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Igor Tudor’s first interview following his confirmation as the new short-term manager of Tottenham Hotspur has already won over a disillusioned fan base.

The Croatian tactician, appointed on Saturday to steer Spurs through the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign, wasted no time in establishing a new, aggressive mental framework for a squad currently languishing in 16th place.

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Igor Tudor says ‘we want to win’ in first interview as Tottenham manager

Stepping into the high-pressure environment of North London, Tudor delivered a clear, uncompromising message that resonated with supporters tired of defensive fragility.

“We want to win,” Tudor stated during his unveiling (quotes via The Spurs Watch). “You can’t go out there aiming for a draw. We take the field to win; you don’t prepare matches to draw. My focus is clear: to bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match.”

??Igor Tudor:

"We want to win, you can’t go out there aiming for a draw. We take the field to win; you don’t prepare matches to draw." pic.twitter.com/YVWouUPDR4

— The Spurs Watch (@TheSpursWatch) February 14, 2026

Tudor, who has signed an interim deal until the end of the season, is tasked with halting a dismal run that has seen Spurs win only two of their last 17 league games.

His debut will be a baptism of fire: a North London derby against league leaders Arsenal next Sunday.

Stark contrast from Thomas Frank’s defeatist comments

Tudor’s front-foot rhetoric stands in sharp contrast to the tone set by his predecessor, Thomas Frank.

The Danish manager, sacked on Wednesday after just eight months in charge, frequently drew the ire of fans for what was perceived as a defeatist outlook.

During his unveiling, Frank famously told the media, “We are going to lose games,” a sentiment intended to manage expectations but one that ultimately alienated a crowd used to the “To Dare Is To Do” motto.

He said: “I promise you one thing, one thing is 100% sure, we will lose football matches.”

Frank’s weak comments along with the mention of Arsenal set the tone of his disastrous tenure at Spurs.

He failed to win over the fans from the get go and mistakes like drinking from an Arsenal branded coffee-cup did not help.

While Frank’s pragmatism worked at Brentford, his inability to inspire a “big club” mentality at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium led to the lowest points-per-game ratio (1.12) of any Spurs manager in the Premier League era.

Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race to sign Christian Pulisic from AC Milan.

According to a report from Fichajes, the club has already made initial contact to sign the 27-year-old, and the Italian outfit would be open to sanctioning his departure due to his contract situation. The player has entered the final 18 months of his deal, and Milan is prepared to cash in.

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Christian Pulisic would be a superb signing

Pulisic has been excellent since joining Milan, and he has 10 goals to his name this season. He could prove to be an excellent acquisition for Tottenham as well. They need more creativity and goals in the final third, and the 27-year-old would be ideal for them. He knows the Premier League, having played with Chelsea in England. He could make an immediate impact and transform Tottenham’s attack.

Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United are also interested in the United States international, but Tottenham are in pole position after intensifying their efforts to complete the deal.

It will be interesting to see where the 27-year-old ends up.

Can Spurs convince Pulisic?

He will hope to compete at the highest level and fight for major trophies. Tottenham must convince him that they can provide him with the platform to fulfil his ambitions.

Pulisic previously won the UEFA Champions League while at Chelsea. There is no doubt that he has the quality to help Tottenham win trophies as well. If the north London outfit can sign him for a reasonable amount of money, it could prove to be an excellent bit of business for them.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United need more quality on the flanks as well. It will be interesting to see if they can swoop in and jeopardise Tottenham’s chances of signing the player.

Tottenham are yet to make contact over hiring a new permanent manager to replace Thomas Frank, but I have some early information on potential candidates, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.

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While there has been no final decision yet as Spurs chiefs explore their options, I’m told that the most likely candidate to be in the dugout for the Arsenal game is current coach John Heitinga in an interim role.

This would buy Tottenham time as they wait to see which managers might be available after the 2026 World Cup, with Mauricio Pochettino frequently linked as a top candidate to return to the north London club.

“Unacceptable”, “not a big club” – why so many Tottenham managers keep leaving on bad terms

My understanding for now is that this is speculation more than anything concrete – that’s not to say Pochettino wouldn’t be open to a return to Tottenham, but there’s no longer necessarily that strong a link there without Daniel Levy, whom he had a strong working relationship with and who previously considered bringing him back.

Marco Rose is one to watch for Tottenham

Speaking to sources with ties to the agents industry, I’m told that former RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose is an early strong contender for the Spurs job.

