Who can replace Igor Tudor at Tottenham? Five candidates to save the Spurs.

Igor Tudor, who was brought to Tottenham Hotspur with the promise of being the “recovery specialist,” seems to have worsened the crisis of the London team, leading the club into an increasingly desperate situation. The situation is alarming: after the departure of Thomas Frank in mid-February, Tudor was tasked with preventing the Spurs from falling into a genuine relegation battle, as well as ensuring a respectable presence in European competitions. However, under his guidance, the team has been sucked into the abyss of the Premier League table and now faces an uncertain future in the Champions League, following a humiliating 5-2 defeat in the first leg of the round of 16 against Atlético de Madrid.

With Tudor’s position at risk, the big question that arises is: who could take the reins of Tottenham to prevent an even greater disaster? Sporting News examines five potential candidates who could step in to save the London club.

The Spurs are in a race against time, seeking a temporary solution that can stabilize the situation until a more permanent decision can be made after the end of the season. One option that has emerged is Ryan Mason, a former midfielder for Tottenham who has served as interim manager on two previous occasions. Although he has never managed at the senior level before, Mason was called upon in 2021 and 2023 to lead the club during times of crisis. However, his recent stint at West Brom, where he was dismissed following a series of unsatisfactory results, raises doubts about his ability to be seen as the savior.

Another iconic figure that could be considered is Robbie Keane. The former Spurs player has been trying to cement his career as a coach, taking on various roles, including assistant with the Ireland national team. In 2023, Keane had his first experience as a head coach with Maccabi Tel Aviv, which ended prematurely for security reasons. Currently at Ferencvaros, the prospect of returning to Tottenham at a time of crisis could be tempting, but it would be quite a challenge to leave a club where he is finding success.

If Tottenham intends to act decisively and seek a permanent manager right away, Roberto De Zerbi could be a viable option. The Italian, who was dismissed after a heavy defeat with Marseille, is available and would be a significant addition to the squad. However, his effectiveness and style of play will be questioned following his experience in Ligue 1.

On the other hand, the iconic Harry Redknapp, who previously managed the Spurs for four years, emerges as a contender to consider. Although he has not been at the helm of a club since 2017, his vast experience in football, combined with his knowledge of the club, could be an asset. However, his prolonged absence from the Premier League raises questions about his ability to adapt to a game that has evolved significantly since his retirement.

Finally, the figure of Mauricio Pochettino cannot be overlooked. The former Spurs manager, who currently leads the United States national team, is seen as one of the leading candidates for a return to the club next season. However, his current contractual obligations and the interest from other prestigious European clubs make a short-term move unlikely.

The situation at Tottenham is critical, and the choice of the next manager could define not only the club’s immediate future but also its ability to remain in the elite of English football.