Igor Tudor is under intense pressure at Tottenham following a disastrous start to life in north London. The Croatian was appointed as Thomas Frank's interim replacement last month, until the end of the season. But, after losing his first three matches in charge, speculation has increased on Tudor's position as Spurs' Premier League relegation woes deepen. Indeed, a 3-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday left Tottenham down in 16th, one point above 18th-place West Ham and Nottingham Forest in 17th.
There is now real concern that Spurs could be relegated and drop down into the second tier for the first time since the 1977/78 season. It would mark a disaster for Tudor and Tottenham, who still remain in the Champions League and face Atletico Madrid in a last 16 first-leg tie next week. After that, Spurs make a daunting trip to Liverpool, but there is a possibility that Tudor might not even be in the hot seat for that game, as some have called for him to be sacked already.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
With that in mind, our Express Sport writers have delivered their opinion on Tudor's future and who Tottenham could appoint as their next manager, should the club opt to make a change...
Connor O'Neill
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Firstly, I can’t believe I am saying this, but the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy have been left with little choice but to sack Igor Tudor.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
That feels like a mad thing to say given Tudor has literally only been in charge for three games. But at the end of the day, he was brought in to make an immediate impact, and he hasn’t. If anything, Spurs have got worse under his watch.
He is clearly out of his depth. Prior to getting the job, he had no experience of managing in the Premier League, and that is showing already.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
When you are in a battle to avoid the drop, it is about experience and knowing how to get results; under Tudor, Spurs currently look destined for the Sky Bet Championship.
It says everything that Spurs’ current only hope of staying up is West Ham and Nottingham Forest not picking up enough points between now and the end of the season.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Don’t get me wrong, Spurs’ players have a lot to answer for, and they shouldn’t be let off the hook too easily, and all the blame can’t be on Tudor.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
But the harsh reality for the Italian is that if Tottenham want to be certain they will be playing in the Premier League next season, then they need to sack Tudor today.
Kieran King
I think Tottenham need to sack Igor Tudor TODAY. Yes, the Croatian has only been in for three matches, but I can’t see Spurs staying in the Premier League with him as manager. There has been zero improvement since he replaced Thomas Frank and I think West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are better equipped than Spurs for a relegation fight, both from a playing standpoint and in the coaching department.
And because Tottenham cannot sign or sell players now until the summer, the only way I can see Spurs improving is by sacking the manager. It would mean that the club have to axe Tudor, despite only appointing him less than a month ago.
For me, I would go and get former Everton and Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche as a short-term fix until the end of the season. While I don’t think Tottenham fans would get on board with his style of football, I don’t think they would care as long as he keeps them in the Premier League - and I believe he would do that.
Kieran Horn
I honestly don’t think it overly matters whether Tudor stays or goes; this team is going to go down because they’re simply not good enough and don’t have the bottle for a relegation battle.
Supposed senior players are showing themselves as cowards and it seems like most have already checked out ahead of likely summer transfers.
Spurs may as well just start playing the kids and players like Souza, Richarlison and Mathys Tel, who have actually shown over the last few weeks some intent to get the club out of this perilous position.
While most of it is on the playing squad, Tudor has certainly not helped himself with some baffling team selection decisions and his reluctance to accept relegation is a possibility.
He was brought in to make an immediate impact and he has done the complete opposite. It is no use going for a head coach that does not understand either the club or what it is like to be in a battle to avoid the drop.
I wouldn’t go near any of those so-called ‘relegation experts’ which leaves the club with minimal options should Tudor be sacked.
The only one I can think of is Ryan Mason. Back in for another interim spell because at this point it feels like Spurs haven’t really got a choice.
Scott Trotter
Igor Tudor is the third manager that Tottenham have looked like a relegation candidate under. Spurs may not have been close to going down under Ange Postecoglou, but they did finish 17th, so any surprise at this season’s struggles has to be tempered by that result.
Tottenham’s start to this season under Thomas Frank is certainly starting to look like an anomaly and current form is looking like a truer reflection. Something is going wrong with a group of players who perhaps believe they are better than they are, and the rumoured lack of discipline is coming home to roost.
Igor Tudor? There’s been little good to make of him. A new manager? With the people making the choice and the lack of inspiration this current squad appears to have, is there any point?
Charlie Malam
Yes, he should be sacked. He might have only been in the job 20 days and it's awfully brutal, but Tottenham have managed to regress even further under Tudor and he should go. Look at the half-time reaction against Crystal Palace. The full-time reaction might have been even worse - there was hardly anyone left.
If Spurs want to stay up, they need a united front. Their fans first need something to believe in, and Tudor isn't giving them that. Who should they get to replace Tudor? The options are limited. Most coaches will steer clear.
Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Get More of Our News on Google
Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.
Perhaps Ryan Mason, because of his affiliation with the club and the need to improve his reputation after his West Brom failure, steps back into the breach. If he can scrape three wins from nine, Spurs should stay up.