What lies ahead for Tottenham Hotspur?
A disastrous 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday has marked another low point in what has been a troubled season for Spurs.
On Wednesday, Tottenham announced that interim manager Igor Tudor would address the press on Friday ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool.
Tudor, brought in to make an immediate positive impact, has unfortunately overseen four straight defeats during his bleak 25-day tenure since succeeding Thomas Frank on February 14.
While their aspirations for advancement in the Champions League seem shattered after this latest setback, the pressing issue for Tottenham centers on their precarious position in the Premier League.
With the threat of their first top-flight relegation since 1977 looming, the decisions made by the club will be heavily influenced by the need to avoid this calamity.
Just ten months after claiming the Europa League title, Spurs now find themselves merely one point above the relegation zone with nine matches left to play.
“In footballing terms, Tottenham is in an outright crisis,” commented BBC Radio 5 Live commentator John Murray.
Given Tudor’s inability to steer the club towards improvement and the lack of visible progress, the question arises: is there anyone else available who can salvage the season for Spurs?
What Qualities Should Spurs Seek in a Manager?
Tottenham was drawn to Tudor partly due to his ability to enhance teams in a short time frame, highlighted by his previous role at Juventus.
He secured a permanent position at Juventus after guiding them to Champions League qualification with a record of just one defeat in nine matches at the end of the 2024-25 season.
However, his impact in north London has so far been underwhelming.
Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live that Tudor “was not the correct choice from the outset.” He added, “Everyone anticipated a rejuvenating boost when a new manager is appointed, but that’s not happened with Tudor.”
“This situation feels like the wrong person at the wrong time. The players’ performances reflect this; the bare minimum expected is maximum effort, and that’s been lacking. They clearly aren’t playing for the manager.”
During Tudor’s four losses, Tottenham scored five goals and conceded 14 [BBC]
Now, Spurs must regroup ahead of their meeting with Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, where they have famously conceded 17 goals over their last four visits in all competitions.
Following their return leg against Atletico Madrid, they will also face a crucial home game against relegation contenders Nottingham Forest.
Despite the turmoil, the mood within the camp has been grim, with midfielder Yves Bissouma describing their predicament as “a big emergency”.
Ex-Spurs manager Tim Sherwood has accused Tudor of “adding fuel to the fire,” criticizing his inability to elevate the team’s morale.
On the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Sherwood remarked, “He hasn’t uplifted the players at all. He seems to be making the situation worse rather than boosting their confidence.”
[BBC]
Having a manager who can rebuild confidence in a squad that broke a 17-year trophy drought last season—yet finished 17th in the league—should be a priority if Tottenham decides to make a change.
The manner of Tuesday’s humbling loss in Madrid also raised eyebrows, notably when goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was substituted after just 17 minutes, consoled by teammates but seemingly ignored by his manager.
However, ex-Tottenham winger Chris Waddle contends that the players must also “step up and be counted.”
“The players seem devoid of confidence,” Waddle stated. “In football, if you lack confidence, you shouldn’t be playing. Many Spurs players seem to shy away because they lack belief. They are hesitant to cross that white line, and it’s evident.”
Potential Candidates for Spurs
If Tottenham decides to prioritize man-management in their managerial search, where might they look?
Former Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason has previously taken on the role of interim head coach twice, in 2021 and 2023, managing 13 games in the Premier League before being appointed as assistant to Ange Postecoglou.
Mason concluded a seven-year coaching stint at Spurs last summer, taking over West Brom, but was dismissed in January.
Tim Sherwood, the ex-Spurs manager, has expressed willingness to step in temporarily to help guide the club out of their current difficulties, as reported on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is rumored to have been considered for a permanent role, but he is currently tied to the U.S. men’s national team until after the summer World Cup.
Harry Redknapp, another former Spurs manager, seems to have dismissed the idea of returning, stating, “I won’t be taking the job, and I don’t anticipate a call,” as he focuses on enjoying himself at Cheltenham this week.
Robbie Keane, a former Tottenham striker, reportedly had interest in the position before Tudor was hired in February.
Spurs may also opt to explore beyond familiar territory, but their immediate options remain limited within the criteria they set a month ago.
In addition to looking for someone who can make an immediate impact, Spurs also wanted a manager with experience at the highest levels who favors attacking football.
When the search for a replacement for Frank commenced, former Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi, ex-Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic, and former Red Bull Leipzig manager Marco Rose were among potential short-term candidates.
De Zerbi had departed Marseille by mutual consent shortly before Tottenham confirmed Tudor’s appointment.
Terzic is currently without a job after parting ways with Dortmund in June 2024 after guiding the team to the Champions League final, while Rose was let go by RB Leipzig in March 2025, having won 72 of 127 matches in charge and lifted the German Cup in 2023.
In the Premier League, Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, and Marco Silva are names that could be available this summer, but it’s uncertain if any would be willing to leave their current clubs early to aid Spurs.
Glasner has confirmed he will depart Crystal Palace this summer, though his immediate future was suggested to be “in doubt” in February due to a negative run of results.
Bournemouth are reportedly preparing to engage in contract discussions with Iraola to fend off interest from Crystal Palace, Tottenham, and Manchester United.
Furthermore, Fulham’s Tony Khan has expressed confidence that Silva will remain with the club “for a long time”.