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Journeyman manager was once scouted by Fabio Paratici and has worked alongside Andrea Pirlo
Inbound: Igor Tudor is set to sign with Tottenham
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Arthur Ferridge
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Igor Tudor is set to sign as interim head coach at Tottenham in a move which it is hoped will rescue the club from the threat of relegation.
Standard Sport reported on Friday that the 47-year-old Croat had agreed a deal to take charge of the north London club until the end of the season, and that he could be considered for a permanent deal should he impress over the next few months.
He will be tasked with reversing the club’s fortunes after Thomas Frank’s dismal six-month tenure ended earlier this week. The club are languishing in 16th place in the Premier League - just five points above the drop zone - with two wins in their last 11 matches.
Tudor, who is expected to debut in the dugout at the north London derby later this month, must get right down to work as he looks to steady the ship, quiet talk of relegation and win over a disillusioned fanbase.
He promises to bring a brand of “courageous and intensive” football, but it remains to be seen whether he will have the desired impact at Tottenham.
Here’s everything you need to know about Igor Tudor...
Who is Igor Tudor?
Tudor turned to management after a credible 13-year playing career, mostly spent with Juventus and boyhood club Hajduk Split.
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An uncompromising but injury-prone centre-back, he played 55 times for Croatia and became a two-time Serie A champion before hanging up his boots in 2008.
As a manager he has proven something of a journeyman, never staying long in any of his roles. The Tottenham job will be his twelfth head-coach position since he made his managerial debut with Hajduk in 2013. He has also worked with Galatasaray, Lazio and Udinese.
Despite playing as a centre-back, Tudor sells an attacking, front-footed brand of football, one which should stand in stark contrast to Frank’s pragmatic approach.
Speaking after taking over Marseille in 2022, he said of his tactical style: “I want courageous and intensive football, not only uniquely based on the defence.
Igor Tudor in his playing days with Juventus
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“I want people who come to the stadium to be entertained and not disappointed. It’s inevitable that there’s a part of Italy in me, because I worked there for a long time.
“You have to pick players that are adapted to the game with passion and desire – I’m sure we will get to that point.”
Crucially, Tudor’s style has proven effective in other short-term roles.
He has been out of work since October 2025, when he was sacked by Juventus having gone winless in eight matches, calling time on his second stint with the club.
The first came when he was scouted by ex-Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici to join Andrea Pirlo’s backroom staff, a post he later left after falling out with the legendary midfielder.
Fabio Paratici brought Igor Tudor to Juventus for his first coaching stint in Turin
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He returned in March 2025 as head coach and breathed life into a side left drifting after the departure of Thiago Motta.
Tudor instilled a direct, man-to-man style of play which briefly revitalised the Bianconeri, who lost only one of his first 11 matches in charge as he employed a three-at-the-back setup.
Those changes saw him through the end of his first campaign with Juventus, but after exiting the Club World Cup in the round of 16, he struggled to get his side back to form and was dismissed.
That short-term impact could be precisely what Tottenham need to get their season over the line, though, with the club set to consider their options in the summer.
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The latest instalment of the show saw the teams tasked with creating dishes based on either chicken or egg.
(left to right) Baroness Karren Brady, Lord Sugar and Tim Campbell judge the hopefuls (BBC/Naked/PA)
Carla Feric
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Lord Alan Sugar took aim at Tottenham Hotspur as he criticised the candidates for picking their teams badly before his latest firing in The Apprentice.
The 78-year-old, who supports the Premier League football team, sacked AI product consultant Tanmay Hingorani on the BBC One business-themed reality show after his team lost the episode’s task.
At the beginning of the episode, each team was given either 25kg of chicken or egg and challenged to create two dishes based on their product – one to serve to the public, as well as bespoke canapes that appeal to corporate clients.
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The teams were mixed, with Team Alpha tasked with creating chicken-based dishes while Team Eclipse were assigned eggs for the challenge.
