Tottenham were rejected by a title-winning manager a fortnight ago before settling on Igor Tudor for the interim role, according to a report by ESPN.
Tottenham confirm Tudor as interim appointment
After reaching an agreement on Friday, the Lilywhites have confirmed the appointment of Tudor on a temporary basis until the end of the season.
The former Juventus defender’s stop-gap appointment clears the path for Mauricio Pochettino’s romantic summer return that supporters desperately crave.
Tudor takes training on Monday before his baptism of fire arrives next Sunday when Arsenal visit for the north London derby.
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Spurs have appointed the Croatian as an interim until the end of 25/26.
Spurs sit 16th with just five points separating them from the drop zone following a catastrophic run of two victories from 17 league matches.
Thomas Frank’s sacking on Wednesday left the club scrambling for immediate solutions, with Tudor emerging from a shortlist that reportedly included Marco Rose and Edin Terzić.
The appointment represents a massive gamble according to figures who’ve worked alongside Tudor previously.
He arrives without a single day’s Premier League experience either as a player or manager, whilst his recent CV reads like a warning rather than a recommendation.
None of his last three jobs at Marseille, Lazio and Juventus lasted beyond 12 months.
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The ex-Juventus boss is due to arrive on an interim basis.
Juventus sacked him in October after an eight-game winless nightmare, yet that same Turin spell demonstrated the qualities Tottenham hope to exploit.
Taking over from Thiago Motta last March with Juve fifth and spiraling, Tudor lost just one from 11 matches to secure fourth spot and Champions League qualification. That earned him a two-year contract, which lasted barely four months.
Similar rescue heroics occurred at Lazio, where he replaced the resigned Maurizio Sarri in March 2024. The Romans were ninth after five defeats across six games, yet Tudor won five from nine to grab seventh and Europa League football before quitting after 11 matches.
This represents Tudor’s twelfth managerial job across 13 years, averaging merely 261 days and 30 per club throughout his nomadic career.
His sole piece of silverware came after he lifted Croatia’s domestic cup with Hajduk Split back in 2013, so it is clear that he is a ‘steady the ship’ kind of appointment.
Times reporter Tom Allnutt shared some insight into Tudor, claiming he plays an aggressive, front-foot style, but he is also very demanding and specific tactically.
Interestingly, according to ESPN, the tactician wasn’t their first choice for the interim post.
Tottenham rejected by Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira ‘weeks ago’
The broadcast giant claims Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira knocked back their advances ‘two weeks ago’, with Spurs eventually settling on Tudor as their interim solution.
Spurs contacted the Portuguese manager’s representatives seeking permission to open formal discussions, yet Abel refused entertaining talks, having recently extended his Palmeiras contract through 2027.
The Brazilian outfit’s stability and long-term planning is said to have appealed far more than rescuing Tottenham from relegation.
Abel currently earns around £600,000 monthly at Palmeiras, wages even prestigious European clubs would struggle to match.
However, the 46-year-old also prioritises structure and genuine long-term vision over simply managing in Europe’s top leagues.
This marks the third Premier League rejection from Abel in in the last few months. Nottingham Forest approached him in September before his contract renewal, whilst Wolves made enquiries after sacking Vitor Pereira earlier this season.
All received identical responses.
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Tottenham subsequently evaluated several alternatives, including Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane, former Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi and ex-RB Leipzig chief Marco Rose before finally landing on Tudor as short-term firefighter.
Abel’s loyalty to Palmeiras continues frustrating English clubs chasing his services, yet the Portuguese remains unmoved by Premier League glamour whilst thriving in Brazil’s structured environment where he’s built sustained success since 2020.
The tactician has won multiple Brazilian Serie A titles at the club, and he appears determined to stay put.
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