Igor Tudor has resigned from his position as Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach after seven games.
The Spurs made the surprise decision to turn to Tudor just 44 days ago after firing Thomas Frank.
The Croatian had never managed in the Premier League before, although he did turn things around by moving to other clubs mid-season, but he still lost his first four games in charge in north London.
“We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed that head coach Igor Tudor will leave the club with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
“Tomislav Rozic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also resigned from their respective positions as goalkeeping coach and physical coach.
“We would like to thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their tireless work over the past six weeks. We also acknowledge the recent bereavement that Igor has suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.”
“Updates regarding the new head coach will be provided in due course.”
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Jamie Carragher has shared his thoughts after Spurs’ defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Their most recent defeat came on March 22, before the international break, at home to Nottingham Forest.
Shortly after that match, the 47-year-old learned that his father Mario had passed away.
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Watch for free: Premier League match highlights between Spurs and Nottingham Forest
Tudor’s departure means Spurs will play the final seven games of the Premier League season without a head coach, one point above the relegation zone.
The north London club are seeking a third manager this season as they aim to avoid relegation to the Second Division for the first time since 1977, ahead of their next game at Sunderland on April 12, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
“Tudor’s departure is inevitable, but it’s a matter of when, not if.”
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Tottenham have sacked manager Igor Tudor after just seven games, leaving the club on the brink of relegation from the Premier League.
Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge:
“It was inevitable. What we wanted to know was when they would do it. Igor Tudor was informed that his father had died seconds after Spurs lost to Nottingham Forest, and he laid his father Mario to rest in Croatia on Wednesday.”
For the football club, this is the final roll of the dice in this terrible season
SSN reporter Michael Bridge
“So, you might imagine that the Tottenham board decided they were going to make further changes in order to roll the dice one last time on this terrible season for the football club, but the timing is right.
“We have to get the timing right, but at the same time Spurs have to think about themselves. Relegation is definitely not an option for this football club, but it is very likely.”
Asked why Spurs acted now, he added: “I think again it’s a matter of timing. It’s terrible, tragic news that his father has passed away, but you could imagine the board and people talking about it and thinking, ‘Look, let’s give him a few days here’ because, as I say, he’s well-liked by people within the football club and I think he’s been given a few days to grieve.”
Tudor rule in numbers
Igor Tudor didn’t win a Premier League game during his time with Spurs
Zero: Tudor led Spurs to a five-game winless Premier League campaign, with their only point coming in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool on March 15.
1: Point difference between Spurs and the relegation zone. When Tudor took over in 16th place, there was a five-point difference between the sides, but that gap has narrowed to one point and Spurs are now 17th.
17: Minutes before Tudor was replaced by Antonin Kinski when goalkeeping was at fault for two of the Spanish side’s goals in the disastrous Champions League last-16 first leg against Atletico Madrid.
20: Number of goals Spurs have conceded in Tudor’s seven games in charge in all competitions, an average of 2.8 goals per game.
27: Opta’s current odds of Spurs being relegated this season have increased from just 4 per cent before Tudor’s first game in charge, a 4-1 home defeat to Arsenal on February 22.
PL with the shortest tenure reigns supreme
Merce: Spurs’ relegation now more believable than ever
Paul Merson of Sky Sports:
“I was at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final and I watched the Spurs game there. Oh my.
“At first Tottenham had the upper hand and if they had scored they would have just won the game. But they couldn’t score and they did what they have become famous for this season. They conceded one goal and then capitulated.”
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Tim Sherwood describes Spurs’ current situation as ‘daunting’
“Today, Spurs’ relegation is more incredible than ever. Spurs got a result against Liverpool, who were poor that day, and then won against Atletico Madrid.
“You suddenly think, ‘If they play like this, they’ll be fine and there’s no chance they’ll lose. But fast forward to the next Sunday and you’ll think: Wow, wow.
“It’s a real worry for Tottenham. It’s a real worry. And if they drop into the bottom three – and that’s a possibility by the next game – then it will be difficult for them.”
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Sky Sports News assesses intensifying relegation battle
“They’re going to Sunderland next and after winning the derby they’ll be reunited with their fans. And Brighton, they’re playing as well as anyone at the moment.”
“Spurs have two games left to play Chelsea away and we don’t want to go into games where we need points because it’s Chelsea’s biggest game of the season.
“And West Ham are playing Leeds at home on the last day of the season. You can’t write that, can you?”
What’s next for Spurs? Your opinion…
BIG TRACK: We welcome Tim Sherwood and Harry Redknapp to the team. Both will bring the fight back to the team.
Smudge081287: Bring in Redknapp with Sherwood – they both know the club and the league and make a lot of sense.
Joe: Tottenham would not have been in a relegation battle if they had kept Thomas Frank.
Paul Mack: The only way we can survive is if we bring in a Tottenham player, whether it’s Redknapp or Sherwood or Robbie Keane. They are people who can instill confidence and who know what it means to wear the badge.
Ryan Pattenden: Bring in Redknapp or Sherwood along with a former player to help this team.
tottenham remaining games
April 12: Sunderland (A) – Premier League, 2pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
Sunday, April 12th 1:00 p.m.
Kickoff at 2pm
April 18: Brighton (H) – Premier League, 5.30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
April 25: Wolves (A) – Premier League, 3pm kick-off
May 2: Aston Villa (A) – Premier League
May 9: Leeds (H) – Premier League
May 17: Chelsea (A) – Premier League
May 24: Everton (H) – Premier League
Sky Sports News Feature: Inside Spurs
On Thursday 2 April at 7pm, Sky Sports News will be broadcasting a special program on Spurs’ problems with their Premier League status, which is always under serious threat.
‘Inside Spurs’ will feature special guests including Jamie O’Hara who will dissect, analyze and examine the club’s struggles and predicament as they face relegation for the first time in 49 years.