The German tactician has long been highly regarded in the game, and his appointment would be relatively uncomplicated due to currently being out of work.

As I said already, though, there have not yet been any contacts with Rose or other candidates, just internal discussions behind the scenes, with Rose’s name coming up.

Marco Rose Wins Draws Losses Win % RB Salzburg 81 23 10 71.05 Gladbach 41 19 28 46.59 Dortmund 36 4 15 65.45 RB Leipzig 72 23 33 56.25

“Marco Rose’s name has been mentioned, he’s a profile Tottenham really like,” one source said. “His philosophy of aggressive pressing and tactical discipline is viewed by the Tottenham hierarchy as the exact profile needed to swiftly stabilize the squad.”

Who else could be in the frame for Tottenham?

As well as Pochettino, another name inevitably coming up is former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who has just left Marseille.

While the links have been strong, my understanding for now is that he’s not necessarily going to be the top target, despite doing an impressive job in his previous stint in English football.

Even if the Italian tactician has many admirers in the game, his fiery personality has sometimes seen top clubs approach his name with some caution.

Talks will continue in the weeks and months ahead, with the appointment process still at an early stage and with the club keen to get their next move right after the disappointment of sacking Frank after just eight months in charge.

Tottenham are reportedly showing the strongest interest in Christian Pulisic at the moment, despite Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United also being in the mix.

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According to TEAMtalk, the AC Milan winger is keen on a potential return to the Premier League this summer, with some early talks taking place with the clubs mentioned.

Pulisic has been in fine form for Milan, contributing a total of ten goals and two assists in all competitions so far this season.

Despite previously being a bit underwhelming during a spell at Chelsea, it perhaps makes sense that there’s now some interest in bringing Pulisic back to England.

Christian Pulisic transfer: Initial talks have already taken place

According to TEAMtalk’s report, intermediaries have already held some early talks with Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Man United over Pulisic.

The 27-year-old seems to be attracting the strongest interest from Spurs, however, so it could be that that will be the move to watch out for in the weeks and months ahead.

An interesting detail to consider is that Pulisic will be playing for the USA as they host the 2026 World Cup, and he could then be reunited with manager Mauricio Pochettino in north London.

TEAMtalk note that Pochettino could make a return to Spurs in the summer, and one imagines he might be keen to bring in a player he knows well from the US Men’s National Team.

Would Pulisic be a good signing for top Premier League clubs?

Pulisic only managed 26 goals in 145 games for Chelsea, but is currently on a total of 42 goals in 120 appearances for Milan.

Christian Pulisic stats Games Goals 2019/20 (Chelsea) 34 11 2020/21 (Chelsea) 43 6 2021/22 (Chelsea) 38 8 2022/23 (Chelsea) 30 1 2023/24 (AC Milan) 50 15 2024/25 (AC Milan) 50 17 2025/26 (AC Milan) 20 10

It’s clear he’s improved a lot since his days at Stamford Bridge, and he’d surely be an upgrade in attack for THFC after this hugely disappointing season.

One imagines Pulisic could also do a job for Arsenal right now, with Mikel Arteta’s side lacking much in the way of spark or goal threat as players like Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka have suffered dips in form.

Liverpool could also do well to think about improving in that area as Mohamed Salah is ageing and has looked past his best this season, while Cody Gakpo has been a little inconsistent and Federico Chiesa has largely fallen out of favour.

United strengthened their attack last summer with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, so it’s not clear if there’s room for Pulisic as well, though more depth is always useful.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The 27-year-old has done an excellent job since joining Everton, and his performances have attracted the attention of the London club.

It is no secret that they need more creativity in the final third, and the Everton midfielder could be ideal for them. However, former Tottenham scout Mick Brown claims that it is unlikely that Everton will sanction his departure in the summer.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham are prepared to test their resolve with a lucrative proposal. Manchester City are also interested in Dewsbury-Hall.

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Spurs keen on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

“Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has done an outstanding job at Everton,” Brown told Football Insider.

“So that’s why the interest is there, Tottenham have been looking at him, for example.

“They want that type of player and feel he would fit the profile if he was available, the problem is I don’t think he’s going to be available.

“I don’t think it’s something they’re going to consider because they’re not in a position where they might have to sell, it’s not like they’re in relegation trouble.

“They’ll be doing everything in their power to keep him at the club.”

Dewsbury-Hall could fancy a big move

The 27-year-old has previously failed to make his mark at a big club like Chelsea, and he could be tempted to join Tottenham if the opportunity presents itself. He will look to prove himself at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Everton are looking to build a quality team, and they will not want to sell one of their best players in the summer. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. The Toffees are under no pressure to cash in on him, and Tottenham will have to come forward with a stunning offer to convince them.

