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Adel Taarabt is the latest former Spurs star to give his opinion on what is going on at the club this season.

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Ex Tottenham Hotspur and QPR winger Adel Taarabt has shared his concern over the state of affairs in North London as Igor Tudor’s side buckles up for a relegation dogfight.

Spurs sit precariously in 16th, just one point above the drop zone. Tudor has seen his side beaten by Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace in his first three matches in charge.

Those results have come amid Nottingham Forest and West Ham picking up points in midweek action, the former holding Manchester City to a point and the Hammers picking up three away at Craven Cottage.

The possibility of Championship football next season looms large for Spurs should Tudor fail to turn form around. Taarabt, who first moved to the UK to join Spurs from Lens in 2007, has shared his concern.

Speaking to Telecom Asia, he said: “I mean, everyone watches the Premier League and it’s strange to see where Spurs are at the moment. I have seen some games this season and I didn’t think they played that badly, but then you also just get the feeling that something is not right.

“It’s really surprising, but I guess that is football and the gap between teams is getting narrower and narrower.”

Taarabt only ever made 15 appearances for Spurs before moving across the capital to QPR. The winger also represented Fulham before stints at AC Milan and Benfica. He now plays for UAE outfit Sharjah.

Gareth Bale tells Spurs how to stop the rot at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

The former League Cup and Championship winner’s words of warning come a week after another Spurs winger shared similar concern for the club. Gareth Bale told The Overlap that the club must take gambles in future windows to end the ongoing slump.

He said: “You probably look at the wage bill, and it’s lower [than rivals]. There’s a reason for that. You can attract good players but now, you can buy a £50 million player and it’s not what it used to be. You have to be spending £100 million now just to get a good player. Maybe it’s just the money and not attracting the bigger players who can do a job here and now.

“They also always seem to buy young and hope they will grow into something big, it has worked in the past for example with me and a few other players. They are an established club now, they have the stadium, the training ground, the fan base. They need to be buying bigger players.”

In other news, Tottenham lining up manager Arne Slot says is 'one of the best'.

Spurs teeter above the relegation zone in the Premier League and Gareth Bale has called for the club to be braver in the transfer window.

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Tottenham Hotspur legend Gareth Bale has urged the club to unshackle their spending habits in a bid to end seasons of inconsistency in North London.

Last term, Ange Postecoglou led Spurs to Europa League glory but faced huge criticism for the team’s performance in the Premier League. This season, things have gone from bad to worse with the club now preparing for a relegation battle.

Igor Tudor was brought in to save what was a sinking ship under Thomas Frank, but has lost his first three matches in charge against Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace. Spurs now sit 16th in the league, just one point above the drop zone.

Speaking on The Overlap recently, Bale was asked why he thinks Spurs have fallen so far away from the top six and behind rivals such as Arsenal and Manchester United. The Welshman pointed to the club’s spending strategy.

Gareth Bale urges Spurs to take ‘gamble’ in transfer window

He said: “You probably look at the wage bill, and it’s lower [than rivals]. There’s a reason for that. You can attract good players but now, you can buy a £50 million player and it’s not what it used to be. You have to be spending £100 million now just to get a good player. Maybe it’s just the money and not attracting the bigger players who can do a job here and now.

“They also always seem to buy young and hope they will grow into something big, it has worked in the past for example with me and a few other players. They are an established club now, they have the stadium, the training ground, the fan base. They need to be buying bigger players.”

Tottenham did back Frank in the January window with £53 million spent on Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, having splurged on Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Kevin Danso last summer.

Simons was the most expensive arrival from the group, costing £52 million, but Bale wants to see the club spend even bigger. He added: “It’s that bit of a gamble you maybe need to take and from a business point they aren’t willing. I don’t know how they are doing financially but for me that’s the biggest issue, they don’t sign a proven player. I know Manchester United haven’t been doing great but at least they are trying to sign the player that’s the finished article or close to.”

In other news, Tottenham lining up manager Arne Slot says is 'one of the best'.