Team Eclipse lost the task after making a profit of only £508.80 while Team Alpha won the task with their chicken pies, pulling in a profit of £742.67 – with Lord Sugar quipping that they “ended up making a decent crust”.
The losing team created a carbonara and, speaking about how the group came up with their dish, team leader Carrington Saunders said: “I don’t eat eggs, Kieran doesn’t eat cheese and Lawrence can’t eat pork. It was only Priyesh who can eat everything.”
Lord Sugar criticised their food choice and said: “Carrington’s in charge who doesn’t like eggs – it’s like putting a nun in charge of Tinder.”
He added: “Bearing in mind the dietary constraints, it was a worse team selection than Spurs would pick, if you ask me.”
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During the boardroom meeting at the end of the episode, the candidates also argued over not being able to boil an egg, which Lord Sugar called a “disgrace”.
At the end of the episode, Lord Sugar told Hingorani: “I’ve decided that the real culprit in this particular one is somebody who has interfered with negotiations. And so, it is with regret… Tanmay, you’re fired.”
He went on to describe Saunders as a “good talker”, adding that he will be “keeping an eye” on her.
Hingorani, who was sacked after a negotiation with the corporate client went wrong, said he was “disappointed” to have left the show.
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He said: “I absolutely think Lord Sugar made a mistake, I think I’ve got a lot to prove in the tech world. But you win some, you lose some.”
Tanmay Hingorani is the latest contestant to be fired from The Apprentice (Ray Burminston/BBC/PA)
PA Media
Hingorani would have created an AI-powered digital loyalty and marketing platform that aims to revolutionise how food and drink businesses connect with their customers if he had won the programme.
The latest series of The Apprentice will see its winner awarded £250,000 worth of investment into their company and the opportunity to go into business with Lord Sugar.
The Apprentice returns on BBC One next Thursday at 9pm.
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Inside Frank’s struggle to get players and fans onboard at Spurs
Sacked: Thomas Frank
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Sam Tabuteau
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau
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Tottenham’s decision to sack Thomas Frank felt a long time coming.
Results and performances have been poor for a while and, with Spurs languishing in 16th in the Premier League, the club decided it was time to act.
Following a highly successful seven years at Brentford, Frank’s appointment last June was met with plenty of optimism, and he made a promising start, winning four of his opening five games in all competitions, including a superb 2-0 victory away at Manchester City.
Spurs were defensively solid, keeping four clean sheets in Frank’s first five games, and a threat on the counter, just as Brentford had been under him.
It seemed that Frank, renowned for his calm and calculated approach, was comfortable with the step up in expectation and scrutiny, but cracks began to appear as results turned towards the end of October and the start of November.
Frank leaves with Spurs 16th in the Premier League
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A seven-game run over the course of a month saw Spurs win just once as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup before being resoundingly beaten 4-1 in Frank’s first north London derby.
That period ended with Spurs fans booing goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after his mistake in a 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham. The first smatterings of boos were to be the start rather than the end of Frank’s troubles.
Frank had initially been keen to continue a long-held tradition from his time at Brentford by walking the length of the pitch to applaud each set of fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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However, as results dwindled, Frank became more withdrawn, often keeping to the halfway line and applauding before heading straight down the tunnel.
This energy transmitted to his press conferences, where despite putting on an outwardly positive public front it was clear the job was weighing on him.
Celebrated for his openness and honesty at Brentford, these traits had become weaponised under the glare of the spotlight, with misguided, but not wholly untrue, comments about the reality of Spurs' situation and their ambitions in comparison to rivals Arsenal used against him.
There was a certain self-deprecation to Frank that stood in stark contrast to the personalities of revered former managers Ange Postecoglu and Mauricio Pochettino that supporters did not take to.
Frank lasted just eight months at Spurs
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Frank’s relationship with supporters turned and the early optimism from his first few games in charge quickly disappeared.
