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Tottenham behind-the-scenes changes get seal of approval as Igor Tudor lays down authority

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Igor Tudor is clearly making the right impression on Tottenham fans at the moment.

Tudor was drafted in to steady the ship after Thomas Frank was dismissed from his post after a miserable run of results.

The Croatian has now confirmed his Tottenham coaching staff with Bruno Saltor, Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci coming in, and several staff remaining in position from the previous regime.

John Wenham is impressed by one particular move that the Croatian has made when it comes to his backroom team.

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What backroom move does Wenham rate highly at Tottenham?

Wenham believes that the decision to keep hold of set-piece coach Andreas Georgson at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is an inspired one, given the impact that he has had.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “Bruno Saltor, 250 appearances for Brighton, so he knows the English game – that is important. The rest of the coaching staff have been external appointments from Italy and all worked with Tudor at Juventus.

“So, we are going to have two goalkeeping coaches with Dean Brill being kept on at the club also really importantly. Stuart Lewis has also been kept in his role.

“As has Andreas Georgson, the set-piece expert. Without his work this year, I wonder where Tottenham would be.

“Tottenham are very strong offensively from corners, so I am really pleased that he has been kept on with the departures.”

How have Tottenham performed from set pieces this season?

Spurs have definitely benefited from the Swede’s influence when it comes to their set-pieces already this season, to a huge extent.

The Lilywhites have scored a total of 27 goals from set-pieces while only conceding seven times from those situations, per Sofascore.

The North London side have notched 16 strikes from corners, with seven goals against them from that specific type of set-piece.

Meanwhile, they have scored five from free-kicks, and allowed two in from the same situations.

Finally, they have scored three from throw-ins and conceded two from them, with both coming in the 2-2 draw against Burnley last month.

Tudor should now reap the benefits as he has decided to keep Georgson in his post, despite the restructuring behind the scenes.

Wenham is delighted with the move, and Spurs fans all around will likely join him in that sentiment if they can keep up their current record in the area that he specialises in.

Tottenham vs Arsenal injury and suspension latest as 16 players could miss out

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Tottenham are looking to begin the Igor Tudor era with a win as they take on arch-rivals Arsenal, but both sides will be without a number of players.

Finding themselves fighting at the wrong end of the table, Tudor arrives with one particular goal in mind: to steer Tottenham to Premier League safety.

Having guided Juventus to a Champions League spot last term after a tumultuous period under Thiago Motta, the Croatian has gained a reputation as a firefighter.

Spurs could get off to the perfect start under their new manager on Sunday, as they welcome Arsenal to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, after falling to a 4-1 defeat in November’s North London derby.

However, Tudor does remain slightly hamstrung, entering the weekend without multiple key players.

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Up to 12 Tottenham players set to miss North London derby vs Arsenal

As has been the case for the full season thus far, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain out for Spurs, while Wilson Odobert has joined the pair as a long-term absentee after sustaining a ruptured ACL earlier this month.

Kevin Danso, Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie are all set to return to the fold in early March, continuing to hamper the Spurs backline, while Richarlison is expected to be back in action at the same time after scoring a sensational goal against Arsenal earlier this season.

Captain Cristian Romero remains suspended following his red card against Manchester United, while Ben Davies also continues to sit on the sidelines. This could mean that Joao Palhinha fills in at centre-back alongside Radu Dragusin and Micky Van de Ven.

Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur are all expected to make their respective returns towards the end of the season.

On a positive note, Dominic Solanke has been passed fit after suffering with illness this week.

On the Arsenal side, things are much easier for Mikel Arteta.

Mikel Merino remains out until the end of the season, while Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are fitness doubts after suffering with thigh and knee injuries recently.

Max Dowman is expected to return at the end of the month, meaning as many as 16 players could be absent from both teams combined.

Igor Tudor has a chance to make an instant impact

Heading into Sunday’s derby, visitors Arsenal have struggled as of late, with back to back draws away at Brentford and Wolves.

The aftermath of Wednesday’s clash at Molineux exposed certain vulnerabilities within the ranks at the club, with tense post-match scenes as the Gunners look to avoid slipping up in their ongoing title race.

