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Tottenham boss Igor Tudor decided to name just seven players on the bench against Liverpool, with three academy stars, and journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that the manager was 'making a point' with the decision.

Going into the game against Liverpool, Tottenham's injury situation reached another low. Joao Palhinha and Cristian Romero were both ruled out after the pair clashed heads against Atletico Madrid, something which undoubtedly sums up their season.

The double blow meant Spurs are in double figures for injuries, while Conor Gallagher also missed the game at Anfield due to illness.

There's no doubt Tottenham need to improve drastically, despite their current injuries, and they are sleepwalking to relegation as it stands, still searching for their first victory of 2026.

Tudor 'Making a Point' for Tottenham vs Liverpool

Reacting on X during the first half of Tottenham's game at Anfield against Liverpool, Gold has described the 'absolutely mad' bench named by Tudor. Gold suggests that he was 'making a point' after the 'horrible' January transfer window left them short of players.

Against Liverpool, Tudor named three academy players - James Wilson, James Rowswell, and Callum Olusesi - on the bench, while he also named two goalkeepers in Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin.

Tottenham U21 Fixtures May Explain Things

Tottenham U21s do play against Leeds United on Monday evening, which might explain the lack of academy players involved against Liverpool.

On the other hand, it's not uncommon that players are involved with the senior squad before featuring for the U21s, even if given a small cameo in the first team.

Tudor could have easily named more academy players on the bench without giving them a run-out, so it makes sense that Gold believes he was trying to make a point.

Only two of the players on the bench would be considered part of the senior squad when everyone is fit, with Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani among the substitutes.

Tottenham are in the market for a possible new manager with Igor Tudor under immense pressure, and according to GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs, Roberto De Zerbi is unlikely to take the job at the moment.

Spurs were always going to be looking for a new permanent manager in the summer, with Tudor only signing a deal until the end of the season, but their search for a long-term coach may be brought forward.

Tudor is yet to win since taking over at the club, and the pressure is seriously mounting ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

Injuries certainly haven't helped his situation, with Joao Palhinha and Cristian Romero the latest players to be on the treatment table, but their performances and results have been a major concern.

De Zerbi Makes Tottenham Stance Clear

According to GIVEMESPORT correspondent Jacobs, De Zerbi doesn't want to join a club at this moment, despite him being a 'leading name' under consideration by Tottenham. Jacobs adds that Tudor is likely to leave later this month, with Spurs weighing up their options.

GIVEMESPORT sources confirmed earlier this week that Tottenham were actively looking for possible replacements for Tudor, with the former Juventus looking like he could be heading through the exit door.

Tottenham Have Alternative Options

GIVEMESPORT sources have also confirmed that Tottenham do have alternative options to De Zerbi.

Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane has been discussed internally, while Fulham boss Marco Silva is another name on their radar as a possible appointment.

Mauricio Pochettino would be open to returning to the club and wouldn't be put off by their potential relegation, but there's no chance of him joining immediately as he prepares for the World Cup with the USA national team.

Spurs' list of options to take over right now might not be lengthy, with managers likely wary of their current position in the Premier League table.

Either way, it's a situation that needs solving, and Tudor needs to turn things around if he wants to keep his job.

Tottenham only really have one option to replace Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the season - Ryan Mason.

Tudor was supposed to be the answer to Spurs' problems, himself an interim appointment following the sacking of Thomas Frank in February.

However, the firefighter has seemingly only doused the flames, rather than putting them out, with three straight defeats in the Premier League plunging Tottenham even further into the relegation mire.

Spurs Hierarchy Are Concerned By Igor Tudor's Actions

Spurs are just one point above the Premier League relegation zone and know they could be separated from the bottom three by just goal difference come Sunday afternoon, with 18th-placed Nottingham Forest taking on Fulham at home before Spurs travel to Liverpool.

The game between Forest and Tottenham next weekend could be crucial in the battle to avoid the drop, with the fixture coming just before the March international break - the final break of the campaign.

