Igor Tudor appointed as Tottenham Hotspur's interim manager until end of season amid relegation battle

Tottenham Hotspur have secured a deal with Igor Tudor to step in as interim head coach until the end of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The move comes after the club sacked Thomas Frank earlier this week following a dismal run of form that has left Spurs teetering close to the relegation zone.

The 47-year-old Croatian, who has managed clubs like Juventus, Marseille, Lazio, and Galatasaray, was out of work since departing Juventus in October after a winless streak. Tottenham turned to him after considering options such as former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic and ex-RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose. Tudor's experience at big clubs and his reputation for delivering quick results made him the preferred choice for a short-term fix.

Why the Spurs chose an interim solution

Tottenham Hotspur opted for an interim appointment to steady the ship before hunting for a permanent manager in the summer. The club wanted someone with proven big-club pedigree who could make an immediate impact. Tudor fits that profile, and success between now and June could see him in contention for the full-time role.

The decision follows Frank's exit after just eight months in charge. The Dane was dismissed shortly after a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle, ending a run of only two wins in 17 league games. Spurs now sit five points above the bottom three, making survival the immediate priority.

Players have been given time off until Monday, with no fixture this weekend due to their earlier FA Cup exit. Tudor's first major test is likely the north London derby against Arsenal, a crucial clash in the fight to beat the drop.

Mauricio Pochettino's return remains on the horizon

The interim setup keeps the door open for Mauricio Pochettino's potential return this summer. The Argentine, who enjoyed five successful years at Spurs before departing in 2019, is currently preparing to lead the US at the World Cup. He has publicly expressed interest in a comeback. Pochettino remains a popular figure among supporters, and many see him as the ideal long-term option to restore stability and ambition.

Igor Tudor's task

Igor Tudor brings a no-nonsense style and tactical discipline from his time in Serie A and Ligue 1. His previous roles show he can organize teams under pressure, though his tenures have often been short. At Juventus, he struggled with consistency, but Spurs hope his experience will translate to turning around their fortunes quickly.

With the season entering its final stretch, Tudor's arrival offers a fresh start. The club needs results fast to avoid a historic relegation scrap. If he delivers, it could pave the way for either a permanent stay or a smooth transition to a bigger name like Pochettino.