While the circumstances with the squad are far from ideal for Tudor, he has the opportunity to make an immediate impact and cement his legacy at the club for not just winning the North London derby, but having a huge say in the title race at the same time, with Manchester City now five points behind with a game in hand.

Known for being a firefighter, he could get Tottenham’s survival quest off to the perfect start as they host their rivals on Sunday.

Tottenham in control as rivals try to ‘seize’ on Lucas Bergvall weakness

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Lucas Bergvall’s future is the hottest topic at Tottenham at the moment.

Tottenham rejected approaches from Chelsea and Aston Villa for the midfielder in the winter transfer window, and Liverpool also held interest.

Tottenham are understood to have significantly increased their £57million valuation of the 20-year-old, who has been a key part of their team since he joined.

Bergvall‘s future will continue to be under the microscope, with the constant chaos at Spurs right now.

Could Bergvall leave Tottenham?

John Wenham believes that it is not a surprise that rival clubs tried to make their move for the Swedish ace, but he cannot see Spurs sanctioning an exit anytime soon.

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Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “No surprise for me, clubs trying to seize on moments when other clubs are weak, Tottenham are in a mess this season, it doesn’t surprise me that Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa saw it as an opportunity to poach one of their outstanding young players.

“He scooped up every single Tottenham award, Players’ Player, Young Player, first-team player, Members’ Player, but what these clubs seem to forget is that Bergvall extended his contract in April last year.

“They were making offers for him, when he only extended six or seven months before, on a contract until 2031, Tottenham are in control of the situation.

“Tottenham were right to turn down any bids for him, and he should be a massive part of our future moving forward.”

Would Tottenham sanction Bergvall exit?

Given the situation that Spurs find themselves in, with significant improvements needed to get back to the upper echelons of the English game, some may think it makes sense to sell the youngster.

However, that would not be the case, as they need to keep hold of their best talent, and build around them, if they are to be successful in the near future.

It would send the wrong message if they allowed the former Djurgarden ace to depart, especially to a rival club, as it would signal that they do not believe they are anywhere near contention.

The board would surely not allow Bergvall to leave, as they cannot afford to make any more missteps with the fanbase.

Tottenham fans getting 'goosebumps' as THFC Flags drop emotional Arsenal video

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‘Goosebumps’ – Tottenham fans fired up as THFC Flags drop emotional Arsenal video

The biggest day in the North London football calendar arrives on Sunday.

Tottenham welcome bitter rivals Arsenal to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 22 February, as the North London derby claims the eyes of world football.

It’s going to be sub-plots galore on Sunday too, with Igor Tudor preparing for his first game in charge as Tottenham’s interim head coach, as well as injury situations to watch in both camps.

Revenge is going to be on the N17 agenda too, with Mikel Arteta’s side having thumped Spurs 4-1 in the reverse fixture back in November last year.

THFC Flags reveal emotive Arsenal video that Spurs fans are loving

Not that many Tottenham fans need pumping up for a clash with Arsenal, but fan-led stadium displays organisation THFC Flags have turned the excitement levels among Spurs supporters up a few notches.

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The group have released an emotional pre-Arsenal video to help get Lilywhites in the mood for this monumental match, the result of which could go a long way to determining each sides’ respective seasons.

THFC Flags’ 60-second video centres around the tough streets of N17, with an overriding theme of a club and fanbase that are bruised, but certainly not beaten, as Underworld’s iconic ‘Born Slippy‘ track only serves to get the juices flowing even more.

As such, it’s no surprise to see many Spurs fans loving the video, with plenty seeing it as the ideal tonic to revitalise their appetite for Tottenham, and in particular, this historic fixture.

“Incredible work,” said one Tottenham fan, whilst another commented: “Great work. Let’s do this.”

Tottenham fans: bring the noise

With no Premier League win in this fixture since 13 May 2022, the red side of this North London divide have had ownership of the bragging rights for years.

Harry Kane bagged a brace that day and Heung-Min Son scored the other in a 3-0 win; both of those Spurs stars are gone, and it’s time for new derby day heroes in Lilywhite to emerge.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was built for a number of reasons, one of which to provide the platform for Spurs fans to make it an impenetrable fortress of noise when the Arsenal come to town.

It’s this that Tottenham supporters must do on Sunday. This one, for reasons that are obvious when looking at the league table, is perhaps the biggest North London derby in many, many a year.