A brutal festive period saw the pressure on Frank’s job intensify, but the new year did not bring with it fresh optimism, and, as injuries began to pile up, Spurs’ Premier League slid down the table.
An emotional return to Brentford on New Year’s Day saw a mutinous away end boo Frank relentlessly as he went to approach the travelling Spurs support.
The ignominy of being booed so vociferously when trying to take in what should have been a special reunion for Frank meant it felt like the writing was on the wall.
Once Frank had lost large swathes of the away support, his days felt numbered.
He outlived ‘cup-gate’ after he was pictured holding an Arsenal-branded coffee cup at Bournemouth. That was a game in which players and supporters clashed, with captain Cristian Romero later criticising the club’s board on social media.
Frank’s decision not to discipline his captain raised eyebrows, and when he again took to social media last week to criticise Spurs’ hierarchy after the January transfer window, it was clear Frank’s authority was waning.
The problems at Spurs are deeper than Frank, with the club now looking for their sixth permanent manager in seven years.
But, after losing support from within the squad and in the stands, the board eventually felt they had to take action as Spurs slipped to within five points of the relegation zone.
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Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust have responded as Spurs begin search for a new manager
Tottenham owner Vivienne Lewis and Vinai Venkatesham
AFP via Getty Images
Matt Verri
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The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust [THST] have sent a strong statement to the board and outlined what they want from the next Spurs manager after Thomas Frank was sacked.
THST have also warned the Spurs board that they need to make an appointment that will “restore belief and direction for both the players and the supporters”.
They have welcomed the decision to sack Frank but have questioned why he was not dismissed sooner.
Spurs are yet to confirm plans to replace Frank or whether an interim will be appointed until the end of the season.
It is clear that not taking decisive action sooner, and failing to strengthen in the January transfer window, has left the club facing a very real risk of relegation
THST statement
THST have called for “strong leadership” at a “crucial moment” for the club and says the next manager needs “proper backing” with “serious financial investment” in the squad.
They say the immediate priority is appointing a manager who can lift the team away from relegation danger, but say Spurs need “a clear long-term plan built around attacking football that plays to our strengths, rebuilds confidence and helps unite the fanbase”.
A THST statement read: “The Trust welcomes the decision to part ways with Thomas Frank.
“While his appointment initially appeared to be a positive step, it has not delivered the progress or results the club urgently needs and decisive action was required. We now face another rebuild whilst we are fighting relegation.
Thomas Frank has been sacked after eight months in charge
REUTERS
“This is a crucial moment for Tottenham Hotspur. Strong leadership is needed at every level of the club to restore belief and direction for both the players and the supporters.
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“The club’s statement that the board concluded this morning that “a change at this point in the season is necessary”, raises questions as to why this conclusion has only been reached today, after closure of the January transfer window.
“It is clear that not taking decisive action sooner, and failing to strengthen in the January transfer window, has contributed to our slide down the table and left the club facing a very real risk of relegation.
“No manager can succeed without proper backing. Serious financial investment in the squad is essential, as it is plain to see the team is down to the bare bones.
“The immediate priority must be appointing a manager who can lift the team out of the relegation battle we are currently in.
“But, changing the manager alone won’t solve our problems; ambition, investment, and strong leadership must follow.
“We need a clear long-term plan built around attacking football that plays to our strengths, rebuilds confidence and helps unite the fanbase.
“The next appointment must bring stability, belief, and a clear footballing identity - and it must be backed with the resources needed to succeed.
“The club needs to show fans it has ambition and is serious about getting out of the relegation battle, rebuilding the squad, winning trophies and competing for Champions League places on a regular basis and restoring Tottenham Hotspur to where it belongs.”
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Thomas Frank hopes Wilson Odobert’s injury is “not too serious” after the Tottenham winger was forced off during Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.
Odobert came off in the 35th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after landing awkwardly following an attempted tackle on Harvey Barnes.
The French winger received treatment on the pitch before walking straight down the tunnel when replaced by Mathys Tel.