There have been serious discussions behind the scenes at Tottenham over Tudor's future amid concerns over his ability to get the club out of trouble at the bottom of the table.

GIVEMESPORT understands that the Croatian has alienated certain members of the squad with his style of management, which has not helped in the relegation fight, with the team needing to be united.

Mauricio Pochettino Loves Ryan Mason

A number of names have been talked up as potential replacements for Tudor, but Mason is the one that stands out and is likely to be the only viable choice if Tottenham remain intent on making a long-term appointment in the summer, rather than now.

GIVEMESPORT understands that there are three names being talked about as the second interim head coach at Spurs. Mason is on that list, alongside another former Tottenham player in Robbie Keane and former Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche.

Mason would have the backing of leading candidate to take over in the summer, Mauricio Pochettino, who had the 34-year-old as a player during his time as manager in north London.

Pochettino said: "Ryan is so special. I think I connected with him from day one when I arrived at Tottenham. He was one of the most very talented players I had ever managed.

"That connection from day one was there. When he played the first game under my management, I say: 'that is the midfielder who always tries to build or find or what is needed from midfield.' Ryan is a great man."

Robbie Keane And Sean Dyche Are Not Options

Keane is currently manager of Ferencvaros and gunning for the Hungarian League title for the second year in a row. Not only that but they are in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League and with a 2-0 first leg lead over Braga, look set to reach the quarter-finals. Leaving now, to take an interim role at Spurs, would not seem likely.

Then there's Dyche, who will be looking for a more longer-term role than the final few months of the season with Spurs.

Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi remain the leading contenders to take the role permanently, but Pochettino is not available until after the World Cup with the USA and De Zerbi is keen to wait until the summer to assess his options.

Paul Merson believes Arne Slot will be sacked by Liverpool if he fails to qualify for the Champions League this season, and feels he could go on to become the Tottenham manager.

The Reds have had a mixed campaign in the Premier League so far and enter the clash sitting sixth in the table despite being the reigning champions, with lots of speculation surrounding his long-term future at Anfield. Spurs, on the other hand, sit just one point above the relegation zone, and are considering sacking their interim boss Igor Tudor if he suffers a fifth consecutive defeat.

But while Liverpool are the favourites for the game, Merson believes that they must finish inside the top four for him to have any chance of saving his job.

Slot Could Be Tottenham Manager Without a Top 4 Finish

Liverpool remain in the hunt for silverware as they are set to face Man City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, while they look to overturn a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League last 16 later this week, but Merson feels that wouldn't be enough to save the Dutchman's job.

"If he won the FA Cup, but didn't finish in Champions League positions it wouldn't make any difference at all," Merson said while speaking live on Soccer Saturday.

"I think Liverpool have got to get in the Champions League with the [financial] fair play rule. The more you get into the Champions League, the better quality player you can bring in.

"I think they need to get a centre half and they'll be right back up there again next year. They've just been off it this year, it's been weird really, and it is hard when you've won the league like they have.

"They've been in a fight the last two or three years as well, new players come in. Again, they're playing for Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the world. It's taken them time to handle it, and they're top-quality players, but the club's just a huge football club.

"He will have to get in the top four, I would have thought, otherwise he'd be [the next] Tottenham manager."

Slot to Tottenham?

It is worth remembering that Slot was strongly linked with a move to Tottenham before he took over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, so there could certainly be something in that conversation.

Whether Slot gets sacked or not remains to be seen, but there is a lot of talk around Xabi Alonso's availability and the fact FSG are huge fans of his, so if they opt to make a change, it's possible that the Dutch coach comes into the thinking in north London.

Premier League clubs are likely to eye Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison on a bargain deal in the summer if they get relegated, but there is a strong chance he rejects an exit, according to an industry insider.

The north London club have had a horrific campaign so far and currently sit just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League, ahead of a trip to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, while they are also on the brink of elimination in the Champions League following a 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Last 16 clash in midweek.

