During Tottenham’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United on 7 February, Cristian Romero was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Casemiro. It marked his second dismissal of the campaign, resulting in a four-match suspension. At the time of Thomas Frank’s sacking, Spurs were sitting 16th in the Premier League.
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Romero’s season can still be turned around, but insists Igor Tudor must use all his man-management skills to get the best out of him.
Romero has also drawn attention off the pitch. Following a 2-2 draw with Manchester City, he described it as “disgraceful” that Spurs could only name 11 fit senior players due to injuries. The Argentina international later edited out comments in which he accused the club’s hierarchy of telling “lies.”
Despite his disciplinary issues, Redknapp has advised Tudor to keep Romero as captain. Writing in The Sun, he suggested that stripping him of the armband could backfire. Instead, he believes a direct conversation about Romero’s lack of discipline is needed to ensure he remains committed in the short term.
Redknapp also pointed to 19-year-old Archie Gray as a role model for Romero and the squad. He praised the teenager’s consistency and willingness to perform wherever he is asked to play, even out of position, describing him as a future Tottenham captain.
Tudor has been appointed until the end of the season, with Spurs just five points clear of the relegation zone and 12 league games remaining. Known for steadying struggling sides — notably keeping Udinese in Serie A in 2018 — Tudor faces a tough task. However, his track record of rarely staying longer than two years suggests his spell at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be temporary.
With the quality in their squad, Tottenham should have enough to avoid relegation, but two wins in their last 17 league matches highlight their poor form. Tudor’s first game comes against league leaders Arsenal on 22 February, a daunting start. If Spurs are to survive, key players such as Romero and Gray will need to deliver strong performances.