Odobert joins a growing absentee list, with 11 senior players now sidelined through injury, while captain Cristian Romero is suspended for three further games after picking up two red cards.
Frank was unable to offer a clear update on Odobert’s injury, but hoped it was not serious with Spurs already short of options on the wing.
“I hope it's nothing too serious, but I don't know what it can be. Of course, I hope it's not a serious injury to a 20-year-old young player.”
Spurs slipped to within five points of the relegation zone as their winless run in the league extended to eight games.
Frank, who met with the Spurs hierarchy on Monday, insisted he was not in danger of being sacked, but added that now is not the time to panic.
He said: “We, of course, understand we're not in a good situation, but with everything in life you need to stay calm, keep doing it and keep going.”
Spurs are now just five points off the bottom three after another defeat
End of the road? Thomas Frank
Action Images via Reuters
Sam Tabuteau
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau
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Thomas Frank is on the brink of the sack after Tottenham fell to within five points of the relegation zone following a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle.
Newcastle have struggled away from home all season, but came to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and dominated in the first-half, getting the goal their performance deserved when Malick Thiaw stabbed home on the stroke of half-time.
Spurs mustered a reaction after the break and equalised through Archie Gray, but Newcastle responded quickly to retake the lead as Jacob Ramsey finished after Anthony Gordon had worked his way into the area with some neat footwork before comfortably holding on for all three points.
Spurs remain firmly in the relegation mix
Thomas Frank was keen to avoid the subject of relegation in his pre-match press conference.
His straight-up refusal to use the word felt like a premeditated decision not to speak the idea of relegation into existence.
REUTERS
Ultimately, it is unthinkable to imagine a world in which Spurs, one of six clubs never to be relegated from the Premier League, are playing Championship football next season.
But having won two of their last 16 league games heading into tonight’s clash with Newcastle, it has been hard to escape the cold, hard reality of their situation, especially as those around them pick up form.
This was another reminder of just how bleak Spurs’ position in the league table is, and Newcastle’s goal on the stroke of half-time had been coming.
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From the offset, Newcastle had the measure of Spurs, with Anthony Elanga running the game from the right wing.
Spurs were too passive in the first half, offered no threat in possession, and were too slow to react as Thiaw stole ahead of Pape Matar Sarr to score the opening goal.
There was some semblance of a reaction from Spurs after half-time as they equalised through Gray, but Newcastle quickly retook the lead and from there looked comfortable to seal only their third away win of the season in the league.
Spurs have a 12-day break until they play again in the north London derby. Whether Frank will be there to oversee a much-needed period of rest remains to be seen.
Dragusin and Van de Ven struggle to replace Romero’s influence
This was Radu Dragusin and Micky van de Ven’s first start together at centre-back since September 2024, and it certainly showed.
With Cristian Romero serving the first game of his four-game suspension after his sending off against Manchester United, Frank was reliant on his only two fit and available senior centre-backs to step up.
Yet, from the first whistle, it was clear the pair were struggling to forge a connection as they hastily hacked away several clearances after a frantic start from Newcastle.
Action Images via Reuters
The pair were lucky to see Joe Willock’s goal ruled narrowly offside after he had got the run of Van De Ven by filling the space left by Dragusin’s hurried charge to close down Barnes.
Spurs’ last Premier League clean sheet came on New Year’s Day away to Brentford, and they never looked like ending that run here as Newcastle set the tempo early on before eventually striking right before half-time.
With Romero suspended and Kevin Danso out injured for the next few weeks at least, Spurs will have to persist with Dragusin and Van de Ven at the heart of defence.
Some much-needed time on the training ground will hopefully give them the time to develop an understanding ahead of the north London derby.
Odobert injury leaves Spurs to rue Johnson sale
Spurs could not have had any more warnings about their need to bring in a right winger in January.
Brennan Johnson’s sale just two days into the window felt hasty, and when Mohammed Kudus went down injured just 48 hours later, Spurs’ need for reinforcements out wide became a necessity.
