Tottenham Hotspur appoint Igor Tudor as interim head coach to steer Premier League survival campaign in north London after Thomas Frank sacking

Tottenham Hotspur have moved quickly to plug a managerial gap, appointing Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the season.

The former Croatian international, 48 years after Spurs last won promotion from the second tier, now shoulders the task of keeping the north London club in the Premier League.

Tudor is expected to take charge as players return to training on Monday, just days after Thomas Frank’s sacking following a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle.

If Tudor impresses during this brief stint, Spurs may consider him for the permanent role.

If not, fans can brace themselves for more upheaval — a pattern all too familiar in N17.

A Rapid Response From Tottenham

The club acted decisively after parting ways with Frank, with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange moving fast to bring in Tudor.

The decision was shaped by his experience in turning teams around mid-season and his reputation for instilling immediate impact.

Tudor’s recent spell at Juventus is a case in point.

After taking over from Thiago Motta when Juventus were fifth in March, he lost just once in nine Serie A matches, finishing fourth and qualifying for Europe.

Striker Randal Kolo Muani thrived under his guidance, scoring five times in 11 games after an eight-match goal drought.

Yet, this success didn’t last; by October, with Juventus eighth and struggling, Tudor was sacked and replaced by Luciano Spalletti.

A Coach Who Demands Courage and Energy

Tudor’s football philosophy is simple: physical, aggressive, and energetic. His teams press high, engage in one-on-one duels, and maintain intensity across the pitch. Many observers in Italy liken his style to Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund — exciting but sometimes chaotic.

“I want courageous and intensive football,” Tudor said during his time at Marseille. “Not solely based on the defence.

I want people who come to the stadium to be entertained and not disappointed.”

His approach should feel familiar to Spurs fans who considered Frank’s style cautious, even dull.

Tudor’s career has been a whirlwind of short stints, rarely lasting more than two years.

Beyond Juventus, he has coached in Greece, Turkey, France, and multiple spells in Italy, often leaving clubs after improving immediate results but choosing not to stay long-term.

An International Career Shaped in Italy

Tudor’s playing days began and ended at Hajduk Split, with his peak at Juventus under Marcelo Lippi.

A centre-back who occasionally filled midfield roles, he won two Serie A titles and started in the 2003 Champions League final at Old Trafford, where Juventus lost to AC Milan on penalties.

For Croatia, he earned 55 caps, scoring three goals — including a memorable strike against England in Euro 2004 — before injuries forced him to retire at 30.

He quickly returned to Hajduk to start a coaching career defined by ambition, intensity, and short tenures.

Immediate Challenges at Spurs

Tudor’s primary mission in north London is clear: avoid relegation.

There’s no automatic extension clause in his contract, so performance over the next few months will define his future at the club.

Spurs have only won three of their last twelve league games, and injuries have left the squad stretched thin.

His first test could hardly be sterner: a home clash against fierce rivals Arsenal in just over a week.

Beyond league survival, a strong Champions League run — potentially including a tie against his former club Juventus — could enhance Tudor’s credibility with Spurs fans and board alike.

What’s Next?

The coming weeks will be decisive. Tudor must quickly stabilise a team under pressure, navigate injuries, and reignite confidence across the squad.

Success against Arsenal could be a statement, but the true measure will be survival in the Premier League and progress in Europe.

Should he succeed, he could cement himself as a cult figure in Spurs lore, remembered for both bravery and bold football.

Summary

Igor Tudor takes charge of Tottenham Hotspur with the interim task of avoiding relegation, bringing a reputation for aggressive, high-energy football.

His career has been marked by short but impactful stints across Europe, including Juventus, Marseille, and Lazio.

Fans and the board alike will watch closely as Tudor faces an immediate test against Arsenal, with league survival and potential European fixtures shaping his legacy in north London.