Igor Tudor has left Tottenham after just seven games in charge.
The 47-year-old was only appointed as the club’s interim coach in February following the decision to sack Thomas Frank, with the club plummeting down the Premier League table towards relegation.
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Tudor leaves Tottenham
Things under Tudor didn’t improve as he lost his first four games.
This began with Arsenal on February 22, followed by Fulham, then Crystal Palace and Atletico Madrid, where they were 4-0 down within the first 22 minutes.
Tudor was given an opportunity to turn things around after a draw against Liverpool and a win during the second leg against Atletico Madrid.
However, that 3-2 triumph wasn’t enough to prevent Spurs from being knocked out of the Champions League.
A damning 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend was his final match in charge of the club.
Tudor did not conduct any Tottenham media interviews after the club’s latest defeat due to the tragic news that his father had passed away.
eSPORTY understands Spurs wanted to give Tudor time to process the loss and were willing to grant him compassionate leave.
In a statement, the club said: “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.
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“An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course.”
Sources have told eSPORTY that Tudor leaves the club without a pay-off, although Spurs have declined to comment on the matter.
Bruno Salter will take Tottenham training this week.
Who could replace Igor Tudor?
Tottenham are now looking for their third manager of the season, but eSPORTY understands they have no one currently lined up to replace him.
Former Monaco boss Adi Hutter appears to be the most likely option to get the job, and could have Spurs defender Ben Davies working as an assistant in a wildcard move.
But Davies getting the top job himself shouldn’t be ruled out either.
Spurs sources have told eSPORTY efforts have been made to try and get Roberto De Zerbi in before the season ends. There is no buy in from the Italian to date.
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Spurs decided to bring forward talks with De Zerbi prior to approaching interim options. There remains optimism De Zerbi will consider the role if Spurs stay up but he is yet to agree to join immediately. Mauricio Pochettino is the other name of interest for the summer.
Before Tudor was given the role, fans could be heard singing Mauricio Pochettino’s name during games and ahead of the shambles in Madrid, a video emerged of a group of supporters serenading Mauricio Pochettino on a plane, with many pleading for him to return.
Interim options include Sean Dyche, Ryan Mason, Chris Hughton, Tim Sherwood and Robbie Keane. All are waiting for formal contact at this stage due to Spurs prioritising an answer from De Zerbi about taking the role now.
However, it is understood Tottenham made informal approaches to up to eight caretaker names before the first leg loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and thus feel prepared to make a quick appointment.
Former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is another free agent but is not thought to be open to a short-term deal.
Spurs are prepared to offer any candidate a significant bonus if they keep the club up.
Dyche is unlikely to be the next manager, however, as the former Burnley, Everton and Nottingham Forest boss poured cold water on the speculation.
Dyche appeared on eSPORTY on Saturday, alongside Jonny Owen, where he responded to the rumours in typical style.
The Lilywhites have two weeks before the club’s next game to install a new man in the dugout due to the international break.
Tottenham travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland once the Premier League resumes, before a home clash with Brighton.
The north London outfit still have to face Wolves, Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton before the end of the season.
Tottenham are currently in 17th place in the table, just one point above West Ham in the relegation zone.
eSPORTY verdict
eSPORTY’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook said: “We reported last week that Tottenham were actively considering another change of manager.
“Obviously, it was a sensitive and a delicate issue because he lost his father and had to shoot straight back home after that Nottingham Forest defeat in Tottenham’s last Premier League game without speaking to the media.
“In the statement released, Spurs have acknowledged that bereavement and they say they continue to send Igor Tudor their support at this difficult time.
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“I think probably both parties have come to this decision. Very rarely are these managerial changes mutual, but it does feel like this one very much is.
“From what I’m told, nobody at this stage is lined up to come in and replace Igor Tudor.
“Now, that may sound odd, but Tottenham do have two weeks until their next play again because they’re out of the FA Cup. They are confident that they can put some contingency plans in place.
“Roberto De Zerbi is a name that’s been mentioned. My information when it came to him has always been that if he did take this job at Tottenham, it would be at the end of the season and not now.
“Sean Dyche appeared to distance himself from taking over mid-season yesterday on eSPORTY. I think there are complications when it comes to his Nottingham Forest play-off if he does come back so soon.
“Adi Hutter, former Monaco manager, is somebody who has been sounded out. But does Ryan Mason come back into play? He has the potential to be interim until the end of the season.
“Robbie Keane, maybe, at Ferencváros. Tottenham legend. I know he’s someone they admire, but again, I think he would want a longer-term commitment.
“It’s really difficult to find this type of firefighter who’s going to come in for the final seven games and then potentially be happy just to walk off into the sunset.”
