Igor Tudor has left Tottenham Hotspur by mutual consent after only 44 days as head coach. The club confirmed the departure on Sunday.
Tudor’s exit follows a run of form that saw Tottenham slip closer to the Premier League relegation zone. He managed just one win in his seven matches in charge.
Tudor’s Brief Tottenham Tenure
Tudor, aged 47, replaced Thomas Frank on a short-term deal. He had been considered as a potential permanent appointment. His only victory was against Atletico Madrid. This wasn’t enough to prevent a Champions League exit at the round-of-16 stage, losing 7-5 on aggregate. Tottenham are currently 17th in the Premier League, one point above the bottom three.
Last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest was Tudor’s final game. Shortly after, he was informed of the death of his father, Mario.
Sources have told ESPN that Tudor was given time to process that bereavement before the decision was made for him to leave.
The club released a statement saying: “We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for head coach Igor Tudor to leave the club with immediate effect.
“Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of goalkeeping coach and physical coach.
“We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.”
Search for a Replacement Begins
Bruno Saltor will lead training for the next few days. The majority of the first-team squad are away on international duty.
Spurs expect to appoint a new head coach in the coming days. They want someone in place for a training block ahead of their next game, a Premier League trip to Sunderland on April 12.
- Roberto de Zerbi is one of the club’s leading candidates.
- Mauricio Pochettino is also a candidate.
- Sean Dyche is a short-term alternative.
- Adi Hutter has also been linked with the post.
It is unclear if the club will make a permanent appointment or install another interim. Pochettino is committed to leading USMNT at this summer’s World Cup but has expressed a willingness to return to England.
De Zerbi is interested in taking over at Spurs but only if they avoid relegation. De Zerbi had shown a reluctance to take over immediately but Spurs were attempting to convince the Italian to change his mind. De Zerbi is out of work after leaving Marseille in February.
Relegation Concerns Loom
ESPN’s Gab Marcotti believes Tottenham should be targeting Andoni Iraola to replace Igor Tudor.
Spurs parted ways with Igor Tudor with the club deep in relegation mire.
Tottenham hurtling toward relegation after limp loss to Forest.
Spurs are currently 17th place in the Premier League, one point above the bottom three.
Spurs face a crucial period as they look to appoint a new head coach and secure their Premier League status.