Could Igor Tudor Be the Answer as Spurs’ Interim Coach?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) Igor Tudor has finalized a deal to oversee Tottenham Hotspur as their interim manager until the season's conclusion, stepping in after the recent departure of Thomas Frank. The club made this move following a challenging period that has left them just five points clear of the relegation zone, seeking immediate stability to prevent a late-season collapse.
At 47, Tudor returns to a managerial role after leaving Juventus in October 2025, where his time ended amid an eight-match winless streak, placing the club in eighth position in Serie A.
The Croatian has an extensive coaching background across Europe, having managed teams like Lazio, Marseille, Galatasaray, and Udinese. He was appointed at Lazio in March 2024, taking over from Maurizio Sarri when the team was languishing in ninth place. Tudor led them to five victories in nine matches, suffering only one defeat, which helped them finish seventh and secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League. Despite this success, he chose to resign at the end of that season.
The only silverware on his managerial résumé is from his time with Hajduk Split, where he secured the Croatian Cup in 2013.
As a player, Tudor had a successful nine-year stint at Juventus, winning two league titles and finishing as a runner-up in the 2003 UEFA Champions League Final. He was also part of the Croatian national team that reached the semifinals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, ultimately finishing in third place.
Tottenham considered other short-term candidates, including former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic and ex-RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose.
Although Tudor's role is temporary, he could be considered for a permanent position if he makes a significant impact. Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is still seen as a long-term option, despite his current contract with the United States men's national soccer team running through this summer’s World Cup.
Another potential candidate is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently left Marseille by mutual agreement.