Igor Tudor will make ‘high risk’ tactical switch at relegation threatened Tottenham

Feb 16, 2026 - 12:30
Igor Tudor will make ‘high risk’ tactical switch at relegation threatened Tottenham

Tottenham fans can brace themselves for exciting, attacking football under interim boss Igor Tudor.

That’s according to his former defender William Troost-Ekong ahead of a massive first test against Arsenal in the north London derby.

Igor Tudor as Juventus manager.
Tudor has taken the reins from Frank at Spurs until the summer
Getty

Spurs sacked Thomas Frank last week after picking up just two wins in the Premier League since the end of November.

Former Juventus boss Tudor has arrived on a deal that, according to sources, does not include a permanent option.

He will make his touchline debut for Spurs on Sunday when they host their rivals and Premier League title challengers Arsenal.

Victory would not only dent their fiercest foes’ quest for glory, but it would also steer the Europa League winners away from relegation.

Tudor may not have any past Premier League experience, but Troost-Ekong has revealed what fans can expect to see on the pitch.

Tudor can get Spurs fans off their seats

“We had him two times at Udinese,” he said on talkSPORT Breakfast. “He’s a manager that likes to play 3-5-2 or a variation of it from what my experience was.

“Attacking football, high back line, tries to press high, can be quite direct. He’s definitely a personality so if they need someone to shake up the place and get everyone going, then he’s definitely the right person for it.

“The north London derby is probably the perfect game to start. He’s definitely someone who’s not intimidated by anything like that.

“A big personality and he’s going to get everyone trying to run through a brick wall. I think that’s probably been my experience with him.”

Troost-Ekong added: “My time with him, he was very focused on instilling the confidence back in the team. He came in at two moments when we weren’t doing too well.

Igor Tudor as Juventus manager.
Tudor’s first assignment at Spurs? The north London derby against Arsenal
Getty
Igor Tudor as Juventus manager.
The Croatian is set to bring an attacking style of play to the team
Getty

“I think for Spurs at this moment in time he’ll work a lot with the back line. There was a lot of tactical work that we did. Maybe if they’re going to switch it up now to a 3-5-2, that would probably be the first thing.

“I think also the high pressing and maybe more exciting football. I think the stadium probably needs something to get them out of their seats again. He’s definitely the person for that.

“You’ll probably see a lot of goals but there could be some conceded as well, because you play with quite a high risk in the high line.

“That will probably be his biggest difference I would say, and try and get everyone to run forward as much as they can really.”

Troost-Ekong also addressed Tudor’s lack of work experience in the English top flight, but doesn’t think it will be too much of an issue.

“I think it probably is a factor but to a certain extent, he’s also had some great jobs. Whether it’s managing Galatasaray, Juventus, and Marseille.

Igor Tudor as Juventus manager.
Tudor has managed in Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Italy and France
Getty

“And as a player he’s very experienced as well, so I think that part probably wouldn’t be that he’s out of his depth completely, but it’s a big change.

“The Premier League is a very scrutinised league, a lot to talk about, always, so that part might be slightly different.

“Maybe working with a big group of talented players, but I wouldn’t think that will be too dissimilar to his job at Juventus before.”

Tudor’s first five matches at Spurs

A clash against Arsenal is arguably the most difficult opening fixture for any new Spurs boss.

For Tudor, it will be the first of three London derbies as Fulham and Crystal Palace follow at the beginning of March.

Spurs will then play the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, with their opponents due to be revealed on February 27.

Premier League table as of February 16.
Spurs are battling for survival in the Premier League

A trip to Liverpool in the Premier League follows a few days later.

Spurs are 16th and only six points above the relegation zone with 12 matches left to play this season.

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