Tottenham Appoints Igor Tudor as Interim Head Coach Until the End of Season

 Tottenham Hotspur have moved quickly to address their managerial vacancy, confirming the appointment of Croatian tactician Igor Tudor as their new head coach on an interim basis until the end of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. The announcement came on Saturday, February 14, 2026, just days after the club parted ways with Thomas Frank following an alarming slide in form that has left Spurs perilously close to the relegation zone.

Tudor, 47, joins the north London club having been without a managerial role since his departure from Juventus in October 2025. The former Marseille and Hajduk Split boss brings a reputation for intensity, tactical discipline, and the ability to deliver results in high-pressure rescue missions. He previously stepped in at Lazio during the 2023-24 season, guiding them to a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification in a short stint.

In an official statement on the club's website, Tottenham expressed confidence in Tudor's credentials. Sporting Director Johan Lange highlighted the new coach's "clarity, intensity, and experience of stepping into challenging moments and producing impact." Tudor himself addressed the appointment with measured optimism: "It is an honour to join this Club at an important moment. I understand the responsibility I have been handed and my focus is clear—to improve performances, deliver results, and move us up the Premier League table."

The move follows Frank's dismissal on February 11 after a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United, which extended a dismal run of just two wins in their last 17 Premier League matches. Under Frank—who succeeded Ange Postecoglou last summer—Tottenham sat 16th in the table, only five points clear of the drop zone despite stronger showings in other competitions. The decision to sack the Dane after less than eight months underscored the board's urgency to stabilize the team amid growing fan concern and fears of an unthinkable relegation battle.

Tudor's mandate is straightforward: inject organization, competitive edge, and urgency into a squad that has struggled for consistency. His first test comes quickly, with a high-stakes north London derby against league leaders Arsenal scheduled for February 22 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That fixture, broadcast live on Sky Sports, will provide an immediate gauge of whether the Croatian's aggressive, high-energy style can spark an upturn.

Analysts note Tudor's track record of short-term impact—he rarely stays in one job long-term, with no stint exceeding 48 games—but his pragmatic approach and defensive solidity could suit Spurs' current needs. The club has emphasized that this is an interim arrangement, with plans to appoint a permanent head coach in the summer. Names like Mauricio Pochettino (whose USMNT contract ends after the 2026 World Cup) and Roberto De Zerbi have already surfaced as potential long-term options.

For Tottenham supporters, the appointment represents a shift toward a battle-hardened, no-nonsense figure amid a season of upheaval. Tudor arrives with the backing of the board but the clear expectation to rally the players and climb the table in the remaining months. Whether he can turn the tide remains to be seen, but his arrival injects fresh momentum at a critical juncture.

The Premier League's unpredictable nature means survival is far from guaranteed, but Spurs have acted decisively. All eyes now turn to how quickly Tudor can imprint his philosophy and whether the squad responds to his demands for fight and intensity.