Arsenal Icon Questions Tottenham's Interim Manager Strategy
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has launched a scathing critique of Tottenham Hotspur's decision to appoint Igor Tudor as interim manager until the season's end, labeling the move a 'huge gamble' on a coach whose career resembles 'a plumber' doing quick fixes. The 47-year-old Croatian takes over at Spurs following the dismissal of Thomas Frank last week, with the club languishing in 16th place in the Premier League after just seven wins from 26 league games.
Unusual Dual Challenge for Tudor
Tudor inherits a Tottenham side in a peculiar predicament, balancing relegation concerns in the domestic league with ongoing success in the Champions League, where they have already advanced to the last 16. This marks Tudor's first managerial role in English football, arriving with a reputation as a short-term specialist, having held 12 managerial positions over the past 13 years, typically meeting specific targets set by clubs.
Keown expressed bewilderment at Tudor's career trajectory, noting his stints at high-profile clubs like Marseille, Lazio, and Juventus, none of which lasted a full calendar year. 'I just didn't think it would ever become a thing that we'd have a manager – like a plumber – he just goes in, quick fix and off and gone again,' Keown told talkSPORT. 'I just find it quite remarkable that we now have this situation within a football club. It's a huge gamble.'
Mixed Reactions from Football Pundits
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan acknowledged that Tudor is not a long-term solution for Spurs but suggested he might fulfill the immediate requirements. 'Football guys understand the business of football, they understand what they need to do and if they're good communicators in the short-term [it could work],' Jordan said. He highlighted Tudor's record of 13 jobs in 12 years, emphasizing that Spurs have not presented him as a permanent fix but rather a temporary measure.
In contrast, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood questioned the appeal of the role for Tudor, pointing out the minimal upside. Sherwood argued that Tudor would need to achieve near-perfect results, including winning the Champions League and most Premier League games, to secure the job permanently, a scenario he deemed unlikely with Mauricio Pochettino rumored as a long-term target. 'The downside is so catastrophic, it's not even worth thinking about,' Sherwood told Sky Sports, referencing the risk of relegation.
Tudor's Managerial Record and Spurs' Statement
Tudor's managerial career includes varied tenures across European clubs, with win percentages ranging from 37.78% at PAOK to 56.25% at Marseille. His most recent roles were brief stints at Lazio and Juventus in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Spurs sporting director Johan Lange defended the appointment, stating, 'Igor brings clarity, intensity and experience of stepping into challenging moments and producing impact.' Lange outlined the club's objective to stabilize performances and compete strongly in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Tudor, a former Juventus player who won two Serie A titles, expressed honor in joining Spurs, saying, '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 bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match.'
Immediate Test Against Arsenal
Tudor's tenure begins with a high-pressure match as Tottenham hosts local rivals Arsenal in the Premier League this Sunday. This fixture will serve as an early indicator of whether Tudor can navigate the dual challenges of domestic survival and European ambition, amid ongoing scrutiny from critics like Keown and Sherwood.