That has sparked major question marks about the future of several first-team stars, with a number of clubs circling for potential bargains if they do end up in the Championship, and that includes players who haven't even been involved.

James Maddison Likely to Be Wanted

Maddison has been absent for the entire season so far, having suffered a ruptured ACL during pre-season under Thomas Frank, but he is one of the club's biggest earners on £170,000-a-week.

That means that an exit away could be appealing for Spurs to help balance the books and reset if they go down, but it's also likely that the club will be keen to keep as many of their best players as they can to ensure they bounce straight back up to the top flight.

Now, while ex-scout Mick Brown was speaking to Football Insider, he revealed that there is a 'strong chance' the England international stays put rather than leaves as he continues his recovery to get back to his best.

“Maddison is going to be an interesting one,” he said.

“If the reports on his recovery are positive and he returns for Tottenham in pre-season, there could be an opportunity to bring in him on a bargain deal. If Tottenham are relegated, they’re going to struggle to keep hold of players and they’ll have to sell, so the opportunity will be there for clubs like Villa.

“From Maddison’s point of view, though, I think there’s a strong possibility he could stay at Spurs.

“The major factor for him is getting back fit and playing, and I would think he needs a good pre-season to get back playing first and foremost."

Maddison Would Be a Hero If He Stayed

While the priority of everyone at Tottenham would be to stay in the Premier League and avoid this situation entirely, the reality is that they are in freefall, and it is hard to see a way out for them right now unless something changes.

The club are in active talks to replace Igor Tudor in case the bad form continues, but any replacement would have a huge task on their hands to steady the ship and find some momentum.

Should they get relegated, then the expectation would be that a number of players move on to play at the highest level. But if players like Maddison were open to staying to get the team back to the top-flight then it would undoubtedly make them heroes in the history of the club to fans, and after his injury-hit campaign, it could be perfect for the playmaker to do just that.

Tottenham Hotspur are among a host of Premier League and European clubs interested in signing Brentford right-back Michael Kayode, according to reports in Italy.

The north London side are anticipating a significant squad rebuild after the season, which could still end in nightmare fashion, as Spurs are just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

Provided they stay up, Tottenham will be looking to reinforce several areas of their underperforming squad, which has managed just seven league wins this season – none under current head coach Igor Tudor, whose future has been a hot topic in recent days.

Tottenham Interested in Michael Kayode

According to Italian publication La Stampa, Kayode has no shortage of suitors across the Premier League ahead of the market reopening in the summer.

The likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are all claimed to be interested in the Italy international, along with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

Kayode has established himself as a solid Premier League right-back this season, helping Brentford dream of qualifying for European football for the first time in their history.

The ‘excellent’ 21-year-old has started in all but one of 29 league games for Keith Andrews’ side, who sit seventh in the league standings with nine games to play.

Pedro Porro ‘Dreams’ of Real Madrid Move

Tottenham’s reported interest in Kayode is hardly surprising, given both the 21-year-old’s rapid development this season and the looming uncertainty over right-back Pedro Porro’s future.

The Spanish international has been linked with an exit in recent weeks and only fuelled further speculation by revealing he ‘dreams’ of joining Real Madrid or another big European club one day.

Porro has arguably been Tottenham’s best player this season in a dismal campaign for the club, who have gone winless in their last 11 league games.

Spurs next take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, a game that could prove vital for Tudor’s chances of retaining his managerial duties.

Why Kayode’s Long Throws Are Elite

While Kayode is rated for his energy, defensive work and versatility, his elite long throws are a quality that stands out the most.

We asked ChatGPT to explain how they give him such an edge and why they’re so dangerous in the Premier League:

Tottenham Hotspur are seriously interested in appointing former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who could prove a stronger option than their former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The north London side are looking for both short- and long-term solutions to their managerial situation, as clouds are starting to gather over Igor Tudor.