Action Images via Reuters
Still, Spurs persisted without replacing either Kudus or Johnson, determined not to make knee-jerk reactions in a window that offered clubs little value.
Their overarching policy made sense, with only seven deals made by Premier League clubs across the whole of Deadline Day, but as they identified when Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out with a hamstring injury, the need for immediate cover in certain positions was glaring.
Now, with Wilson Odobert seemingly set for a spell on the sidelines after landing awkwardly following an attempted tackle on Harvey Barnes, Spurs have no natural right-wing options.
Randal Kolo Muani has played, to little effect, out on the right, but the fact that he was not called upon from the bench speaks to his place within this Spurs squad.
Spurs must surely be regretting not looking to bring in a winger on a short-term loan last month.
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Another miserable performance in which Spurs were never a threat
All at sea: Radu Dragusin
Action Images via Reuters
Sam Tabuteau
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau
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Tottenham fell to within five points of the relegation zone after a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle.
Newcastle set the pace early on, and were unlucky to see Joe Willock’s effort ruled offside before Malick Thiaw stole in to stab home the opening goal on the stroke of half-time.
Spurs equalised early in the second half as Archie Gray finished from Pape Matar Sarr’s header across goal, but Newcastle quickly re-established their lead when Jacob Ramsey slotted home following good footwork from Anthony Gordon.
Sam Tabuteau was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players...
Guglielmo Vicario 6
Was kept busy in the first half as Newcastle dominated. Little he could do with either goal and made a good initial save to deny Thiaw before he netted on the rebound.
Archie Gray 7
Beaten in the air by Thiaw and then too slow to react to the second ball as Newcastle opened the scoring. Bundled his way down the wing to set up a glorious chance for Tel in the second half before being in the right place at the right time to score the equaliser.
Radu Dragusin 4
Stepped up hastily to allow the space for Ramsey to pick out Willock as Newcastle thought they had taken the lead right before half-time. A difficult evening for the Romanian defender, who struggled all night with Newcastle’s movement.
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Micky van de Ven 5
Looked flustered as Spurs’ stand-in captain in the first-half with a number of wayward clearances. Looked more assured after the break and made an excellent block to deny Barnes, but was still unable to stop Newcastle quickly re-establishing their lead. Blasted over a late opportunity.
Djed Spence 4
Really struggled with Anthony Elanga in the first half, and did not know whether to commit or not in the tackle. Could not impact the game in possession when Spurs saw more of the ball after the break.
Conor Gallagher 4
Cheaply gave away possession before being turned inside out by Gordon as Newcastle quickly re-established their lead. Replaced soon after by Kolo Muani.
Yves Bissouma 5
Withdrawn at half-time after an ineffectual performance in which he committed more fouls than he did tackles.
Pape Matar Sarr 5
Too slow as he allowed Thiaw to get ahead of him to score the opening goal. Made amends as he headed across for Gray to equalise.
Wilson Odobert 6
Was a useful outlet in behind as Spurs struggled to get out of their own half, but was withdrawn just past the half-hour mark after landing awkwardly following an attempted tackle on Barnes.
Dominic Solanke 5
Could not make the ball stick in the first-half, and was otherwise anonymous as Spurs struggled to get the ball to him.
Xavi Simons 6
Physically dominated by Newcastle’s high line in the first-half, but created the most chances of any Spurs player as they tried to claw their way back into the game after Newcastle’s goals.
Subs
Mathys Tel 6
Blazed over a glorious opportunity when found by Gray in the area. Plenty of intent, with the Frenchman taking six shots, but he lacked the quality to make his opportunities count.
Joao Palhinha 5
Palhinha was not the player Spurs needed off the bench as Spurs lacked creativity throughout.
Kolo Muani 5
Did not make any real impact as Spurs struggled to create many clear cut opportunites in the second-half
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Two teams lacking in form, boasting plenty of injuries, and desperately need points