The situation looks bleak for Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur, with signs suggesting he may not last until the end of the season. Spurs have reportedly identified their preferred managerial target, though persuading him to take the job could prove difficult.
Tudor has recorded the worst start of any Tottenham manager, losing his first four matches. His tenure has also stretched the club’s losing run to six games, the longest in the club’s 143-year history. With players struggling to respond and supporters increasingly frustrated, the team’s situation continues to worsen as the threat of relegation grows.
According to the BBC, Tottenham’s owners ENIC Group are hesitant to step in directly, leaving the decision about a possible mid-season managerial change to chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.
Reports have also suggested that Spurs have been preparing a shortlist of potential replacements, including Robbie Keane, who could step in quickly to help guide the club away from danger.
Journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Tottenham are actively considering possible replacements if they decide another change in the dugout is necessary. Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said Tudor’s position is in “serious, serious” danger and far from secure.
Tudor is expected to remain in charge for Tottenham’s upcoming match at Anfield against Liverpool FC. However, with several players unavailable and confidence low, the fixture could further increase pressure on the manager.
Romano has reported that Tottenham’s top managerial target is Roberto De Zerbi, who is viewed internally as the ideal candidate for the role. The Italian is currently available after leaving Olympique de Marseille in February, although appointing him during the season is considered unlikely.
Any potential move for De Zerbi would likely involve a long-term contract rather than a short-term arrangement until the end of the campaign. However, questions about Tottenham’s Premier League status could influence any decision.
One possible outcome is that Spurs part ways with Tudor after their match against Liverpool, appoint an interim manager until the end of the season, and then pursue De Zerbi in the summer if the club remains in the Premier League.
Romano also noted that Tottenham would be interested in bringing back former manager Mauricio Pochettino, although he is currently focused on preparing the United States men’s national soccer team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
