Tottenham's New Manager Faces Brutal Assessment Before First Game
New Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor has been delivered a stark warning that he "can only fail" in his mission to rescue the club's disastrous Premier League season. The Croatian coach takes over at a critical moment with Spurs hovering dangerously just above the relegation zone following their decision to part ways with Thomas Frank earlier this week.
A Baptism of Fire Awaits
Tudor's first match in charge presents the ultimate challenge: a north London derby against league leaders Arsenal next weekend. The 47-year-old former Croatia international arrives with experience at major European clubs including Lazio, Marseille, Galatasaray, and most recently Juventus, but has never remained at any single club for more than two years.
This appointment marks Tudor's first managerial position in English football, with Tottenham opting for an experienced newcomer rather than returning to familiar faces with club connections. The decision has sparked immediate controversy and skepticism about his prospects for success.
Sherwood's Scathing Critique
Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood, who spent five months in charge at Spurs in 2013-2014 after serving as a player and assistant coach, expressed grave concerns about Tudor's appointment. Sherwood had put his name forward for the interim position this week, calling it an "honour" to potentially return to the club.
Following Tudor's appointment, Sherwood delivered a brutal assessment on Sky Sports, questioning the wisdom of hiring a manager with "no knowledge" of English football during such a precarious period.
"It's going to be difficult, he has no knowledge of the Premier League. Apart from the money, what is the upside for him?" Sherwood stated bluntly. "If he finishes 12th, he's getting no credit. The downside is so catastrophic."
Sherwood emphasized the extraordinary pressure Tudor faces, asking: "Would you want your fingerprints all over Tottenham getting relegated from the Premier League?"
The Toxic Atmosphere at Tottenham
The former Spurs manager pointed to what he described as a "toxic nature" among fans as a significant factor in Frank's departure, while acknowledging supporters' frustrations with the team's poor results.
"I heard people say they're sleepwalking into the Championship," Sherwood noted, referring to England's second division. "I think they'll have enough, even with the injuries, to get out of it — but he will get no credit for that."
Sherwood's final verdict was unequivocal: "The downside is so great... he can only fail. He's getting no credit for keeping Tottenham in the league."
A Daunting Task Ahead
Tudor inherits a Tottenham squad suffering from what Sherwood described as an "abysmal slump in form" that ultimately cost Frank his job. The club's decision-makers have placed their faith in a manager with continental experience but no Premier League background during what may be the most critical period in Tottenham's recent history.
As the north London derby approaches, Tudor faces not only the challenge of reviving a struggling team but also overcoming widespread skepticism about his ability to navigate the unique pressures of English football's relegation battle. The coming weeks will determine whether he can defy Sherwood's grim prediction or whether Tottenham's gamble on an outsider will indeed end in what critics are already calling inevitable failure.