The Croatian has failed to convince in his first four games in charge of Spurs, who remain in serious danger of relegation, sitting just 16th in the Premier League with nine games to play.

While De Zerbi is likely being viewed as an option after the season, Tottenham appear keen on hiring the Italian, who has even been labelled as their ‘dream’ appointment.

Tottenham Keen on Appointing Roberto De Zerbi

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham view De Zerbi as a ‘dream’ managerial candidate for the summer, but his arrival may depend on several factors.

That includes their Premier League status next season, as relegation would considerably diminish their chances of landing the Italian.

De Zerbi is available after leaving Ligue 1 side Marseille earlier this month and is likely to seek a return to management after the season, despite Tottenham currently being on the lookout for Tudor’s successor.

De Zerbi spent two years at Brighton and took the Seagulls to sixth in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season – the club’s highest top-flight finish to date.

The Italian departed his role at Marseille by mutual consent following a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain and the club’s exit from the Champions League in February.

Why De Zerbi Would Be Better Than Pochettino

While some Tottenham fans would clearly welcome Pochettino’s return nearly seven years after his sacking, the Argentine’s stock as a manager is not quite as high as De Zerbi’s at present.

Pochettino struggled to impress during his previous spell in the Premier League with Chelsea, who parted ways with him after just one season, and his rigid tactical approach failed to deliver consistent results in a squad undergoing transition.

De Zerbi, meanwhile, is at a different stage of his career. There is still an air of mystery around the Italian, as he has yet to manage a top European club, but he has shown enough to merit the opportunity.

Manchester United have yet to approach Tottenham Hotspur target Mauricio Pochettino over a potential summer appointment, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The Old Trafford side were linked with a move for the Argentine manager in recent weeks but appear yet to register their interest in hiring him as Michael Carrick’s successor.

Pochettino recently spoke about his future, saying he is ‘open to everything’ when his contract with the United States runs out after the World Cup.

United went unbeaten in their first seven games under Carrick before falling to a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle earlier this month.

Man Utd Yet to Approach Pochettino

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that United have yet to approach Pochettino over a potential managerial role at Old Trafford:

“On Pochettino, many questions if Pochettino can be a candidate also for Manchester United. At this stage, I am not aware of any contact between Man United and Mauricio Pochettino. That’s the situation.”

As GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed earlier, Pochettino would be open to a return to Tottenham even if the north London side are relegated this season.

The Argentinian is believed to be among the leading candidates to take over at Spurs after the season, almost six years after his firing in 2019.

Tottenham finished second in the Premier League under Pochettino in 2016/17 – their highest top-flight position in over 50 years.

Roberto De Zerbi Eyed by Man Utd

Tottenham and Manchester United could end up battling for a manager this summer, with both sides holding an interest in former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian tactician is available after leaving Marseille earlier this year and has no shortage of suitors in the Premier League, with Manchester City also among the clubs interested.

De Zerbi spent two years at Brighton and took the Seagulls to sixth in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season – the club’s highest top-flight finish to date.

He departed his role at Marseille by mutual consent following a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain and the club’s exit from the Champions League.

Mauricio Pochettino Tactical Evolution Explained

Amid United’s links with Pochettino, we asked ChatGPT to explain if and how the Argentine’s tactical approach has evolved since he departed Tottenham in 2019.

Tottenham Hotspur officials are holding conversations over appointing a replacement for under-fire caretaker manager Igor Tudor, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

While Tottenham look set to stick with the 47-year-old at least for the Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, a change could be made soon after with GIVEMESPORT sources revealing the club is sounding out potential replacements.

Tudor's reign has been a disaster to date, with four defeats out of four, which has left Spurs just one point above the relegation zone ahead of facing Arne Slot's top-four hopefuls.

Tottenham could actually find themselves in the bottom three if West Ham United beat Manchester City on Saturday evening, to put extra pressure on their shoulders.

