Igor Tudor reveals what he told Tottenham players on first day of training
Igor Tudor Sets the Tone as New Tottenham Boss with Strong First Message to Squad
Igor Tudor has moved quickly to stamp his authority on life at Tottenham Hotspur, delivering a firm and motivating message to his players as he begins what promises to be a demanding spell in north London. With little time to settle in, the newly appointed head coach has made it clear that urgency, unity, and accountability will be at the heart of his approach.
The Tottenham first-team squad recently returned to training after being granted a five-day break following the departure of former manager Thomas Frank. That brief pause came during a turbulent period for the club, but preparations are now fully underway ahead of a massive weekend encounter against fierce rivals Arsenal.
Tudor, who previously managed Juventus, has been tasked with restoring stability and energy to a side struggling for consistency. Speaking shortly after his first training session, the Croatian emphasized the scale of the challenge in front of him while also expressing pride at being trusted with such a high-profile role.
Rather than focusing on the spotlight of his appointment, Tudor insisted his attention is fixed squarely on improving the team. He described the opportunity as a privilege but stressed that success would depend on building strong relationships with players and creating a clear collective purpose.
According to the new boss, the immediate objective is simple but crucial: rebuild confidence. Tudor believes belief and bravery have been missing in recent performances, and he wants players to rediscover those qualities quickly. Alongside the psychological boost, he also highlighted the need for practical improvements on the pitch, suggesting tactical clarity and hard work will be central themes in training sessions.
The manager acknowledged that the circumstances are far from ideal. Taking charge mid-season means there is little room for gradual adjustments or lengthy adaptation periods. Instead, results are required immediately, and Tudor has made it clear that excuses will not be tolerated. Every player, he said, must contribute more than usual if the team is to climb away from danger.
His message to the squad centred on responsibility. He made it known that the club’s current standing is unacceptable to supporters and that awareness alone will not solve the problem. Commitment, intensity, and collective effort must now translate into performances and points.
The pressure surrounding the club has intensified due to their position near the bottom of the table, with only a narrow gap separating Spurs from relegation-threatened sides such as West Ham United. That reality makes Tudor’s mission especially difficult, as every match now carries increased importance.
Adding to the challenge, his first game in charge comes against an Arsenal side currently pushing at the top end of the standings. While the fixture represents a daunting introduction, it could also provide the perfect stage for Tudor to ignite a response from his squad. A strong performance in such a high-stakes derby would not only lift morale but could also signal the beginning of a fresh chapter for Tottenham under their new leader.
For now, Tudor’s focus remains clear: restore confidence, demand more from every player, and unite the club during a tense period of the season. Whether his direct approach can spark an immediate turnaround will become clear quickly, but his opening message leaves little doubt about the standards he expects moving forward.