Tottenham Hotspur appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager following the dismissal of Thomas Frank, after a poor run of results pushed the club dangerously close to the relegation zone. However, Tudor’s start has done little to ease concerns. Spurs have lost all three matches since his arrival and are now just one point above the drop zone, extending their winless run in the Premier League to 11 games since December 28.
The difficult start has sparked suggestions that Tudor himself could soon be dismissed. Despite the growing pressure, reports over the weekend indicated that Tottenham’s hierarchy plan to stick with the Croatian coach for the time being and give him more time to prove himself.
Nevertheless, Tudor is believed to be working under a strict timeline to turn things around, with potential alternatives reportedly being considered should results fail to improve. The decision to appoint him has already drawn heavy criticism from several pundits, many of whom fear Tottenham’s campaign could end in relegation.
Sherwood Questions Tottenham’s Decision-Making
Former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood was among the most vocal critics, questioning who at the club made the decision to appoint Tudor.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sherwood suggested that few figures within Tottenham would have had any real knowledge of Tudor’s managerial background. He also pointed out that former director Damien Comolli—who previously worked with Tudor at Juventus FC—might have been consulted if he were still involved with the club.
Sherwood implied that Tottenham’s leadership may now regret parting ways with Frank, suggesting they might have preferred to keep him or pursue a different managerial option altogether. He also questioned whether Tudor was ever likely to make an immediate impact in one of the world’s most demanding leagues.
The former Spurs boss warned that relegation, once thought impossible for the club, has become a genuine threat. He argued that the intensity of the Premier League may have caught Tudor off guard and criticised the constant changes in the team’s lineup as the coach searches for solutions.
Sherwood pointed to moments from the recent defeat to Crystal Palace as evidence of the team’s fragile state. He highlighted the incident where Micky van de Ven conceded a penalty after pulling down Ismaila Sarr, saying the team’s brief advantage quickly evaporated under mounting pressure inside the stadium.
Dawson Urges Players to Step Up
Former Tottenham captain Michael Dawson echoed similar concerns, stressing that the responsibility now lies with the players to fight their way out of trouble.
Dawson suggested that tactical discussions have become secondary given the club’s situation, insisting the squad must rediscover belief and unity if they are to survive. According to him, the players need to look at each other and recognise that only they can change the team’s fortunes.
Sheringham and O’Hara Add to Criticism
Another former Spurs striker, Teddy Sheringham, also expressed doubts about Tudor’s suitability for the role. Speaking on talkSPORT, Sheringham admitted he was surprised by the appointment and believes the Croatian is still learning on the job.
He argued that Tudor lacks familiarity with both the Premier League and his current squad, pointing to questionable tactical decisions and players being deployed out of their natural positions. Examples included defenders such as Kevin Danso, Pedro Porro and Van de Ven being used in unfamiliar roles, while younger players like Souza were also asked to operate in different positions.
Former midfielder Jamie O’Hara went even further, suggesting Tottenham should dismiss Tudor before the upcoming international break. He criticised the manager’s tactics and performances so far, claiming the team has deteriorated since his arrival and lacks both confidence and fighting spirit.
Shearer Warns Relegation Is Possible
Alan Shearer also believes Tottenham could make another managerial change before the end of the season if results do not improve. He warned that relegation is now a genuine possibility and described such an outcome as one of the biggest shocks in Premier League history.
Shearer noted that while other struggling teams have shown resilience, Spurs appeared overwhelmed in recent matches. He added that the club must urgently rediscover unity and determination if they are to avoid dropping into the second tier.
Uncertain Future at Tottenham
Beyond the managerial situation, uncertainty also surrounds several Tottenham players. Reports suggest some members of the squad are becoming frustrated with the team’s struggles, with at least one high-profile player said to feel “drained” by the current circumstances and considering a summer exit.
One player attracting particular attention is Van de Ven, who is reportedly valued at around £100 million and has drawn interest from major European clubs.
Meanwhile, Tottenham could revisit their pursuit of a key January transfer target if they manage to secure their Premier League status, with sources indicating the club has already explored the possibility of reigniting talks.