Tottenham told to ‘get rid’ and end Igor Tudor ‘farce’ as manager responds directly to sack ‘pressure’

Igor Tudor has responded to claims that his job is already hanging by a thread at Tottenham Hotspur, insisting the pressure surrounding his position is only a “seven out of ten,” even as speculation grows about his future ahead of Thursday night’s crucial clash with Crystal Palace.

The Croatian coach was a somewhat unexpected appointment when Tottenham’s hierarchy decided to end the tenure of Thomas Frank following a disappointing run of results. Under the Danish manager, Spurs had endured a miserable spell that dragged them dangerously close to the relegation zone, with just one victory recorded across ten Premier League matches. That run ultimately convinced the club’s decision-makers that a change in leadership was necessary in order to salvage their season.

However, the managerial switch has yet to bring the immediate improvement supporters had hoped for. Since Tudor stepped in on an interim basis, Tottenham’s struggles have continued, and results have arguably deteriorated further. Consecutive defeats in his opening two games in charge have left the north London club still searching for stability and form at a time when every point is critical in the battle to stay in the top flight.

In fact, Tudor has already found himself in unwanted company in the club’s record books. His start means he has become the first Spurs manager to lose his opening two matches in charge since Martin Jol back in 2004. With confidence fragile and the team slipping deeper into danger, the pressure surrounding the Croatian’s brief tenure has intensified rapidly.

Reports have even suggested that another defeat—this time at home against Palace—could prove decisive for Tudor’s future. Some critics believe a third straight loss would leave the club with little choice but to part ways with their interim boss, further highlighting the sense of instability that has enveloped Tottenham during a turbulent campaign.

Among those voicing concern is former Spurs midfielder turned pundit Jamie O’Hara, who has been outspoken in his criticism of the current situation. Speaking on Sky Sports’ Fan Club programme, O’Hara argued that he has seen little evidence of improvement since Tudor’s arrival and warned that another defeat could force the club’s hand.

According to O’Hara, Tottenham require a manager capable of rebuilding confidence within a squad that appears mentally fragile after months of disappointing results. Instead, he believes Tudor’s outspoken approach since arriving at the club risks creating further tension within the dressing room at a time when unity is desperately needed.

O’Hara suggested that if Tottenham lose again on Thursday night, the club should not hesitate to end Tudor’s short spell in charge. In his view, an interim manager who begins with three consecutive defeats cannot realistically remain in the role, especially with the team fighting to avoid relegation. He went as far as describing the current situation as a “farce,” reflecting the frustration felt by many supporters during what has become an extremely difficult season.

Despite the growing speculation about his future, Tudor has attempted to remain calm and focused on the immediate task at hand. Addressing the media ahead of the Palace clash, the former Juventus boss insisted that the only thing that matters now is securing results.

He emphasised that when a team finds itself in such a precarious position late in the season, style and long-term development must temporarily take a back seat. The immediate objective, he stressed, is collecting points that will help ensure Tottenham remain in the Premier League.

Tudor explained that the context of the final stretch of the campaign is vastly different from the start of a season, when managers have time to implement tactical ideas, build chemistry within the squad, and shape the team’s identity. With only a limited number of matches remaining, he believes the mentality of players and staff must shift toward survival above all else.

When asked directly about the pressure he faces—particularly with speculation mounting about a possible dismissal—Tudor responded with a mixture of realism and perspective. He acknowledged that pressure is an unavoidable part of life as a football manager but insisted it is something he has lived with throughout his career.

Rating the intensity of the current situation at “seven out of ten,” he explained that the expectation to perform has followed him since his earliest days in football. From his childhood dream of becoming a professional player to competing at the highest level and eventually moving into coaching, he said the feeling of responsibility has always been present.

For Tudor, that pressure is not necessarily a negative aspect of the job. Instead, he believes it is something that must be embraced and balanced with the enjoyment of working in the sport. He argued that while difficult moments can be challenging, they are also part of what makes football compelling.

The Croatian also tried to put the pressures of football into perspective by comparing them to challenges faced in everyday life. In his view, the real pressures exist in professions where people are responsible for supporting their families or making life-and-death decisions, such as doctors performing operations.

Within football, he believes the key is to accept the expectations placed upon players and coaches while still finding a sense of purpose and motivation. According to Tudor, the only effective response to pressure is to confront it head-on, take responsibility, and show the courage required to overcome difficult situations.

He also emphasised that the entire squad must recognise the seriousness of Tottenham’s current position. While he sees his role as helping the players manage the pressure, he expects them to accept that it exists and respond with determination on the pitch.

Encouragingly for the manager, he claimed to have seen positive signs during training sessions in the build-up to the Palace match. Tudor expressed confidence that his players are capable of stepping up, delivering improved performances, and beginning the process of collecting the points needed to steer the club away from danger.

Another area he addressed was the mentality of the squad following last weekend’s defeat to Fulham. After the match, Tudor delivered a passionate and visibly frustrated assessment of the performance, something he later explained was driven by his desire to instill a stronger competitive mindset within the group.

He stressed that losing must never become something players accept as routine. In his view, the correct reaction to defeat is anger and disappointment, emotions that can serve as motivation to improve in the next match.

Tudor believes maintaining that competitive edge is essential for any successful team. While players can treat casual games with friends lightly, he argued that professional football demands a completely different attitude—one where every defeat hurts and fuels a determination to respond.

As Tottenham prepare for what could be a defining fixture against Palace, Tudor hopes that mentality will be evident on the pitch. A strong performance and a vital victory could ease the pressure surrounding his tenure and offer Spurs a lifeline in their fight to remain in the top flight.

Off the pitch, speculation continues about the club’s future plans. Reports suggest Tottenham are among several teams monitoring a prolific Serie A striker who has scored more than 150 goals in Italy and could be available during the summer transfer window.

At the same time, attention has also turned toward the search for a permanent manager, with the club reportedly considering another Croatian candidate for the role. That potential appointment could spark competition from Manchester United if they also pursue the same target in the off-season.

Meanwhile, defender Micky van de Ven is believed to be attracting significant interest ahead of the summer window, with reports claiming that Real Madrid are planning a major spending spree that could include several Tottenham players.

For now, however, all attention remains on Thursday night’s clash with Palace. For Tudor and Tottenham alike, the outcome could have enormous consequences—not only for their Premier League survival hopes but also for the manager’s own future in north London.