Igor Tudor Named Spurs Boss Until End of Season
Tottenham Hotspur has officially appointed Igor Tudor as interim head coach through the end of the 2025-26 season, sources confirmed Friday. The 47-year-old experienced tactician takes the helm following Thomas Frank’s dismissal earlier this week after the club’s poor Premier League performance.
Tudor, a former Croatian center-back who won two Serie A titles as a player with Juventus, has verbally agreed to the role and is expected to be in place by Monday when Spurs’ players return from their five-day break. Contract details are still being finalized, but the appointment comes with no option to extend beyond summer.
Stepping Into a Challenge
The interim manager steps into a difficult situation. Tottenham currently sits 16th in the Premier League table, just five points above the relegation zone. Frank’s departure comes after the club recorded just two wins in their last 17 league matches, though they did secure Champions League round-of-16 qualification.
Spurs face a crucial test immediately upon their return, with a north London rivalry clash against Arsenal scheduled for February 22 at home. The team has also shown promise in European competition despite domestic struggles.
Extensive Managerial Experience
Tudor brings considerable European experience to the position. Most recently, he managed Juventus for seven months before his October departure following an eight-game winless streak. Prior to his Italian stint, his coaching career included positions at Lazio, Marseille, Udinese, and multiple other clubs across Europe and Turkey.
According to sources, the club identified Tudor as the leading candidate from a small pool of options due to his vast head coach experience and proven track record across top European leagues.
Path to Permanent Role
While Tudor’s appointment is explicitly interim, sources indicate he will be given the opportunity to stake a claim for the permanent position if Tottenham achieves success under his leadership. The club plans to evaluate candidates for a permanent managerial appointment during the summer transfer window.
Among potential permanent candidates being considered are former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who will coach the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup, as well as Roberto De Zerbi, Marco Rose, and Edin Terzic, who led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final in 2024.
