Tottenham Hotspur’s difficult season took another turn for the worse on Tuesday night as they were beaten 5–2 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League knockout clash.
After enduring a miserable Premier League run — going 11 matches without a victory since December 2025 — Spurs may have hoped that a switch to European competition would provide some relief. The North London side had actually performed well in the Champions League group stage, finishing fourth overall.
Seeking to end a run of three straight defeats since taking over from Thomas Frank at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Igor Tudor made a bold decision by leaving Guglielmo Vicario out of the starting lineup against Diego Simeone’s team and handing 22-year-old Antonin Kinsky his first Champions League start.
Tudor’s Gamble Backfires
However, the move quickly proved costly. Kinsky conceded three goals within the opening 15 minutes and was subsequently substituted for Vicario, making his first appearance since October a nightmare outing.
The chaotic sequence summed up Tudor’s spell in charge so far, with Tottenham’s performances continuing to decline since he replaced Frank. Although Kinsky will attract much of the criticism, several defenders — including Micky van de Ven — also endured a dreadful night.
With results showing no improvement and the players appearing to lack confidence under Tudor, the situation looks bleak ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. For many observers, the time for decisive action has arrived, with calls growing louder for Tottenham to part ways with Tudor immediately.
Tottenham Should Turn to Robbie Keane
Tottenham now find themselves in a full-blown crisis and require a manager who not only understands the Premier League but also has a strong connection to the club and can rebuild trust between the squad and supporters.
Robbie Keane could fit that profile. According to GIVEMESPORT sources, the former Spurs striker is considered a potential outsider for the job this summer, alongside Mauricio Pochettino — who was present at the match in Madrid — and Roberto De Zerbi following his recent departure from Marseille.
While former managers Harry Redknapp and Tim Sherwood have also expressed interest, neither has been active in club management for several years. Keane, on the other hand, is currently enjoying success in Hungary with Ferencvaros.
He has already guided the club to a league title and could secure another this season, having previously won the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Keane has demonstrated an ability to deliver results and maximize the performance of his players — qualities Tottenham desperately need at the moment. Reports from GIVEMESPORT also suggest the 45-year-old would be open to taking the role, even on a short-term basis if another managerial change occurs.
With the situation worsening, Tottenham’s board may feel they can no longer afford to delay making a decisive move.
