Tottenham Hotspur has officially parted ways with head coach Igor Tudor by mutual consent after only 44 days in his position, the club announced on Sunday.
Tudor, who took charge last month, managed to secure just one win out of seven matches as Spurs edged closer to the relegation zone.
The 47-year-old succeeded Thomas Frank on a temporary basis and was initially considered a candidate for a permanent role. However, his only triumph came against Atletico Madrid, which wasn’t sufficient to prevent an exit from the Champions League after losing 7-5 on aggregate in the round of 16. Currently, the team sits in 17th place in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
Tudor’s last match in charge was a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest last weekend. Shortly after this match, he was informed about the passing of his father, Mario.
According to sources, Tudor was given time to grieve before both parties agreed that it was best for him to leave the club.
The club released a statement saying, “We confirm that it has been mutually agreed for head coach Igor Tudor to leave the club effective immediately. Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also departed from their respective roles as goalkeeping coach and physical coach.”
“We thank Igor, Tomislav, and Riccardo for their hard work over the past six weeks, during which they dedicated themselves tirelessly. We also acknowledge Igor’s recent bereavement and extend our support to him and his family during this difficult time.”
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Sources indicate that coach Bruno Saltor will temporarily oversee training over the next few days, as most of the first-team squad is away on international duty.
The club expects to announce a new head coach shortly, ahead of their next Premier League match against Sunderland on April 12.
It remains uncertain whether the club will appoint a permanent successor or opt for another interim. Reports suggest that Roberto de Zerbi and former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino are among the leading candidates.
Pochettino, currently leading the USMNT into the summer World Cup, has shown interest in returning to England, while De Zerbi is considering a potential role at Spurs, but only if the team avoids relegation.
Despite being hesitant about an immediate takeover, Spurs are trying to persuade De Zerbi, who was recently released from Marseille.
Other short-term options include Sean Dyche, and Adi Hutter, who has experience managing various clubs such as Red Bull Salzburg, Young Boys, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Monaco.
Former Spurs managers Harry Redknapp and Tim Sherwood have expressed interest in rejoining the club if called upon, while Ryan Mason, who has stepped in during previous coaching changes, is also available after leaving West Brom.
Tottenham has looked into the possibility of Fulham‘s Marco Silva, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner as potential candidates as well.