Tottenham are already said to have a list of targets ahead of the summer.

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Tottenham may get their shot at a top manager if they can beat the drop this season. Spurs are in a precarious spot having lost all three games under Igor Tudor so far.

Just one point separates Tottenham from the relegation zone, and West Ham are in good form below them, while Nottingham Forest are hoping their mid-week draw with Manchester City sparks momentum.

Spurs are going to have to pick up points if they want to survive, and it gets no easier next weekend when they face Liverpool. Tottenham once felt too good to be relegated, but there is now genuine fear of relegation given how the situation has developed.

Further defeats will likely lead to a serious discussion over whether Tudor should be kept until the end of the season, and that could be another situation that plunges Tottenham into chaos.

Then, even if Tottenham do survive, they will have a big decision ahead of them this summer when they will have to appoint a new full-time boss. Mauricio Pochettino has been linked, but there is no guarantee that he will walk into what is clearly a sticky situation, and there will be concerns about what Tottenham’s plans are going forward.

According to The Telegraph, former Brighton and Marseille boss Robert De Zerbi is seen as one of the leading candidates for the summer should survival be secured. Naturally, De Zerbi wouldn’t consider the role if Tottenham are relegated.

De Zerbi did a fine job with Brighton, guiding them to Europe, but his Marseille spell was cut short but a bad run of form.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot once said of De Zerbi: “I see him as one of the best coaches in the world. In my opinion, you shouldn’t always be judged by the number of trophies you win, but also by the way your teams play.”

That’s high praise, and it’s not a major surprise that De Zerbi will be one of the main options.

Sunderland have been handed an injury blow that could see them miss a player for a Spurs clash.

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Sunderland could be without a key player when they face Tottenham in a few weeks. The Black Cats have enjoyed a very solid season so far, already effectively safe and now looking ahead to challenging for European football, just four points off seventh place.

Given eighth place could yet become a European spot, the Black Cats are very much in the race for Europe, but they know it’s going to take some consistent form to get over the line.

Tottenham, of course, are in a very different situation. Spurs are now just one point above the relegation zone and it feels like they are in crisis, yet to win a game under interim boss Igor Tudor.

Panic is setting in at Spurs, and the pressure is on to pick up points and quickly given West Ham below them are in form, and Nottingham Forest drew with Manchester City during the week, so that result could yet spark some momentum.

Spurs now have a tough run of games, to make matters worse, facing Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, and there are a couple of Champions League games with Atletico Madrid during that run.

The Sunderland away clash will be no easy task, with the Black Cats having been strong at home this season, but they are dealing with a fresh injury blow.

Bertrand Traore picked up an injury last time out and is now set to miss a few weeks, which will make him a doubt for the Spurs game.

Le Bris confirmed: “The date is not completed exactly, but it might be a long injury. We're still deciding whether it is surgery or a more conservative treatment, we don't know this yet. But yes, he will be without him for a while, I think so.”

A look at who Tottenham could appoint if they decide to sack Igor Tudor.

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Tottenham are in crisis as they prepare for the run-in, now just one point above the relegation zone. Spurs always felt like likely candidates to pull away from the relegation zone, given the quality of their squad compared to those around them, but that hasn’t been the case.

Thursday’s defeat to Crystal Palace and results elsewhere during the week saw Spurs sink to within a point of the relegation zone, and all momentum is against the North London club.

There are now genuine fears over a possible relegation, and Igor Tudor hasn’t done anything to allay those fears. Tudor has lost all three games in charge so far, and his side have conceded nine goals across those games.

It does not feel as though Tudor has what it takes to lead this team out of trouble, and he just doesn’t have the Premier League experience required to navigate such a delicate situation.

Spurs may already feel as though they have made a mistake with the interim appointment, and there are already reports that they are not against the idea of swapping out Tudor before the end of the season in a desperate attempt to beat the drop.

It’s a messy situation, but at this point, Spurs fans will want safety, and they will not care how they get there. But if Tudor is sacked, who could Tottenham turn to?

