The arrival of Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur has signaled a sharp change in direction for a club that had been spiraling toward a genuine crisis. Appointed as an interim measure following the dismissal of Thomas Frank, Tudor has been handed the daunting task of stabilizing a squad that has seen its confidence shattered and its league position plummet.
While the Italian media and football insiders like Fabrizio Romano have made it clear that Tudor’s tenure is strictly a short-term arrangement ending this June, the immediate priority is the North London Derby against Arsenal. For Tudor to navigate this baptism of fire, he will need every bit of attacking quality at his disposal, and it appears he already has a very personal reason to trust one of the club’s most debated figures: Richarlison.
The history between the new Spurs boss and the Brazilian forward isn’t one of player and coach, but rather one of victor and vanquished. Back in 2022, while Tudor was at the helm of French giants Marseille, he led his side into a high-stakes Champions League encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
On that night, the man who ultimately dismantled Tudor’s tactical plan was Richarlison. In a clinical second-half display, the forward netted two powerful headers to secure a 2-0 win for the Londoners. It was a performance that showcased the Brazilian’s unique ability to thrive in the air and find space in a crowded box traits that left a lasting impression on the Croatian manager.
Tudor’s tactical identity has often leaned toward a structured 3-4-3 system, a formation remarkably similar to the one Tottenham used during that successful European night. This familiarity could be the key to unlocking Richarlison’s potential once again.
Although the forward has faced his fair share of criticism, with pundits like Gabriel Agbonlahor recently labeling his impact as “weak” and others calling him “frustrating,” Tudor knows better than most that Richarlison is a player who delivers when the lights are brightest.
In a derby where emotions run high and physical battles define the outcome, having a player who relishes the role of the antagonist can be a manager’s greatest asset.
The timing of this managerial shift coincides with a potential injury boost that could define the early days of the Tudor era. Richarlison has been sidelined since January with a significant hamstring injury, a setback that left the previous management struggling for a focal point in attack.
At the time of the injury, it was estimated that he would be out for roughly seven weeks, with the North London Derby targeted as a potential return date. For a squad that is currently described as “incredibly thin,” the return of a seasoned international forward would provide a massive psychological and tactical lift.
Tudor is desperate for reinforcements, and seeing a player who once tormented his own defensive line return to training will undoubtedly be a welcome sight.
The task ahead for Tudor is not just about points; it is about pride. Tottenham finds itself precariously close to the relegation zone, a situation that would have been unthinkable at the start of the campaign.
The North London Derby is more than just a game; it is an opportunity to reset the narrative of the entire season. Arsenal enters the match in prime form, but history shows that derbies often ignore the league table. Richarlison, with his combative style and knack for scoring in big moments, is exactly the type of character Tudor needs to implement his brand of high-intensity football.
There is an interesting irony in Tudor now relying on the very player who once caused him such frustration on the European stage. However, it also speaks to the pragmatism of the former Juventus coach. He doesn’t need to be told about Richarlison’s aerial prowess or his work rate; he has seen it from the opposing dugout.
While some fans and critics remain divided on the Brazilian’s overall value to the team, Tudor’s first-hand experience suggests he views the forward as a cornerstone of his short-term survival plan.
As the weekend approaches, the focus at the training ground will be on whether the medical staff can give Richarlison the green light. If he is fit to lead the line or even provide a spark from the bench, Tudor will have a weapon he knows can hurt top-tier opposition.
The manager’s nomadic career, which has taken him through the technical demands of Serie A and the physicality of Ligue 1, has prepared him for this moment. He understands that in a relegation scrap, reputation matters less than results.
By integrating a fit-again Richarlison into a familiar 3-4-3 system, Tudor might just find the winning formula that escaped his predecessor, ensuring that his brief time in North London is remembered for a heroic turnaround rather than a continued slide.
