Tottenham takes huge gamble by giving manager job to Juventus flop

Tottenham has reached a verbal agreement with former Juventus manager Igor Tudor to take charge until the end of the season following Thomas Frank's dismissal

Igor Tudor is the new Tottenham boss(Image: Getty Images)

Tottenham has struck a verbal agreement with former Juventus manager Igor Tudor, who is poised to sign a contract until the end of this season.

Spurs will hold off until the summer to settle on a permanent successor for Thomas Frank, when ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino could be more accessible. Frank was dismissed on Wednesday following Tottenham's disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Newcastle.

The outcome leaves Tottenham merely five points above the relegation zone with 12 matches left to play. Despite their Premier League struggles, Spurs remain in the Champions League and secured progression to the last 16 last month by finishing fourth in the table.

However, Frank's European achievements weren't enough to save his job, with Spurs winning just two of their last 17 Premier League fixtures.

Tottenham is seeking a coach with a proven record of delivering immediate results, and that man appears to be Tudor, with a contract on offer until June. The Croatian will then have the opportunity to stake his claim for the permanent role between now and the end of the season.

Tudor brings experience from his stint at Juventus, the team that appointed him last March. The 47-year-old persuaded Juve to retain him and was awarded a three-year contract, only to be dismissed in October.

Thomas Frank was fired earlier this week(Image: Getty Images)

Tudor's appointment must be viewed as a risk by Tottenham. The coach has just one major trophy to his name in management, winning the 2012-13 Croatian Cup with Hajduk Split.

He's previously coached some of the biggest clubs in Europe - such as Galatasaray, Udinese, Marseille, Lazio, and Juventus - but left all of those roles within a year.

Having already exited the FA Cup, Tottenham's first-team players aren't due back for training until Monday. Their next fixture is the crucial North London derby, hosting Arsenal at home.

Supporters were heard chanting Pochettino's name following the defeat to Newcastle, and speculation that Tudor would serve only as a caretaker works in the Argentine's favor. Currently overseeing World Cup co-hosts the United States, the former Spurs boss would only entertain a sentimental return to London once this summer's tournament concludes.

Tottenham stuck by Frank through a dismal winter period, but the team's inability to secure a Premier League victory since December ultimately sealed the Dane's fate.

"The club has taken the decision to make a change in the men's head coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today," Spurs announced in a statement.

"Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together. However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.

"Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future."