The likely Tottenham candidates to replace Igor Tudor

Looking at the favourites to take the Tottenham job on a full-time basis, we can gleam who may be an option before the end of the season. Favourite Mauricio Pochettino can be taken out of the mix, given he is not leaving his USMNT job until after the World Cup this summer.

That leaves Robert De Zerbi as the favourite, although he seems a little unconvinced by the Spurs project. Still, he is available, and offered the job full-time, he may be tempted to come in before the end of the season.

Robbie Keane is the next most likely, but he would have to be talked into leaving Ferencvaros before the end of the season. Given he would have to leave his current job, Keane would also likely need to be offered the job permanently.

Sean Dyche is also in there, and having been sacked by Nottingham Forest, it’s not out of the question that he would do an interim job, but Dyche has enough credit in the bank to demand a permanent job. His style may not go down well with fans, but he may be a strong candidate to get Tottenham out of trouble.

Options beyond those are limited given most already have jobs, but Gareth Southgate is down the list, as is former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. Both of those would have to be long-term appointments.

If Spurs want a placeholder until the end of the season, their options are going to be extremely limited, and they would likely have to turn to someone outside the box, like Tim Sherwood, who did well at the club previously.

Spurs have confirmed that the former PFA Young Player of the Year is training at the club.

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Ex Tottenham Hotspur and Everton midfielder Dele Alli has returned to North London to train with Spurs as he pushes for a free transfer and a fresh footballing start.

The 29-year-old is determined to revive his career having seen his contract with Serie A outfit Como terminated in September. Alli spent one year in Italy but made just one appearance under Cesc Fabregas.

Alli has been permitted to use the facilities at Spurs’ Hotspur Way to maintain his condition as he searches for a new club, but is not training with Igor Tudor and the Tottenham first team.

The midfielder had posted a photo of himself at the training ground on social media with the club then confirming that Alli had been granted use of the academy pitch. The former England international has not played in the UK since representing Everton in 2022.

Alli moved to Merseyside from Spurs in January 2022 on a free transfer. The Toffees would have been obligated to pay Tottenham up to £40 million for Alli if certain performance criteria had been met but the midfielder only ever played 13 times for Everton.

Dele Alli training at Tottenham Hotspur in preparation for free agent move

In a seven year stint on the books at Spurs, the player made 269 appearances for the club, scoring 67 goals and picking up 59 assists. Alli won the PFA Young Player of the Year in both 2016 and 2017.

The midfielder’s career began to stutter following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino from Spurs, with Alli also opening up on the effect that childhood trauma had on his playing career.

Alli’s most recent stint at Como saw the former Spurs star make just one appearance, coming against AC Milan at the San Siro. The cameo from the bench lasted just nine minutes before the midfielder was shown a red card. Alli continued to make the bench after suspension but was not handed minutes again.

The MK Dons academy graduate was in attendance for the North London derby last month and spoke to the fans on the pitch at half time. He said: “I can’t wait to get back on the pitch playing, hopefully it won’t be too long now.

“I hope you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you. A lot has happened in our journeys since we were last together but I’m back today and I hope you know that you’ll always be my family.”

In other news, Ex Tottenham and Liverpool star spotted in stands at EFL club amid takeover talk.

The former Spurs and Liverpool shot-stopper has worked briefly in management since finishing his career in the Premier League.

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Ex Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Brad Friedel was reportedly spotted in the stands at Croud Meadow as Shrewsbury Town were defeated 2-1 by Walsall at the weekend.

The League Two outfit have been looking for a new buyer this season with multiple deals having already collapsed. BBC Sport Shropshire believe that Friedel could have been at the club as a potential investor.

The outlet wrote: “@BBCShropSport understands ex Villa Spurs goalkeeper Brad Friedel was in the stands for Shrewsbury vs Walsall. He was seen with a sports lawyer who's been trying to find a buyer for the club Friedel told us he'd been invited by a friend and was purely there as a spectator whilst in the country.”

