tottenham Hotspur 2026- Souza’s career history

Tudor said at a press conference (15:05): “Very important.

“The players feel everything, every small rumour they recognise immediately, every applause, every encouragement.

“So you know, sometimes I like that fans can feel that on the pitch, you know, so they will understand how the energy is spreading and how energies can contain the players.

“So I’m sure that they will stand with us tomorrow, and we show what we need to show.”

During the winter transfer window, Tottenham strengthened their squad with the signings of Conor Gallagher and Souza, with former manager Frank praising the 19-year-old’s impressive display in a Spurs shirt during their clash with Manchester United.

Tudor also spoke about the new arrival, highlighting the potential he has seen in Souza, who impressed in his last appearance against Fulham and is ready to make an impact when called upon.

“He was good.

“I saw something in him.

“He is there waiting his moment to play.”

Tottenham have endured a difficult season, winning just seven of their 28 Premier League games and holding the second-worst home record with only two wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 5th March, 20:00 UK time

Tottenham Hotspur host Crystal Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night, with the Lilywhites desperate for points as they edge closer to the relegation zone, while Oliver Glasner’s side look to bounce back after a run of inconsistent domestic results.

Still without the anticipated new manager bounce since Igor Tudor’s appointment, Spurs are yet to register a victory under him and remain without a Premier League win in 2026.

With the worst form in the league, reeling from four straight losses, this will be Tottenham’s third successive game against a London rival, having fallen short in their first two clashes with Arsenal and Fulham, where they were clearly second best.

Crystal Palace are not entirely safe from relegation despite holding a 10-point cushion over the bottom three and will still need a few more results to secure their Premier League status, targeting N17 as an opportunity, where Tottenham have struggled for much of the season, managing just two home league victories.

Having dropped 19 points from winning positions this season, the second-most in the league, the Eagles come into this clash off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, where a lead given by Maxence Lacroix was overturned before he was sent off, ruling him out of this fixture in a significant blow to Glasner’s side, with the Frenchman having started 37 matches this campaign.

The FA Cup winners endured a dismal 12-game winless run between December and February and have only recently regained some stability, collecting two victories from their last five matches.

In contrast, the Lilywhites remain mired in their own slump, having not tasted league victory since 28th December, when they last edged past Crystal Palace in a slim 1-0 win, a barren spell that has since left them languishing in 16th place, with Tudor now told to make the Spurs players believe they are better than they are.

It has been a season of contrasts for Crystal Palace and Tottenham, both battling in the bottom half of the league table while simultaneously advancing smoothly in Europe, with each securing a place in the Round of 16 of the Conference League and the Champions League respectively, as the Eagles mark their debut appearance in the knockout stages of a European competition.

Tottenham’s injury list remains extensive, with Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall among those sidelined, yet Tudor has received a timely boost as Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso and Richarlison have all been cleared to start, while a late decision will be made on Djed Spence.

Glasner, meanwhile, continues to contend with absentees of his own, as Cheick Doucoure and Eddie Nketiah remain sidelined, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jefferson Lerma could be in line for returns later this month.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur Crystal Palace Vicario Henderson Danso Canvot Van de Ven Richards Dragusin Riad Porro Munoz Palhinha Wharton Sarr Mitchell Gray Kamada Simons Johnson Richarlison Sarr Kolo Muani Strand Larsen Predicted lineups

Recent Form (league)

Tottenham Hotspur: DLLLL

Crystal Palace: DWLWL

Key Men

Tottenham Hotspur

Richarlison

Tottenham’s top league scorer this season returned from injury last week and made an immediate impact, coming off the bench to score the Lilywhites’ only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Fulham.

With Crystal Palace missing their commanding defender, the ever-reliable Maxence Lacroix, the Brazilian forward’s recent goalscoring form will be vital, providing a timely boost against an Eagles side whose defence has already kept ten clean sheets this season.

Kevin Danso

Much like in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park in December, Cristian Romero will miss the match against the Eagles due to a four-match suspension.

Danso has been cleared following a toe ligament injury and will be fit to step in for Romero, linking up with Micky Van de Ven, and with a new manager at the helm, the Austrian will be eager to seize the opportunity under Tudor and make an impact.

