Interim Tottenham manager Igor Tudor cut a figure of intense focus at Hotspur Way this week. Addressing the media following a bruising 4-1 North London derby defeat, the Croatian made one thing clear: the time for “beautiful football” has passed.
With Spurs languishing in 16th place a mere four points above the relegation zone Tudor is shifting the club’s philosophy from artistic expression to cold, hard survival.
As the team prepares for Sunday’s trip to Craven Cottage, the manager welcomed the return of Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso to full training. Their availability provides a massive boost to a backline that has looked fragile. Micky van de Ven also remains in the squad despite a minor toe issue, and Tudor was quick to dismiss social media rumors suggesting the Dutch defender had ignored his instructions during the Arsenal game.
Tudor clarified that his mid-match frustration was directed at the defensive line’s collective failure to push up the pitch, rather than any individual insubordination, labeling Van de Ven a “fantastic professional.”
The most poignant updates involved the club’s long-term absentees. Tudor, who coached Dejan Kulusevski during their shared time at Juventus, offered a mix of empathy and cautious optimism regarding the Swedish attacker.
Kulusevski has endured a grueling year of rehabilitation, and while Tudor remains hopeful he could feature before the season concludes, he refused to set a definitive timeline. Similarly, the recovery of Destiny Udogie is being monitored on a weekly basis. Tudor emphasized that the primary goal is ensuring these players return in peak physical condition rather than rushing them back to solve the current numbers crisis.
The manager did not shy away from the gravity of the situation, admitting the job is perhaps even more difficult than he first imagined. With a thin squad and the looming pressure of Champions League fixtures, Tudor noted that every league game has essentially become a “final.”
He spoke candidly about the “mentality of a small team” a term used in Italy to describe the gritty, defensive resolve required when points are more important than performances. For Tudor, the current priority is life and death in a sporting sense; the refinement of a specific playing style must wait until the club is safely away from the drop zone.
Tactically, Tudor hinted at further adjustments. While he prefers a high-pressing system, he acknowledged that a team suffering from low confidence and defensive gaps must be “smart” rather than stubborn.
This likely means a more pragmatic approach against a settled Fulham side. He also addressed the challenge of balancing his attacking options, mentioning the need to find a way to utilize the likes of Solanke, Kolo Muani, and Richarlison without leaving the defense exposed.
The return of Joao Palhinha to his former hunting ground at Craven Cottage adds another layer of intrigue. Tudor praised the Portuguese international’s leadership and selflessness, noting that while Palhinha played out of position in a back four recently to protect the team’s weaknesses, he remains a vital human and professional asset in the dressing room.
Whether he returns to his natural midfield pivot or remains a defensive anchor will depend on how Tudor integrates the returning Porro and Danso.
Ultimately, Tudor’s message to the fans and his players was one of singular focus. He has avoided using the word “relegation” not out of fear, but to keep the squad concentrated on the only thing they can control: daily work on the training pitch. In his view, points are a consequence of preparation, and right now, the preparation is geared toward winning ugly.