Friedel hung up his playing boots in 2015 after a four year stint at Spurs, having also represented Aston Villa and Liverpool in the Premier League. The former shot-stopper has briefly worked in management with the United States under-19 set-up and with New England Revolution since retirement. He has also worked as a pundit.

The American was also appointed as an advisor to the Board of Directors at Turkish Süper Lig club Besiktas in June 2024, but that position only lasted until the November of that year.

Shrewsbury Town takeover interest boosted by recent results

Friedel’s appearance comes after Shrewsbury Town chief executive Liam Dooley claimed that the side’s recent form had reignited interest in a takeover. Speaking in a supporters’ parliament meeting, and quoted by the Shropshire Star, he said: “It’s amazing what results can do. There were already talks ongoing with certain parties but following recent results some parties that we thought weren’t involved are now back in discussions. Many Football League football clubs are for sale right now, so it is very much a buyer’s market - with similar groups circulating around the numerous football clubs.”

Shrewsbury Town sit 17th in League Two with their season set for mid-table obscurity. Gavin Cowan’s side had won five league matches in a row prior to the defeat to Walsall.

The club had previously reached agreements ‘in principle’ with more than one prospective buyer but saw those deals collapse. In a statement in November, Dooley said that he believed interest in buying the club was ‘very real’ but that completing a deal had proven difficult given ‘financial market conditions that are affecting football more broadly, not just Shrewsbury Town’.

In other news, Igor Tudor Sack: Ex Tottenham star drops brutal 'farce' verdict ahead of Crystal Palace clash.

Crystal Palace could prove a make-or-break fixture for the future of interim Tottenham Hotspur boss Igor Tudor.

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Tottenham Hotspur could sack interim manager Igor Tudor after just three matches in charge should the side lose to Crystal Palace on Thursday night.

The Eagles make the trip across the capital to take on a Spurs side who have been poor at home this season. Tudor has lost his first two games as interim boss and the pressure is on the Croatian.

In Tudor’s first match, Tottenham were thrashed 4-1 by a rampant Arsenal. Then, in what was viewed as a winnable fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage, Marco Silva’s side ran out 2-1 victors.

It makes Thursday night’s clash with Crystal Palace a crunch fixture. Tudor was brought in to ensure Spurs avoid a relegation dogfight but a defeat tomorrow could see the club drop to one point above the relegation zone - depending on results for Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

Growing reports this week have suggested that Spurs could sack Tudor should he not win against Crystal Palace. Football Insider claimed that the manager could leave before the end of the season given results, despite his short term contract.

Jamie O’Hara urges Spurs to make bold Igor Tudor decision

Now, ex Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara has called for the club to take immediate action should points be dropped on Thursday. He told Sky Sports: “I haven’t seen any evidence that we’ve got better. It was obviously shocking against Arsenal, I thought we were terrible against Fulham, no fight and no desire. I feel like I’m saying the same things every week but I’m not convinced he’s come in and made things better.

“If he loses that game [against Crystal Palace] I’d get rid of him. He’s come in all guns blazing, stamped his authority, said the players aren’t running, there’s no desire, the passion isn’t there. Hold on mate, you’ve been here five minutes.

“Everyone knows that. The players know they are underperforming and have not been good enough. What you don’t need right now is a manager coming in and digging everyone out - you’ve got to somehow breed some confidence and life into these players to get results.”

When asked outright if he would sack Tudor should Crystal Palace win this week, O’Hara added: “I’d ret rid of him. He’s an interim manager who has come in and lost the first three games. Fulham away and Palace at home, if you lose those two games you should go. It’s a farce, don’t get me wrong. But Tottenham is a farce this season.”

In other news, Next Tottenham Manager: Mauricio Pochettino stance on Spurs return and Championship management unveiled.

Spurs have been linked with interest in former manager Mauricio Pochettino but it had appeared unlikely the Argentine would work in the Championship.