Crystal Palace

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Since arriving from Wolves and pulling on a Crystal Palace shirt, Strand Larsen has impressed, registering two goals and an assist under Glasner, and he will be eager to extend his scoring run against a Spurs side missing a key defensive figure in Romero.

Spurs are also relying on a goalkeeper in Guglielmo Vicario who has faced heavy scrutiny this season, with one former top-flight star suggesting the absence of an experienced understudy has left him without genuine competition between the sticks.

Dean Henderson

Much like Tottenham, the Eagles are without their defensive linchpin in Lacroix, and Henderson will need to be at his sharpest against Tudor’s men who are desperate for points.

Palace’s resilience has been built on a solid defensive platform and with Spurs having scored 13 of their 38 league goals from set pieces this season, the England international will need to stay alert and assert his presence between the posts to keep the Lilywhite attack at bay.

Result Competition Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham Premier League Tottenham 0-2 Crystal Palace Premier League Crystal Palace 1-0 Tottenham Premier League Last three meetings

Match Prediction

It would be bold to predict that Tottenham will claim their first league win of the year on home soil, but with the boost of players like Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso and Richarlison, the Lilywhites look poised to seize the moment.

After two defeats, Tudor has gained a clearer understanding of his squad, and now, in a do-or-die scenario with relegation looming, Spurs may finally have the firepower to claim three points, with Mathys Tel and Richarlison having shown flashes of brilliance against the Cottagers.

Taking into account the Lilywhites’ poor home record and the fact that the Eagles have lost just once in their last nine Premier League London derbies away from home, with that defeat coming against leaders Arsenal in October, the odds are clearly stacked against Spurs.

However, with key injuries to stars like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix, it could be the perfect opportunity for the Lilywhites to press their advantage against a struggling Crystal Palace.

Inside Futbol Score Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Crystal Palace

Where To Watch?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League will be live on TNT Sports 1 for a 20:00 kick-off in the UK.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 5th March, 20:00 UK time

Tottenham Hotspur host Crystal Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night, with the Lilywhites desperate for points as they edge closer to the relegation zone, while Oliver Glasner’s side look to bounce back after a run of inconsistent domestic results.

Still without the anticipated new manager bounce since Igor Tudor’s appointment, Spurs are yet to register a victory under him and remain without a Premier League win in 2026.

With the worst form in the league, reeling from four straight losses, this will be Tottenham’s third successive game against a London rival, having fallen short in their first two clashes with Arsenal and Fulham, where they were clearly second best.

Crystal Palace are not entirely safe from relegation despite holding a 10-point cushion over the bottom three and will still need a few more results to secure their Premier League status, targeting N17 as an opportunity, where Tottenham have struggled for much of the season, managing just two home league victories.

Having dropped 19 points from winning positions this season, the second-most in the league, the Eagles come into this clash off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, where a lead given by Maxence Lacroix was overturned before he was sent off, ruling him out of this fixture in a significant blow to Glasner’s side, with the Frenchman having started 37 matches this campaign.

The FA Cup winners endured a dismal 12-game winless run between December and February and have only recently regained some stability, collecting two victories from their last five matches.

In contrast, the Lilywhites remain mired in their own slump, having not tasted league victory since 28th December, when they last edged past Crystal Palace in a slim 1-0 win, a barren spell that has since left them languishing in 16th place, with Tudor now told to make the Spurs players believe they are better than they are.

It has been a season of contrasts for Crystal Palace and Tottenham, both battling in the bottom half of the league table while simultaneously advancing smoothly in Europe, with each securing a place in the Round of 16 of the Conference League and the Champions League respectively, as the Eagles mark their debut appearance in the knockout stages of a European competition.

Tottenham’s injury list remains extensive, with Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall among those sidelined, yet Tudor has received a timely boost as Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso and Richarlison have all been cleared to start, while a late decision will be made on Djed Spence.

Glasner, meanwhile, continues to contend with absentees of his own, as Cheick Doucoure and Eddie Nketiah remain sidelined, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jefferson Lerma could be in line for returns later this month.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur Crystal Palace Vicario Henderson Danso Canvot Van de Ven Richards Dragusin Riad Porro Munoz Palhinha Wharton Sarr Mitchell Gray Kamada Simons Johnson Richarlison Sarr Kolo Muani Strand Larsen Predicted lineups

Recent Form (league)

Tottenham Hotspur: DLLLL

Crystal Palace: DWLWL

Key Men

Tottenham Hotspur

Richarlison

Tottenham’s top league scorer this season returned from injury last week and made an immediate impact, coming off the bench to score the Lilywhites’ only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Fulham.

