Igor Tudor has hinted that Archie Gray is in line to play centre-back for Tottenham during their trip to Liverpool. Tudor’s tenure at Spurs has seen players used in unfamiliar roles.
Gray to play fourth position in four games?
Tudor’s methods at Spurs have appeared to decrease morale. He has hinted that Tottenham will stick with a back-three for Sunday’s game against Liverpool, with Archie Gray in line to play centre-back. Gray has already played right-wing-back, left-back and central midfield during Tudor’s time at the club.
Asked about Gray during a press conference, Tudor hinted he would play in another new position. According to Tudor, Gray needs to change position every game. He stated that in four games, Gray has played four positions.
“That’s the problem. He needs to every game change the position,” Tudor said about Gray.
Tudor added: “[Sunday] again. Four games here, four positions for Archie Gray. He’s an amazing player, but that [constant change] means that something’s wrong.
“Beautiful guy, beautiful player. I didn’t know him before so much, so from inside, he has my big respect.”
Tottenham’s Selection Issues
Gray has been required at full-back due to selection issues. Destiny Udogie is close to a return after a five-week lay-off. “Destiny’s almost back,” Tudor said. “Yeah, for sure [against Nottingham Forest next Sunday].”
Tudor Defends His Approach
Tudor urged Spurs not to be “victims” and to choose whether to “cry or fight” their way out of a club-record six-match losing streak. Even though Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and João Palhinha are absent at Anfield, Tudor looks likely to keep faith with a three-man defence. Gray could get the nod at centre-back along with Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin for the Liverpool fixture.
Tudor said: “It’s not criticism, I give advice. It’s not about criticising players. We are together. It’s not that I say to you, ‘you are not good, you need to do this,’ it’s not about that.”
“It’s about you making them understand that this is advice for you to become a better player and w
The experienced coach has earned relative success in previous short-term roles, with his harsh appraisal able to act as a catalyst for a turnaround in fortunes.
When quizzed on if he remained the right man for Tottenham, Tudor pushed back: “It’s not a topic that I’m thinking about.”