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Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Igor Tudor continues to look for his first win since replacing Thomas Frank in North London with his side looking increasingly in danger of a relegation dogfight.

The defeat to North London rivals Arsenal was a bitter one to take, but perhaps not unexpected given the Gunners’ form. However, a 2-1 defeat to Fulham was a big blow and left the side just four points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham host Crystal Palace on Thursday night before tricky trips to Liverpool and Sunderland in the near future. There are big question marks over which division Spurs will be playing football in next season, and who will be in charge.

One of the names frequently linked with the permanent Spurs job is former manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine is currently in charge of the United States national side and will lead the nation at the World Cup this summer.

The appointment of an interim boss has been interpreted by some as Spurs waiting for Pochettino to become available once again. However, it had felt unlikely that the manager would be willing to work in the Championship.

Mauricio Pochettino open to managing Spurs in Championship

In a fresh update from GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs, the reporter provides a double boost for Spurs. Jacobs suggests that not only is Pochettino open to a return, but that relegation may not even be a fatal blow to his return.

Jacobs said: “There’s two main candidates at the moment. The first is Mauricio Pochettino, and the good news for Tottenham fans is that I’m told Pochettino is open to a return and would not necessarily be put off if Spurs got relegated to the Championship. If they were a Championship club, they’ve obviously got to be able to afford still Mauricio Pochettino’s wage, which wouldn’t necessarily drop significantly.

“Roberto De Zerbi is another candidate and is a free agent as it stands - it’s expected that he will also be on the Manchester United shortlist. De Zerbi feels that he has got unfinished business in the Premier League. The good news is that he is no longer connected to Marseille and, as a consequence, would be a relatively easy hire. The bad news is that De Zerbi is going to bide his time and has already rejected Tottenham once before.”

It remains to be seen whether Spurs could afford Pochettino’s wages in the second tier with the club also having to manage top flight sized contracts in their squad. talkSPORT had reported that Tottenham could face a £250 million black hole should they be relegated this season.

In other news, Tottenham make 'contact' with Serie A ace along with Newcastle United.

A look at the pundit predictions for the all-London clash between Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

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Tottenham and Crystal Palace face off on Thursday night in an all-London clash between two sides who are desperate for a slice of consistency. Spurs can’t buy a win at the moment, and Igor Tudor will be desperate for the first win of his tenure, especially with his side just four points above the drop zone.

Palace are navigating a sticky situation of their own, even if they are just five or six points away from safety and very likely to get there. The relationship between Oliver Glasner and the fans looks to have soured, and there is suddenly a dysfunctional feel about the club.

The Eagles will try to shake that against Spurs, and ahead of Thursday night’s clash, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.

Paul Merson

“Tottenham's home record is wretched - Wolves are the only top-flight team to have picked up fewer points than them on their own turf so far. The atmosphere there has been toxic all season anyway, and we are into territory where, if Tudor loses this, things could get even worse.

“I am not sure about Crystal Palace either, mind you. After a difficult few weeks, they actually looked good against Manchester United on Sunday but they will miss the suspended Maxence Lacroix here, who is important for them at the back.

“It would be against the odds, but I am going to back Spurs here. Their last league win came against Palace, at the end of 2025 - maybe they will get their first league win of 2026 against the same opposition. Prediction: 2-1.”

Chris Sutton

“I would have said Tottenham, but I saw Crystal Palace's last few games and I think if they start well and get a goal early in this game, that will be it! I just can't put my name against Tottenham. I don't see how they can win this football match. Spurs will not get relegated because they have decent fixtures coming up. But I'm not sure they can start winning games straightaway.

“Forest and West Ham can sit back and try to get draws in their games. But because Tottenham are Tottenham, they are a big club and they have to go for the win in games. I have a feeling that this could play into Palace's hands here.

“Palace went to Old Trafford and took the lead in that game. Ismaila Sarr and Brennan Johnson can hurt Spurs down the wings. It will be unbelievable if Tottenham lost this game. And it feels like we might just witness it! Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Crystal Palace.”