Igor Tudor’s spell in charge at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has not been what either party would have hoped for. The London club hired the Balkan manager to turn the team’s poor run of form around, but Igor Tudor has been unable to turn the situation around. Not only that, but he has made matters worse, with relegation to the Championship looking increasingly likely.

The figures speak for themselves. In seven matches in charge of Tottenham, the Croatian manager has managed to win just one. Moreover, it was insignificant, as it came in the Champions League elimination against Atlético Madrid. The most dramatic aspect has been the performance in the five Premier League matches he has managed, where they have picked up just one point.

In this context, Tottenham’s board have had no choice but to sack Igor Tudor. The objective for the capital club between now and the end of the season is clear: to secure Premier League survival. To do so, they need to turn things around, and the most direct way to bring about that transformation is by changing the manager.

Tottenham’s results under Igor Tudor

• Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal
• Fulham 2-1 Tottenham
• Tottenham 1-3 Crystal Palace
• Atlético Madrid 5-2 Tottenham
• Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham
• Tottenham 3-2 Atlético Madrid
• Tottenham 0-3 Nottingham Forest

Roberto De Zerbi, the likely replacement

Tottenham are already working on a replacement for Igor Tudor. The name being mentioned most is Roberto De Zerbi. The Spurs management are very keen on the Italian manager, knowing they need someone with his character to get the players to react and achieve positive results. If the objective of staying up is achieved, it is possible that De Zerbi will extend his contract.

For now, the urgent priority for the London side is to turn things around and start picking up points in their upcoming matches. They currently sit one point clear of the relegation zone, so they cannot afford to keep losing games. If they find themselves in the bottom three, the pressure could prove fatal. It remains to be seen how one of the ‘Big Six’ sides reacts to the very real possibility of relegation.

Premier League table after matchday 31

• 15. Leeds United 33 points
• 16. Nottingham Forest 32 points
• 17. Tottenham 30 points
• 18. West Ham 29 points
• 19. Burnley 20 points
• 20. Wolves 17 points