With Crystal Palace missing their commanding defender, the ever-reliable Maxence Lacroix, the Brazilian forward’s recent goalscoring form will be vital, providing a timely boost against an Eagles side whose defence has already kept ten clean sheets this season.

Kevin Danso

Much like in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park in December, Cristian Romero will miss the match against the Eagles due to a four-match suspension.

Danso has been cleared following a toe ligament injury and will be fit to step in for Romero, linking up with Micky Van de Ven, and with a new manager at the helm, the Austrian will be eager to seize the opportunity under Tudor and make an impact.

Crystal Palace

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Since arriving from Wolves and pulling on a Crystal Palace shirt, Strand Larsen has impressed, registering two goals and an assist under Glasner, and he will be eager to extend his scoring run against a Spurs side missing a key defensive figure in Romero.

Spurs are also relying on a goalkeeper in Guglielmo Vicario who has faced heavy scrutiny this season, with one former top-flight star suggesting the absence of an experienced understudy has left him without genuine competition between the sticks.

Dean Henderson

Much like Tottenham, the Eagles are without their defensive linchpin in Lacroix, and Henderson will need to be at his sharpest against Tudor’s men who are desperate for points.

Palace’s resilience has been built on a solid defensive platform and with Spurs having scored 13 of their 38 league goals from set pieces this season, the England international will need to stay alert and assert his presence between the posts to keep the Lilywhite attack at bay.

Result Competition Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham Premier League Tottenham 0-2 Crystal Palace Premier League Crystal Palace 1-0 Tottenham Premier League Last three meetings

Match Prediction

It would be bold to predict that Tottenham will claim their first league win of the year on home soil, but with the boost of players like Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso and Richarlison, the Lilywhites look poised to seize the moment.

After two defeats, Tudor has gained a clearer understanding of his squad, and now, in a do-or-die scenario with relegation looming, Spurs may finally have the firepower to claim three points, with Mathys Tel and Richarlison having shown flashes of brilliance against the Cottagers.

Taking into account the Lilywhites’ poor home record and the fact that the Eagles have lost just once in their last nine Premier League London derbies away from home, with that defeat coming against leaders Arsenal in October, the odds are clearly stacked against Spurs.

However, with key injuries to stars like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix, it could be the perfect opportunity for the Lilywhites to press their advantage against a struggling Crystal Palace.

Inside Futbol Score Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Crystal Palace

Where To Watch?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League will be live on TNT Sports 1 for a 20:00 kick-off in the UK.

Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor is banking on the arrival of his long-time confidant, Ivan Javorcic, as he bids to inject fresh energy and steer Spurs toward much-needed points, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Spurs find themselves in hot water in the relegation fight, still searching for a Premier League win so far this calendar year.

The dismal run of form led to Thomas Frank’s dismissal following a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leaving him with seven losses on home turf, the joint second-worst home record of the season.

Tudor was swiftly appointed to ease relegation fears, taking charge immediately for the north London derby, in which Arsenal thrashed the Lilywhites 4-1 in front of their home crowd.

Over the weekend, Spurs travelled to Craven Cottage but came up short again, losing 2-1 to Fulham and handing the Croatian boss two defeats from his opening two games.

Stuck in the bottom half, Tottenham sit 16th after four straight losses, with no new manager bounce so far, and one former top-flight star insisting Tudor must convince the squad they are better than they currently believe to ignite a turnaround in performances.

Tudor is now hoping for a lift from the arrival of his long-term trusted assistant, Javorcic, after failing to pick up a point so far.

The 47-year-old’s move to Spurs was delayed by work-permit issues, but optimism is growing that he could soon join the backroom team at N17 and help steer the club toward positive results.

The pair first joined forces in March 2024, when Javorcic rescinded his contract at Venezia to team up with Tudor at Lazio, and reunited the following year at Juventus, where the assistant manager played a pivotal role in helping Tudor secure Champions League qualification with the Bianconeri.

