Urgent Shift in Club Leadership
Tottenham Hotspur is undergoing a significant change at the top of its coaching staff. The club has reached an agreement to appoint Igor Tudor, formerly of Juventus, as their interim head coach. This move comes swiftly after the dismissal of Thomas Frank, whose tenure ended following a defeat that left the team precariously close to the relegation zone. The immediate priority for Tudor will be to stabilize the squad and guide them through the remainder of the season.
Context of the Appointment
The decision to bring in Tudor follows a period of uncertainty for Tottenham. Thomas Frank was sacked earlier this week after a loss to Newcastle United, which placed the club just five points above the relegation places in the Premier League. Sources indicate that the club aimed to have an interim manager in place by the time the players returned to training on Monday.
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Several names were reportedly considered for the interim role, including former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and ex-Red Bull Leipzig boss Marco Rose. However, the focus has now settled on Tudor, a 47-year-old Croatian with experience managing in Italy and France. His appointment is understood to be until the end of the season, with plans to search for a permanent successor in the summer.
February 2, 2026: Valerien Ismael departs as manager.
February 2026 (Early Week): Thomas Frank is sacked following a loss to Newcastle.
February 13, 2026: Igor Tudor agrees to become interim head coach.
February 2026 (Monday): Tudor is expected to take training for the first time.
Summer 2026: Tottenham plans to appoint a permanent head coach.
Key Details of the Agreement
While a verbal agreement is in place, final details regarding Tudor's contract are still being formalized. His primary objective is to steer the club away from relegation danger and achieve immediate short-term impact. There is also a suggestion that Tudor could be considered for the permanent role should he perform well during his interim period. The club's strategy appears to include a potential long-term plan that could see former manager Mauricio Pochettino return in the summer.
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Igor Tudor's Coaching Background
Igor Tudor brings a track record that includes managing Juventus and Marseille. His experience at Juventus saw him guide the team into the top four of Serie A within his initial months. However, this was followed by a winless run of eight games in his second season, leading to his dismissal. He is described as someone who can instill discipline, a trait that might be crucial for Tottenham's current situation.
Club's Strategic Vision
The appointment of an interim manager signals a temporary solution while Tottenham explores more permanent options. The potential return of Mauricio Pochettino is a notable aspect of the club's forward-thinking strategy. Pochettino, a former Spurs manager, is reportedly a candidate for the permanent position, with his contract with the United States men's national team expiring after the upcoming summer World Cup.
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Navigating Immediate Challenges
Tudor's immediate task will be to lift the atmosphere around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and improve the team's performance. The club's upcoming fixtures present a significant challenge:
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 22 | Arsenal | Premier League | Home |
| March 1 | Fulham | Premier League | Away |
| March 5 | Crystal Palace | Premier League | Home |
| March 15 | Liverpool | Premier League | Away |
| March 22 | Nottingham Forest | Premier League | Home |
These matches will be critical in determining Tottenham's league position and assessing Tudor's initial impact.
Expert Insights
Reports suggest that Tudor is seen as a figure capable of making an "immediate short-term impact." His experience as an interim manager in previous roles, such as stepping in at Juventus, indicates a familiarity with transitional periods. The club's decision to pursue a temporary appointment until the summer suggests a careful consideration of long-term leadership options, with Mauricio Pochettino being a name associated with this future planning.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Tottenham Hotspur has moved decisively to appoint Igor Tudor as their interim head coach. This appointment aims to provide immediate stability and strategic direction following the sacking of Thomas Frank. Tudor's mandate is clear: to navigate the team away from relegation threats and prepare them for a summer transition. The club's broader strategy appears to include a potential long-term return for Mauricio Pochettino, indicating a dual focus on immediate survival and future planning. The coming weeks, marked by a series of challenging fixtures, will be pivotal in evaluating Tudor's effectiveness and the club's overall trajectory.
Sources Used:
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/feb/13/tottenham-manager-latest-ratcliffe-reaction-fa-cup-fourth-round-and-more-live
BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvg87wlv7lmo
Talksport: https://talksport.com/football/3982932/tottenham-new-manager-interim-igor-tudor-mauricio-pochettino/
Sky Sports: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/13507101/igor-tudor-tottenham-reach-agreement-with-former-juventus-boss-to-become-interim-head-coach-for-rest-of-season
The Standard: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-new-head-coach-igor-tudor-frank-sacking-b1270954.html
The Athletic (NYT): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7038301/2026/02/13/tottenham-next-manager-igor-tudor/
Tottenham Hotspur News: https://www.tottenhamhotspurnews.com/news/igor-tudor-agrees-to-become-new-tottenham-coach-heres-everything-we-know/
Metro: https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/13/tottenham-offer-contract-ex-juventus-boss-become-next-manager-26877640/
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