EXCLUSIVE: Tudor Reveals Early Spurs Discussions and Hints at Romero Reunion
Tudor Reveals Early Spurs Discussions and Hints at Romero Reunion
Speaking in an in-depth interview with Tottenham Hotspur media, Igor Tudor explained that his recent discussions with the squad were never meant to focus on isolated topics, but rather on building a complete footballing vision. He stressed that conversations inside a dressing room cannot be fragmented into separate subjects such as tactics, mentality, or personnel. Instead, he believes everything must be addressed collectively so players fully understand both their roles and the wider philosophy guiding the team.
The Croatian coach emphasized that clarity is essential for modern professionals. According to him, players not only need instructions but actively want precise direction about what is expected of them on the pitch. That, he said, was the purpose of his message: to establish shared standards about character, professionalism, and tactical identity. By aligning personal values with a defined style of play, Tudor hopes to create unity and consistency that translates into performances.
Reflecting on his past working relationship with Cristian Romero, the manager spoke warmly about their history. He recalled how he once made a decisive call involving the defender’s development path, arranging a move that ultimately proved pivotal. At the time, the Argentine joined Atalanta, a switch that Tudor believes helped shape his trajectory. The coach joked that Romero still reminds him of that decision today, but acknowledged the outcome was hugely positive, as the centre-back blossomed into the elite-level player he is now widely regarded to be.
Tudor also looked back on another player he encountered earlier in his career, Radu Drăgușin, whom he worked with during his time at Juventus. He explained that even as a teenager, the defender showed clear signs of high-level potential. The manager remembered immediately recognizing his physical attributes, technical ability, and mentality, noting that although he was raw at the time, the underlying qualities were obvious. Now, several years on, Tudor sees a more mature player who has grown significantly while still retaining room for further development.
The Spurs boss also took a nostalgic turn when discussing his personal ties to the club through fellow Croatians. He fondly mentioned former goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, whom he described as a close friend, and paid tribute to Luka Modrić, calling him the greatest footballer his country has ever produced. Thinking back to those connections, Tudor admitted that memories from a decade or more ago still bring a sense of pride and warmth, even if much time has passed since those moments.
Finally, when questioned about who would wear the captain’s armband in the upcoming North London derby with Romero unavailable, Tudor chose not to reveal his plans. Rather than giving away his decision prematurely, he simply smiled and said the answer would come on matchday, leaving supporters guessing about which player will be trusted with leadership duties in one of the season’s most intense fixtures.