Tottenham, who last secured a league win with a 1-0 triumph over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in December, will host the same opponents on Thursday, eager to claim points with the Eagles just two places above them.

The Lilywhites have managed only two wins in their last 19 league outings, making this a critical period as the gap to the relegation zone stands at just four points.

Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor is banking on the arrival of his long-time confidant, Ivan Javorcic, as he bids to inject fresh energy and steer Spurs toward much-needed points, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Spurs find themselves in hot water in the relegation fight, still searching for a Premier League win so far this calendar year.

The dismal run of form led to Thomas Frank’s dismissal following a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leaving him with seven losses on home turf, the joint second-worst home record of the season.

Tudor was swiftly appointed to ease relegation fears, taking charge immediately for the north London derby, in which Arsenal thrashed the Lilywhites 4-1 in front of their home crowd.

Over the weekend, Spurs travelled to Craven Cottage but came up short again, losing 2-1 to Fulham and handing the Croatian boss two defeats from his opening two games.

Stuck in the bottom half, Tottenham sit 16th after four straight losses, with no new manager bounce so far, and one former top-flight star insisting Tudor must convince the squad they are better than they currently believe to ignite a turnaround in performances.

Tudor is now hoping for a lift from the arrival of his long-term trusted assistant, Javorcic, after failing to pick up a point so far.

The 47-year-old’s move to Spurs was delayed by work-permit issues, but optimism is growing that he could soon join the backroom team at N17 and help steer the club toward positive results.

The pair first joined forces in March 2024, when Javorcic rescinded his contract at Venezia to team up with Tudor at Lazio, and reunited the following year at Juventus, where the assistant manager played a pivotal role in helping Tudor secure Champions League qualification with the Bianconeri.

Tottenham, who last secured a league win with a 1-0 triumph over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in December, will host the same opponents on Thursday, eager to claim points with the Eagles just two places above them.

The Lilywhites have managed only two wins in their last 19 league outings, making this a critical period as the gap to the relegation zone stands at just four points.

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Journalist Alex Crook has seen enough to dub Tottenham Hotspur‘s appointment of Igor Tudor ‘disastrous’ and thinks it is clear that the Croatian already feels the atmosphere in the dressing room stinks.

Tudor has been appointed as interim boss with one task, that being to make sure Tottenham are not relegated from the Premier League this season.

Thomas Frank, brought in last summer following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, struggled to get results and struggled to win over a number of players, being then ultimately shown the door himself.

Tudor has yet to pick up a point as Tottenham boss and saw his side go down to a 2-1 loss at Fulham on Sunday.

The Croatian has been backed by being allowed to bring in a number of his own backroom team and would seem to have little excuse if he cannot get a tune from the Spurs players.

Tudor has never managed in English football before and Tottenham decided to overlook managers who know the Premier League well in favour of bringing him in.

Spurs are in a relegation battle, with one former club star warning the drop would be catastrophic, and Crook is pessimistic.

Game Date Leeds United (H) 09/05 Chelsea (A) 17/05 Everton (H) 24/05 Tottenham’s final three league games

The journalist has seen enough to believe the appointment of Tudor is a disaster and predicted the Spurs players, who do not understand the situation they are in, will throw him under the bus.

He added that Tudor is making clear through his words and body language that he thinks the Tottenham dressing room atmosphere stinks.

“I don’t want to rush to judgement, but already I think this is going to be a disastrous appointment for Spurs”, Crook said on talkSPORT (1st March, 16:56).

“You’ve brought in a manager who is a firefighter, with no previous Premier League experience.

“He’s walked into a dressing room, you can tell by the way he is answering questions and his body language, he thinks the attitude in that dressing room absolutely stinks.

“It’s not going to work because he is an interim manager.

“This group of players chucked Thomas Frank under the bus, he was a full-time, permanent manager. They are not going to waste any time throwing this manager under the bus.

“He has inherited a team who are over-entitled, egotistical and have no awareness of the fact they finished 17th last season and if they finish 17th this season they’ve done well.

“If Tottenham stay up it will be because West Ham and Nottingham Forest don’t get enough points to catch them.

“They are not capable of getting the wins themselves.”

Tottenham have now lost 13 of their 28 Premier League games, winning just seven.

The club’s home form has been dire, with Spurs fans seeing just two wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League all season long.