Now is the time for Spurs fans to get firmly behind their team, and in the wake of comments made by Ange Postecoglou in recent days, show world football just who Tottenham Hotspur really are.

James Maddison’s Tottenham return closer than expected as new footage shared

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James Maddison has been captured in training gear in the background of a Tottenham social media video.

Posted to Tottenham’s official Instagram story, Maddison can briefly be seen wearing full training kit, including boots, as the camera shows a host of players getting ready to go out and train.

Maddison hasn’t kicked a competitive ball in anger for Spurs this season, having ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle on 3 August 2025.

As such, it was widely expected that the 29-year-old would be sidelined for the duration of this season, but now that may not be the case after all.

James Maddison return could save Tottenham’s season

Tottenham fans are holding out for a Lilywhite hero in shining armour to rescue them from their Premier League relegation battle, and who knows, Igor Tudor could be exactly that.

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However, after his underwhelming and short-lived reign as Juventus boss, it remains to be seen just how good an interim appointment that is by Tottenham chiefs, with his first test coming in a North London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.

In Maddison though, Spurs fans wouldn’t have any doubts over his ability to come back and turn the tide at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A miracle return such as that could well prove to be the catalyst for a renewed sense of belief and confidence around N17, like a king riding in front of his troops to prove he’s still standing in the hope of rallying them to success.

Without the England international running the show in midfield this season, the absence of his creative flair and production has been frustratingly obvious.

And with injuries in the middle of the park to Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski respectively, seeing their number 10 striding back out onto the pitch would be a sight for sore Spurs eyes.

How would Maddison fit into Tudor’s system?

Renowned for playing with a back three at Juventus, and indeed with other clubs he’s managed, Tudor is likely to implement that with Tottenham too.

He needs to get results fast, and so going with a formation and style he trusts is sure to be his line of thinking.

However, his 3-4-3 formation that he looks set to deploy wouldn’t appear to accommodate a natural number 10, and so he could be forced to play as an attacking eight in a central midfield two.

Pape Sarr is that profile of midfielder, and so a fit and ready to go Maddison could take his place, with a more defensive-minded player in Conor Gallagher operating alongside him to create a nice balance potentially.

Tottenham set for ‘party scenes’ if players can do one thing vs Arsenal

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Tottenham face Arsenal on Sunday in one of the most hyped North London derbies in recent memory.

The fierce rivals meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 22 February, with Tottenham looking to put a huge dent in Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title push.

The Gunners looked like the standout contenders to lift the trophy in May, but they are now only five points clear with Manchester City having a game in hand.

So, Igor Tudor‘s side could play a huge part in the destination of the title.

What Tottenham players need to do to beat Arsenal

John Wenham believes that the Gunners are vulnerable, and the Spurs supporters will be the key to a victory, if the players can feed off their energy.

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Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “After the results Arsenal have had against Brentford and Wolves, especially that capitulation against Wolves, you can guarantee there will be no better atmosphere in the Premier League this weekend.

“What the players have to do to match the fans, make sure we don’t concede early, stay in the game until half-time, because the atmosphere will build and build in a 16:30 kick-off.

“If Tottenham could get in front, we may not have heard a louder eruption of noise at that stadium since it opened, if we could get 1-0 up and really feel like we were prying on the atmosphere and the worry that Arsenal are going through, the atmosphere would be absolutely electric.

“I know we have got the injuries, but my childhood was filled with Arsenal coming off to White Hart Lane with Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Ashley Cole, players of that level, but we would always give it our all, the players knew what it meant in those games.

“They have had a really long rest since our last league fixture, Arsenal have played three games in that time, Tottenham need to be at the races on Sunday, no cheap give-away goals, no set-piece goals, keep ourselves in the game, and have a couple of early shots, get the crowd fully behind them.

“Tottenham really need to ride on the atmosphere, what a debut game for Igor Tudor and his staff, if he could get a win, my god, there would be party scenes on one side of North London for sure.”

How Tottenham have previously beat Arsenal with the help of the fans

The Lilywhites have utilised their atmosphere to beat the Gunners before, and Wenham referenced that 3-0 win in May 2022, when Antonio Conte was in charge.

“We have done it to Arsenal once before, when we beat them 3-0 under Conte.