The most concerning thing for the Tottenham board and fans watching on is that performances are getting worse, with some players clearly not onboard with the idea of playing under the Croat for the rest of the season.

Tottenham In Talks for Tudor Replacement

It is no surprise that Tottenham are already considering making another change, despite Tudor only being at the club a month.

In his four matches in charge, Spurs have collapsed in three of them, conceding 14 goals, with the squad of players clearly devoid of any confidence.

Dropping Guglielmo Vicario and then hooking Antonin Kinsky just 17 minutes into his first Champions League start is unlikely to have gone down well in the dressing room, especially after Tudor failed to acknowledge the 22-year-old on his way off the pitch.

GMS sources have also revealed that many players feel that Tudor has 'alienated' them, and Spurs look to need another change of direction to stop them suffering a devastating relegation to the Championship.

Things won't be any easier for the north Londoners at Anfield as they face a defensive crisis, with centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven missing through concussion and suspension respectively.

Speaking on talkSPORT about the club making a change, Crook said:

"This is an appointment that is unravelling very quickly. I believe that conversations have taken place between Spurs and potential other managers.

"Sean Dyche has been mentioned in the last 72 hours, but I think he would want a long-term contract, not a deal until the end of the season.

"I think they realise, the Tottenham hierarchy, that this appointment has to come to an end."

Who Could Tottenham Appoint to Replace Tudor?

It is currently unclear whether Tottenham will make a short-term or permanent appointment if Tudor is to leave after Liverpool, but the decision could change who is appointed as the Croat's replacement.

Should Spurs stick with an interim until the end of the season, then it could be more likely they turn to someone like Ryan Mason or even Harry Redknapp.

GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that Robbie Keane would be keen on the job while Sean Dyche has also been linked, but both are likely to want a contract that extends beyond the 2025-26 season.

Robbie Keane remains a leading candidate to replace Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur in the immediate future, but there is a twist, according to TEAMtalk.

The 47-year-old has remained in the job and took the Liverpool pre-match press conference on Friday despite losing all four of his matches in charge to date.

Performances and results have got worse under the Croat, who was brought in to improve the team and drag up the Premier League standings.

Instead, ahead of their trip to Anfield on Sunday, they lie just one point above the relegation zone and in genuine danger of playing Championship football next term.

Tottenham chiefs look to have stuck with him, at least for the clash against Arne Slot's men, but they are considering contingency plans, including Keane.

Tottenham Hit Keane Stumbling Block

GIVEMESPORT sources revealed last week that Keane is keen on the Tottenham job, though according to TEAMtalk there are issues over him potentially arriving in the next few weeks.

If Tottenham did sack Tudor in the immediate future, then Spurs chiefs are said to have decided that they want to make another short-term appointment, until the end of the season, rather than committing to something longer.

While Keane would be interested in taking over and managing Tottenham regardless of whichever division they find themselves in next season, he wants a long-term contract.

Given how well he is performing in Hungary with Ferencvaros, where he could win back-to-back titles, it is no surprise that he may want a long-term deal signed now, rather than potentially finding himself out of work in May.

Keane is also the new frontrunner for the Celtic job this summer so he has plenty to weigh up, with Tottenham likely to have to make a compromise if they really want him.

According to the report, should Spurs stay up, they will target more ambitious appointments than Keane.

Who Else Will Tottenham Target?

According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Tottenham have already decided that their two main manager targets are former Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, and former chief Mauricio Pochettino.

The popular choice among the fanbase would undoubtedly be the latter, who was serenaded during Thomas Frank's final match in charge and again in Madrid on Tuesday, as he watched Tottenham collapse against Atletico in the Champions League.

One issue with Pochettino is that Spurs would be unable to have him until later in the summer, when the USA's World Cup campaign finishes.

Given how bad things are on and off the pitch right now at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it might be beneficial to have a manager in at the beginning of June to sort the mess out.

Should that decision be made, it would favour someone like Keane, but first Spurs have to make sure they preserve their top flight status.