Tudor mutually agrees to leave Tottenham after just 44 days in charge

Updated
Former Tottenham head coach Igor Tudor
Former Tottenham head coach Igor TudorReuters / Violeta Santos

Igor Tudor has left Tottenham by mutual consent after just 44 days in charge as head coach, the club announced on Sunday.

The Croatian, 47, was appointed by relegation-threatened Spurs in place of Thomas Frank, but earned just one point in five Premier League games in charge.

Tudor lost five of his seven matches, managing just one win in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid as Spurs bowed out. 

His last fixture was Spurs' 3-0 home defeat to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, which has left them one place and one point above the drop zone.

He did not conduct any post-match interviews after the defeat, having been told of the death of his father.

"We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for head coach Igor Tudor to leave the club with immediate effect," a statement from Tottenham read.

"Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of goalkeeping coach and physical coach.

"We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.

"An update on a new head coach will be provided in due course."

Task too big

A left-field appointment, Tottenham turned to Tudor to improve results after a lengthy slump under former Brentford boss Frank.

Tudor had demonstrated successful firefighting before at the likes of Juventus and Lazio, but the fumes of his task in north London were billowing.

He lost his first three Premier League games against Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace in convincing fashion, before a reprieve in Europe where Spurs have fared better.

Things did not improve as Spurs were hammered 5-2 by Atletico in the first leg, with Tudor questioned for his man-management of deputy goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who was hauled off after just 17 minutes.

Tottenham appeared to show some life with refined displays after that, scrapping to earn a draw against Liverpool at Anfield before beating Atletico in the return.

A six-pointer at home to Forest with Spurs backed by raucous pre-match support from their fans, but what followed was a shoddy performance which extended their winless league run to 13 games – their longest streak in the top flight in 91 years.

It has increased Spurs' fears of a first relegation from the top flight since 1977.

Tottenham continue their campaign with a trip north to 11th-placed Sunderland, whom they drew with in January, on April 12th.

They have home games against Brighton, Leeds and Everton on the final day and away fixtures at Wolves, Aston Villa and Chelsea.