“The atmosphere that night, Gary Neville described it as the best he had heard in English football, he said that we brutalised those Arsenal players.

“It helped having Son and Kane in that team, but we really wound up Arsenal from early on, got Rob Holding sent off and picked up a 3-0 victory.”

If the N17 side can do that again, it would bring a bit of joy to what has been a sorry season, and perhaps put Tudor in the frame for the permanent role.

Tottenham win over Arsenal could be nailed on amid encouraging Igor Tudor omen

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Tottenham will head into this weekend’s North London derby clash against Arsenal with renewed confidence following the appointment of Igor Tudor.

The Lilywhites will be hoping to deal a big blow to their bitter rivals’ title hopes, as the Gunners recently stumbled against Wolves.

Tudor has not been given an easy opening into life in English football. The North London derby has plenty on the line, none less than pride among supporters.

However, with Spurs embroiled in a relegation battle, three points are as important as ever in the post-Thomas Frank era.

While Arsenal are favourites, Tudor will be quietly confident, as a new stat about the Croatian has emerged.

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What were the scores in Igor Tudor’s opening game win streak?

Incredibly, Tudor has won his opening match in charge of his last five clubs.

Tudor’s job history as a managerial journeyman, so to speak, has meant he has managed plenty of clubs over the last few years.

In fact, since 2020, he has had five new jobs in the dugout.

During that run of roles, the 47-year-old has seemingly perfected the art of starting strong, and with the precarious nature Tottenham find themselves in, that is very much needed right now.

At Hajduk Split, Verona, Marseille, Lazio and Juventus, Tudor won his opening game at those clubs. And he had achieved wins in those games in the following fashion.

Now, with Arsenal on the horizon, he’ll be hoping to extend that impressive quick-starter record.

Tudor is also helped by the fact four of those five games were at home, with Sunday’s North London derby played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as well.

Tudor could end terrible North London Derby record for Tottenham

In recent years, the North London derby has not ended well for Tottenham. In the last seven games, the spoils have fallen the way of the Gunners on six occasions, with the other being a 2-2 draw.

The last time the Lilywhites got one over their rivals was back in May 2022. It was a 3-0 win with both Harry Kane and Heung-min Son on the scoresheet.

Right now, Spurs would be wishing they had that dynamic pairing still at the club, but they must make do with the options available.

There is no better way to change the fortunes of the club this season than by fuelling the players up with a massive win in a massive fixture.

Tudor could not only give Spurs a new spark, but he could light an entirely new flame.

Igor Tudor already hailed for doing what Thomas Frank could never do at Tottenham

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Igor Tudor is already making the right impression at Tottenham.

Tudor was appointed as Tottenham‘s interim manager on 14 February, just days after Thomas Frank was dismissed from his post.

The Croatian boss faces Arsenal in his first game in charge, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter given the stakes for the visitors.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be pumped up for the clash with Mikel Arteta’s side on 22 February, and the new manager has already hit the right note ahead of the contest.

How Tudor already got Tottenham fans on board

John Wenham, who runs the popular Lilywhite Rose account on X, loves what he has already heard from the new man in charge.

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He particularly liked that Tudor did not use injuries as an excuse, which his predecessor, Frank used to do on a regular basis, he could never accept that they just happen.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “I really liked Tudor’s comments, he sort of said, look, we only have 13 players available, but that is enough to go out there and do what we need to do on Sunday.

“There were no excuses, no fear, he was asked if he enjoyed his first few days at Tottenham, he said he is not here to enjoy, he is here to work.

“I thought that was really refreshing to hear, someone who wants to dig in, he knows he has got these 12 Premier League games, plus a minimum of two in the Champions League, and really wants to set out his stall early on.”

How does Tottenham’s injury list look as Tudor gets set to take over

Spurs have 12 players who are set to miss the North London derby.

Cristian Romero is still suspended following his red card against Manchester United, and the other 11 are out injured.

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have not played a single game all season, with a knee issue and a cruciate ligament injury, respectively.

Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pedro Porro are all absent with hamstring injuries, Destiny Udogie and Mohammed Kudus have muscle issues, and Wilson Odobert has a cruciate ligament problem.

Lucas Bergvall, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies are also sidelined at the moment, so Tudor does not have many players to choose from.

