2026-02-27 11:34:55
Igor Tudor has admitted that Tottenham’s relegation battle is the toughest managerial job of his career.
The Croatian coach has been tasked with keeping Spurs in the top flight but admits it is a more difficult challenge than his previous stints with Serie A sides Juventus and Lazio – where he was able to improve results immediately.
Tudor told reporters: “If I recognised the difficulties there are, probably yes [it is the biggest].
“It’s an even bigger motivation that we do it.”
Spurs sit just four points above the relegation places and the interim boss says results now matter far more than style of play.
Tudor said: “There’s not too much time to think about performance or style.
“Every game needs to be prepared in that way: How are we going to take the points? One way or the other way.
“Unfortunately, it’s for me very clear. I’m not that kind of coach who doesn’t want to cure style, how we perform – but in this moment it’s not possible to think about those kind of things.
“The style is second because it’s a question of life and death, if I can say that sportingly.”
Tudor even suggested that Tottenham should adopt an underdog mentality in their battle against the drop.
He explained: “In Italy they use the term, ‘have the mentality of a small team’.
“That’s the key always, to have the willingness and motivation like you play against bigger teams.”
Spurs will find out their Champions League last 16 opponents on Friday (27.02.26) and Tudor admits that the club’s involvement in Europe’s top competition is “not an ideal situation” given their domestic plight and crippling injury list.
He said: “It’s a beautiful competition to play, everyone wants to play. The problem is the lack of numbers we have in the team. There’s the problem. If you need to play every three days with 10,12, 13… Also it’s not only about spending physical energy but also mental energy when every game for us in the league is a final.”
Visit Bang Premier (main website)
