Johan Lange, the sporting director of Tottenham Hotspur, has indicated that interim head coach Igor Tudor might secure a permanent position, emphasizing that the team’s style of play will be a key criterion in their search for a new manager.
Tudor, who recently took over from Thomas Frank—who was dismissed after only eight months—will lead the team in his first match this Sunday against Arsenal.
Currently, Spurs find themselves in 16th place in the Premier League, only five points above the relegation zone. Tudor, at 47, has not previously managed in England but boasts two Serie A titles as a player with Juventus, where he was most recently the head coach before his dismissal in October.
The Croatian’s coaching history includes positions at various clubs such as Hajduk Split, Galatasaray, Udinese, Marseille, and Lazio. Spurs noted his ability to enact quick improvements at clubs as a significant reason for his appointment.
While addressing reporters at the club’s training ground, Lange praised Tudor’s previous experience, stating, “He has consistently demonstrated an ability to join clubs during challenging periods and promptly enhance their performance.” He elaborated on the difference between joining a team in the summer versus mid-season, highlighting the immediate need for relationship building with players and adapting to the club’s culture.
“That is a considerable reason for our decision,” Lange remarked. “If he performs well, there’s a possibility for him to remain in the role long-term given his reputation and past achievements.”
Sources indicate that former Spurs manager and current U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino is a frontrunner for the job, with fans chanting his name during the last home match under Frank against Newcastle. However, Lange refrained from discussing specific candidates, noting, “Igor just started here five days ago.” He stressed that the immediate goal is to elevate the team’s league position and focus on Champions League qualification.
Regarding the importance of style of play in a potential new manager, Lange confirmed, “It is certainly a top priority. We aim to cultivate a team that plays a dominant style of football, controlling games with possession.” He noted that this approach typically underpins the success of leading teams worldwide and aligns with Spurs’ rich history of featuring exceptional offensive talents. He expressed a desire for a style of play that resonates with both the club’s history and its fanbase.
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Lange, who confirmed he holds a “rolling contract” with the club, defended the team’s transfer strategy after comments from former manager Ange Postecoglou and Frank that questioned Spurs’ market competitiveness. Postecoglou previously remarked that the club “is not a big club” in terms of financial commitments to player wages, suggesting limitations in their ability to attract players, particularly after missing out on Antoine Semenyo, who opted for Manchester City instead of joining Spurs.
Lange responded, “I’m not here to comment on past employees’ remarks. [Chief executive] Vinai [Venkatesham] addressed the necessity for the club to increase our wage structure to remain competitive. The difficulties in player acquisitions are not solely attributed to us; it’s a three-party transaction wherein player preferences must also be considered.”