‘Tottenham should already have sacked Johan Lange, he must apologise now’

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Tottenham have been urged to part ways with Johan Lange immediately.

The Dane joined Spurs in October 2023 to become Technical Director, and then his role changed to joint Sporting Director in October 2025.

He has played a role behind the scenes in the recent failings under Thomas Frank, who was recently sacked for a shocking start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The head coach has now been replaced by Igor Tudor, an interim appointment that has hardly gone down well in North London.

The Lilywhites have now been told to sack Lange as his work has been slammed as not fit for purpose in N17.

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Johan Lange should follow Thomas Frank out of Tottenham

The 46-year-old came in after a patchy spell at Aston Villa, where his signings can fairly be described as hit or miss.

Emi Martinez, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins came in and have gone on to be regulars, but others have turned out to be total failures.

The likes of Bertrand Traore and Morgan Sanson failed in the Midlands and more closely reflect the business that has been conducted at Tottenham.

Aston Villa’s worst signings under Lange:

That hampered Frank and ultimately resulted in the ex-Brentford man being sacked, something which former scout Bryan King believes should also happen to Lange.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “Of course, Lange should face criticism.

“Look at him at Villa, everyone was surprised that he got a job there, and he wasn’t exactly successful.

“Now he’s at Tottenham in a big role. He certainly hasn’t produced since moving.

“Lange has to come out and make an apology after what’s gone on.

“They already should have moved him on, he’s not good enough for the job.

“If they can ship a manager off mid-season, why can’t they do the same to him?“

Who are Lange’s worst signings at Tottenham?

It’s fair to say that his spell at Villa came with a selection of good signings, but a majority of frustrating ones for the claret and blue outfit.

He spent a lot of money on transfer fees and wages on players who didn’t deserve the money spent, and it continues to impact Unai Emery in 2026.

Similar frustrations can be echoed in North London, with many signings coming in for sizable amounts, but have failed to truly make an impact.

Dominic Solanke, Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons are the main additions, but all three have truly failed to hit the heights expected.

Other deals for the likes of Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso, Timo Werner and Randal Kolo Muani have all been hugely uninspiring.

Lange has to take the blame for that and would be right to come out and aplogise for the situation he put Frank in before he was sacked.

Tottenham announce three new appointments to Igor Tudor's staff; Everything we now know

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Everything we know as Tottenham announce three new appointments to Igor Tudor’s staff

Tottenham have hired three new coaching staff to aid Igor Tudor at Tottenham.

Tudor is the man tasked with keeping Tottenham in the Premier League, and to make his life easier, the Lilywhites have confirmed three new appointments to his backroom staff.

Bruno Saltor, Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have all completed their moves to North London, all with very different roles.

Between the trio, there is a vast amount of experience that will support Tottenham’s goal, as Tottenham News shares everything you need to know about them and how they may be able to have a positive influence.

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Bruno Saltor appointed as Tottenham Assistant Coach

Saltor will be a name known by many from his time playing with Brighton between 2012 and 2019, where he made over 225 appearances.

His retirement saw him become a coach with Brighton in 2019, where he worked closely with Graham Potter, and then followed him to Chelsea.

Potter wouldn’t last long there, and Saltor took charge of the Blues’ 0-0 draw with Liverpool off the back of his sacking, before again reuniting with Potter at West Ham, which was his last coaching role.

Bruno joins Spurs with six years of coaching experience and plenty of knowledge in the Premier League, having spent a large portion of his career within it.

Who are Tottenham’s other new coaches?

While Saltor will have the biggest impact of the three new hires, both Rogic and Ragnacci will also have crucial roles to play that may often go unnoticed.

Rogic is a goalkeeping coach, and while he lacks experience working in England, he has gained plenty from working at other European clubs.

The 50-year-old has had time at Hadjuk Split, Shakhtar, Club Brugge, Zenit, Lazio and Juventus, which is where he first encountered Tudor.

He will work closely with Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky, the former of whom has not been at his best for Spurs so far this season.

Ragnacci joins Tottenham as a physical coach, and like Ragic, he spent time with Tudor throughout his time in charge of Juventus.

The 49-year-old has spent most of his time in Italy, with clubs such as Cagliari and Bologna on his CV.