Tottenham Hotspur have officially appointed Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the season, a move that has also intensified speculation over a potential summer return for Mauricio Pochettino.
The 47-year-old Croatian, who was most recently in charge of Juventus before his dismissal in October, has agreed to lead Spurs through the remainder of the campaign, pending a work permit.
In an official statement, the club confirmed Tudor’s arrival, highlighting his clear objective: to improve performances, secure results, and guide the team up the Premier League table. He has been tasked with bringing structure, intensity, and a competitive mentality during a crucial phase of the season.
Tudor described the opportunity as an honour, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with the role. He stressed his commitment to delivering consistent performances and competing with determination in every fixture, adding that his immediate focus is organising the squad, injecting energy, and turning results around swiftly.
Sporting director Johan Lange praised Tudor’s experience in handling difficult situations and making an instant impact, underlining the club’s aim to steady performances and compete strongly in both the league and the UEFA Champions League.
Spurs were keen to have their new coach in place before players returned to training ahead of the upcoming north London derby against Arsenal. Sources indicate there is no option to make the appointment permanent, keeping the door open for a long-term managerial decision in the summer.
That temporary arrangement has kept alive talk of a possible reunion with Pochettino, who previously guided Tottenham to a Champions League final. While he remains committed to leading the United States men’s national soccer team at the World Cup, reports suggest there is mutual openness to a future return.
Other names linked with the role include Marco Rose and Edin Terzic, while club legend Robbie Keane is reportedly interested only in a permanent position. Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi is said to be taking a break after leaving Marseille.
Tudor has been without a job since parting ways with Juventus, where he endured a mixed spell. Despite guiding the Italian giants to a fourth-place finish in Serie A and securing Champions League qualification after losing just one of his first 11 matches, a subsequent eight-game winless run led to his dismissal only months into a new contract.
Earlier in his career, Tudor managed several clubs across Europe, including Hajduk Split, PAOK, Galatasaray, Udinese, Verona, Marseille, and Lazio, though his stint at Lazio lasted only 11 matches.
He now faces the immediate challenge of lifting the mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Spurs currently sitting 16th in the Premier League — just five points above the relegation zone — and a crucial derby looming on February 22.
