Igor Tudor, Tottenham’s interim boss, has drawn criticism after heading straight down the tunnel following Spurs’ 3–2 win over Atlético Madrid on Wednesday.
Despite delivering a strong second-leg performance in their Champions League round-of-16 clash, Tottenham couldn’t overturn a three-goal deficit from the first leg and were eliminated 7–5 on aggregate.
The result came after a 1–1 draw at Anfield, and fans are now hoping the spirited display against Atlético can help the team avoid relegation concerns. Spurs have struggled in recent weeks, with Tudor losing his first four games in charge, fueling fresh speculation about another potential managerial change.
Former Tottenham midfielder Andy Reid, however, criticized Tudor for not acknowledging the supporters after the final whistle. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Reid said it was unnecessary for the coach to walk straight down the tunnel, adding that after a rare victory, he should have shown appreciation to the fans to build stronger support ahead of Sunday’s game. He also pointed out that Atlético, already holding a comfortable advantage, didn’t need to push too hard, which allowed Spurs to take some positives—though he expects a tougher challenge next time.
Reflecting on the match, Tudor admitted he had mixed feelings, praising both his team’s performance and the fans’ backing. He singled out Archie Gray for his standout display, noting the youngster’s composure, physical presence, and decision-making in a central role. Tudor also highlighted strong recent performances from Gray and Pape, while praising Xavi Simons’ influence in midfield. He commended Mathys for his contribution and Kolo for his defensive efforts, adding that minor refereeing decisions affected the flow of the game. Overall, Tudor believes the team is improving and must continue building on their recent progress.