According to GiveMeSport, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is not interested in the Tottenham job.

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Spurs are looking for a new manager after sacking Thomas Frank after a turbulent spell at the club.

He leaves the north London club struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

Spurs are 16th in the league, just five points above West Ham United, who are currently 18th in the league.

After winning the Europa League few months ago under former manager Ange Postecoglou, the Premier League side are now struggling to keep up pace with the Premier League elite.

The search for a new manager has started and the likes of Roberto De Zerbi and Diego Simeone are being linked with the Tottenham job.

Tottenham have stepped up their managerial search

De Zerbi has left Marseille after mutual consent this week and his name is reportedly at the top of the shortlist of managers at Spurs.

Simeone, who has won two league titles with Atletico Madrid, has reportedly been approached as well.

It remains to be seen if Spurs are interested in appointing a permanent manager straight away or they are looking to wait till the summer.

The update about Iraola would come as a blow to them since he is someone who has been on their radar.

Even before appointing Frank, Spurs were linked with a move for Iraola but he showed no interested in joining them.

Iraola is not interested in the Spurs job

The Spanish manager’s stance remains the same. He feels it is better for him to stay at Bournemouth than jump the ship to join Tottenham.

Iraola is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and speculation is expected to increase over his future in the coming months.

As per GiveMeSport, another manager on the radar at Spurs is Fulham boss Marco Silva.

He has still not responded to Fulham’s new offer of a three-year contract and Spurs could smell an opportunity to make a move for him if they fail to land other targets.

Whoever comes at Spurs now would have a mountain to climb. They are currently winless in nine domestic games and the mood around the club is severely negative.

Tottenham Hotspur have sacked Thomas Frank after a poor run of results, and they are now looking at a potential replacement.

It remains to be seen whether they can bring in a manager who can help them turn things around. They are close to the relegation zone after picking up just two wins since the start of November in the Premier League.

A new manager will be expected to lift the spirits around the club and help the players bounce back strongly.

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Harry Redknapp on Spurs job

Meanwhile, former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has now claimed on Sky Sports that he would be open to taking over at the North London club. However, he admits that it is unlikely that the club hierarchy will reach out to him.

Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports: “Of course I would do the Tottenham job! Could I do it? Of course I could.

“They’ve got my number. If anyone wants to ring me, they know where I am.”

“I’m a realist – I don’t live in coocoo land. It would be very doubtful I would get the job.”

Watch: Ange Postecoglou reacts live as Tottenham sack Thomas Frank in brutal twist

Spurs need a quality manager

Redknapp has previously done an impressive job at Tottenham, but the London club need to aim higher. They need a modern manager who can build for the future. They have talented players at their disposal, and it will be interesting to see who they appoint to replace Frank.

They have also been linked to former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The Tottenham hierarchy will need to get the decision spot on. The fans are already disappointed with how the season has turned out, and they will be desperate for the team to make amends for the remainder of the season.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has reignited speculation regarding a sensational return to North London, claiming that the club “needs to be” fighting for the Premier League and Champions League.

His comments come at a time of immense pressure for current head coach Thomas Frank, whose tenure is reportedly at a “breaking point” following a string of poor results.

Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham need to be competing at the highest level

Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Pochettino, who is currently managing the United States national team, was blunt about his former club’s current trajectory.

While Spurs ended a 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League last season under Ange Postecoglou, Pochettino insists that such honors are not enough for a club of Tottenham’s stature.

“It is true that Tottenham is a club that needs to think about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

“Their facilities are Champions League (level), and in the past we didn’t have that. But now it is about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

“The fans appreciated (us) because we challenged for the Premier League and the Champions League.

“To win a Europa League that the team won (last season) is good, because when you celebrate a trophy that is good, but it is not enough.

“It is not enough for a club like Tottenham to challenge for the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup or the Europa League or the Conference (League).

“It is a club that should be, or needs to be in the Champions League, and fighting for the Champions League, and trying to believe you can win the Champions League, and fighting for the Premier League, and believing you can win the Premier League.”

Thomas Frank Tottenham future remains uncertain

The timing of these comments couldn’t be worse for Thomas Frank.

Tottenham are currently enduring a nightmare run in the Premier League, sitting in 15th place and just six points above the relegation zone.

Following a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, Spurs have now gone seven league matches without a victory.

