Igor Tudor, Tottenham’s interim manager, has come under fire for heading straight down the tunnel after Spurs’ 3-2 win over Atlético Madrid on Wednesday.
Despite an impressive second-leg display in their Champions League last-16 tie, Spurs were unable to recover from a three-goal first-leg deficit, crashing out 7-5 on aggregate.
The performance followed a 1-1 draw at Anfield, and supporters are now hopeful the spirited showing against Atlético can help steer the team away from relegation trouble. Tottenham have endured a difficult run, with Tudor losing his opening four matches in charge, sparking fresh talk of another possible managerial change.
However, former Spurs midfielder Andy Reid criticised Tudor for failing to acknowledge fans after the final whistle. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Reid said it was unnecessary for the coach to walk straight down the tunnel, adding that after a rare win, Tudor should have applauded supporters to build stronger backing ahead of Sunday’s match. He also noted that Atlético, already holding the advantage, didn’t need to push hard, allowing Tottenham to take something positive from the game, though he expects a tougher contest next time out.
Reflecting on the result, Tudor admitted his emotions were mixed, praising his side’s performance and the fans’ support throughout the match.
He also highlighted Archie Gray for his impressive display, stating the youngster thrives in a central role due to his decision-making, physicality, and mentality. Tudor added that Gray and Pape have shown clear quality in recent matches, while Xavi Simons impressed in midfield. He also commended Mathys for his contribution and Kolo for his defensive work, noting that small refereeing decisions impacted the flow of the game. Overall, Tudor believes the team is progressing and must continue building on recent improvements.
