Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Igor Tudor as their novel head coach, replacing Thomas Frank, who was dismissed earlier this week with the club facing a relegation battle. The appointment comes ahead of a crucial North London Derby against Arsenal on Sunday.
Frank’s departure, confirmed on Tuesday following a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, followed a period of reportedly strained relations with the Tottenham squad. Multiple reports indicate that Frank repeatedly discussed Arsenal’s strengths with his players, a tactic that frustrated many within the team. A source told The Telegraph, “He was constantly going on to the players about Arsenal and they quickly got sick of it. Even before and after the game at the Emirates, he was telling them how good Arsenal were. The feeling among some was very much ‘just shut up about Arsenal’.”
The situation was further complicated by an incident in January where Frank was photographed holding a coffee cup bearing the Arsenal logo. While Frank dismissed the incident as unintentional, it fuelled a narrative among Arsenal fans that he harboured a secret affinity for their club. “I definitely did not notice it. It would be completely stupid of me to take it if I knew,” Frank said at the time, attempting to downplay the optics.
Tudor, who previously managed Lazio, Marseille, and Juventus, has signaled his intention to implement a high-pressing, aggressive style of play. He is expected to prioritize a proactive approach, particularly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where a large and vocal crowd is anticipated for Sunday’s derby.
Tottenham currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just five points above the relegation zone, having won only two of their last 17 league games. The club’s statement announcing Frank’s dismissal acknowledged the necessitate for a change in leadership, stating that “results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to comfortably overcome their midweek fixture against a Midlands opponent, but the visit to Tottenham on Sunday represents a significantly greater challenge. The derby is known for its intensity and unpredictable nature, and Tudor’s arrival adds another layer of uncertainty to the fixture.
Reports suggest that Frank’s “obsession” with Arsenal ultimately contributed to his downfall at Tottenham, according to sources cited by GiveMeSport and Yahoo Sports. The constant references to their rivals reportedly created a negative atmosphere within the squad.