Frank admitted his side is ‘desperate’ for a win ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Newcastle United.

Reports suggest he could be one match away from the sack, with the hierarchy losing patience as the club’s domestic season collapses. Pochettino has been identified as a potential candidate to replace him.

While the Dane has guided Spurs to the Champions League Round of 16, his league record, just seven wins in 25 games, has made his position increasingly tenable.

Pochettino has unfinished business at Tottenham

The ‘world-class‘ Argentine remains a beloved figure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, largely due to his transformative five-year spell between 2014 and 2019.

Under his guidance, Spurs became regular title contenders, finishing as Premier League runners-up in 2016/17 with their highest-ever points total.

His tenure peaked with a historic run to the 2019 Champions League Final, only to lose to Liverpool

Although he left the club five months later, his unfinished business has been a recurring theme.

With his USMNT contract set to expire after the 2026 World Cup, many fans are already dreaming of a reunion to restore the club to the heights he once achieved.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

According to a report from French publication Foot Mercato, they will face competition from Chelsea for the 26-year-old Serbian International. The player will be a free agent at the end of the season and the Italians have not been able to agree on a new contract with him.

Dusan Vlahovic eyeing Premier League move

The player is reportedly interested in moving to the Premier League, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops. Tottenham could use more depth in the attacking unit, and the Serbian would be a useful addition.

He has shown he can score goals consistently and has the physicality to adapt to English football. He could be the ideal target man for them. His ability to score goals and hold up the ball could add a new dimension to the attack. Vlahovic is excellent at bringing others into the fold. Players like Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus could thrive alongside him.

Chelsea keen on Vlahovic

Meanwhile, Chelsea are keeping tabs on his situation as well. Things have not gone according to plan for summer signing Liam Delap, and he has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks. If he leaves the club in the summer, Chelsea will need to replace him. The Serbian could be a very useful addition. He will be available on a free transfer, and he could prove to be a major bargain for both clubs.

Vlahovic has shown his quality in Italy with Fiorentina and Juventus. This could be the right time for him to take up a new challenge in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. Both clubs could be exciting destinations for him.

Tottenham Hotspur passed on the opportunity to bolster their attack with a high-profile loan move for Colombian striker Jhon Duran on transfer deadline day.

Despite a frantic final few hours of the winter window, the North London club ultimately decided to stick with their current squad.

Tottenham turned down chance to sign Jhon Duran

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on the Here We Go podcast that Duran was offered to Spurs as a ‘last-minute chance’ while he was looking to cut short his loan spell at Fenerbahce.

The 22-year-old, who made headlines last year with a massive £64 million move to Saudi side Al-Nassr, has amassed an impressive career tally of 54 goals and 15 assists across his spells in MLS, the Premier League, and abroad.

The opportunity arose due to industry speculation that Tottenham might terminate the loan of Randal Kolo Muani early.

The French international has been heavily linked with a return to PSG or a move to Juventus after a stop-start beginning to life in London.

“Tottenham were offered the possibility to sign Jhon Duran on loan from Fenerbahce, who is on loan from Al-Nassr.

“He was offered to Tottenham as a last-minute chance for Spurs. The club decided against it.

“It was a possibility that was offered because some people in the industry thought that Tottenham were going to break the loan for Randal Kolo Muani to go to Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain.

“So that was a possibility, but Tottenham decided to continue with Kolo Muani. He started the last two games, so they decided to trust the player and turn down the opportunity to sign Duran, who was keen on this possibility.”

Manager Thomas Frank reportedly played a key role in the decision, opting for continuity over another mid-season transition, despite the team languishing in 14th place.

Duran joins Zenit in shock move

With the door to the Premier League closed, Duran’s entourage acted quickly.

Within hours of the English deadline passing, it was confirmed that the ‘lethal‘ striker had terminated his contract in Turkey to join Zenit Saint Petersburg on loan for the remainder of the season.

Club Apps Goals Assists Aston Villa 78 20 1 Envigado FC 47 9 4 Chicago Fire FC 28 8 6 Fenerbahce 21 5 3 Al-Nassr FC 18 12 0 Chicago Fire FC II 2 0 0 Total 194 54 14

Jhon Duran club career stats via Transfermarkt

The move to Russia marks Durán’s third club in just 12 months, continuing a nomadic period for the former Aston Villa man.

While Spurs fans wonder if they missed out on a clinical goalscorer, the club’s hierarchy is betting that Kolo Muani will finally find his shooting boots as they look to salvage their season.