Tottenham sacks Igor Tudor after miserable 37 days in charge

By Kazeem Ugodaga

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the mutual departure of Head Coach Igor Tudor with immediate effect, bringing to a close one of the shortest and most challenging managerial tenures in the club’s recent history.

The club confirmed in an official statement on Sunday that Tudor, along with Goalkeeping Coach Tomislav Rogic and Physical Coach Riccardo Ragnacci, have left their roles.

All three had joined the North London side in mid-February when Tudor was appointed as interim boss until the end of the 2025/26 season, following the sacking of Thomas Frank.

“We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect,” the statement read.

“We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time. An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course,” the club added.

Tudor’s appointment on 14 February came as Spurs sought a steady hand to steer them away from a growing relegation threat.

The Croatian, previously at Juventus and Marseille, arrived with a reputation as a no-nonsense “firefighter,” bringing in trusted lieutenants including Rogic (experienced from Hajduk Split, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Juventus) and Ragnacci (a physical performance specialist from Italian clubs including Juventus).

However, results on the pitch failed to improve. Under Tudor, Tottenham endured a winless run in the Premier League, suffering defeats to sides including Arsenal, Fulham, Crystal Palace, and a damaging 3-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest in a key relegation six-pointer on 22 March.

The team currently sits precariously in 17th place with 30 points from 31 games, goal difference of -10, and just a handful of fixtures remaining—including an upcoming trip to Sunderland.

The timing of Tudor’s exit is complicated by personal tragedy. Croatian media reported that his father, Mario, passed away, with the news reaching the coach immediately after the Forest defeat.

Tudor missed subsequent media duties, and the club, along with Juventus, publicly offered condolences. Spurs’ statement on Sunday explicitly referenced this bereavement, underscoring a decision handled with sensitivity during an already difficult period for the 47-year-old.

Insiders had indicated in recent days that a change was imminent, with the international break providing a window to install a new interim figure and allow preparation time ahead of critical remaining matches.

Names such as Roberto De Zerbi have been floated as potential short-term options, though the club has yet to confirm any successor.

Tottenham’s season has been marked by instability. Ange Postecoglou’s departure last year was followed by Frank’s brief and unsuccessful reign, which itself ended in February amid poor form. The latest upheaval leaves the squad, already low on confidence, with further disruption as they fight to avoid the drop for the first time in decades.