Tottenham Hotspur’s hierarchy are escalating talks over replacing Igor Tudor with a new manager following their shock 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Spurs collapsed to a heavy defeat at Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night, finding themselves 4-0 down after just 22 minutes following a catalogue of errors from goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and defender Micky van de Ven.
According to TEAMtalk, Tudor is expected to be sacked by Spurs after suffering his fourth consecutive defeat since replacing Thomas Frank last month.
The club’s hierarchy are believed to be in talks over making another managerial change and are considering all options as they outline their potential next target.
Tudor is only under contract until the end of the season and could end up breaking an unwanted Premier League record for the shortest managerial reign.
The Croatian, who has been in the role for 25 days as of Wednesday, could surpass the record set by Sam Allardyce, whose time at Leeds in 2023 lasted just 30 days.
Robbie Keane Eyed by Spurs
Former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane appears to be an option for the club’s hierarchy as they potentially look to replace Tudor after just four games.
According to TEAMtalk, the ‘amazing’ Irishman has been identified as the preferred target for Spurs and they have already spoken to him, but it remains to be seen whether he would be open to the role.
Keane was in the conversation to take over in north London following Frank’s sacking, but reportedly did not want to leave his role at Ferencvaros.
The Hungarian side are on track to win back-to-back league titles under Keane this season and have reached the Europa League Round of 16, where they will face Braga on Thursday.
Robbie Keane Tactics Explained
With Tottenham reportedly interested in Keane, we asked ChatGPT for a brief look at his tactical approach as a manager.
Preferred formations and style: Keane’s Ferencvaros side often set up in a 3‑5‑2 formation, though in earlier roles (such as at Maccabi Tel Aviv) he also used 4‑3‑3, showing flexibility in shape depending on squad and context.
Attacking, vertical football: He emphasises progressing the ball vertically and playing with intensity – valuing quick transitions, high tempo and advancing forward rather than aimless possession.
Aggressive pressing and ball progression: Keane prefers his teams to be aggressive on the ball with fast tempo and to play out from the back when appropriate, aiming to disrupt opposition play and move quickly towards goal.
Pubs across the country are set to stay open until the early hours for England’s Round of 16 match against Mexico. The World Cup knockout kicks-off at 1am on Monday, July 6, which equates to 6pm in Mexico City, and Keir Starmer is set to introduce an emergency law change so that pubs can remain open until 5am.
The UK Prime Minister is set to leave his position on July 9, but has won back some people’s trust following one of his final decisions in Number 10.
There is a lot of excitement in N17 at present with Tottenham splashing the cash for Roberto De Zerbi.
Following back-to-back 17th place finishes, Spurs are spending big as they look to get back to their previous heights towards the top of the Premier League table.
Signing Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers to bolster their squad, last month the club also completed the £52m signing of centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Much more still needs to be done in improving De Zerbi’s squad, with attacking players required after the club’s struggles in the final third last season.
Leao option
One position Tottenham need to address is on the left of their attack after failing to replace Son Heung-min following his switch to LAFC last August.
According to The Independent, Bournemouth ace Eli Junior Kroupi tops a three-player shortlist for that position.
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, with the Cherries looking to receive over £80m if they decide to cash in on their highly-rated attacker.
In terms of Leao, he would be another statement signing if Tottenham can agree on a deal with Milan for ‘one of the best wingers in Europe’.
Mainly operating from the left but also capable of playing centrally, the Portugal international has contributed regularly for the Rossoneri with 80 goals and 65 assists in 291 games for the Italian giants.
After already agreeing on transfers for Fernandes and Tonali, a move for Leao would be a real signal of intent from Tottenham that they really do mean business in the transfer market after their recent Premier League woes.
Tottenham’s attacking needs
Richarlisonvia Reuters
Tottenham desperately need to improve in the final third if they are to climb the Premier League table.
Last season, Richarlison finished top goalscorer in all competitions with 12 goals, and it was defensive players Joao Palhinha, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero who were next in line in the charts.
Dominic Solanke could only manage six goals in an injury-hit campaign, with Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani both contributing five and Mathys Tel chipping in with four.
Given the need for goals, Leao could more than play his part after hitting double figures for Milan in each of his last five seasons at the San Siro.
Following the club’s desire to improve their midfield with the additions of Fernandes and Tonali, Tottenham now need to do likewise in attack if they are to make big strides under De Zerbi.
The Spurs fullback has stood out on the pitch, not just for his performances, but also for the protective face mask that he’s been wearing throughout the tournament. It’s a look that naturally sparks curiosity.
Here is the reason why Spence has been wearing the protective mask.
Why Is Djed Spence Wearing the Mask?
Action images via Reuters
Spence’s face mask is the result of a minor facial fracture sustained in the weeks leading up to the tournament. The 25-year-old was involved in an aerial duel with Chelsea striker Liam Delap, whose elbow clashed with Spence, although he was able to continue through until the end of that particular game.
Spence took to social media following the game to complain about the challenge with Delap, perhaps unhappy with the Chelsea striker’s aggressive antics resulting in Spence breaking his jaw.
Just five days later, Spence took to the field for Tottenham wearing the face mask, as Spurs secured their Premier League safety on the final day of the season with a win against Everton.
A broken jaw can normally take three months to heal, and with Spence wanting to feature in the World Cup, he opted to wear the custom-fitted jaw guard throughout the competition, as well as in training sessions.
The ultimate guide to following England through the 2026 World Cup, with schedule, TV information and more
Spence told the BBC: “It is a little bit uncomfortable, but it is what it is. I have a broken jaw, so I have to wear it throughout the tournament. It is something I will have to get used to. It will be three months until it is fully healed, so it is a long time. It was painful, but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw.”
“It was a crazy challenge, but it is in the past now. I’ve just got to focus on this tournament now.”
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How Does the Mask Help?
Brett Davis via Action Images via Reuters
The mask’s primary function is simple: to offer protection. It shields the affected area from direct blows, accidental elbows, and the kind of incidental contact that can occur during high-tempo matches.
It also offers Spence psychological support, as he might have been hesitant to go into duels without a protective mask, but the guard now reassures him to commit fully. The moulded fit also keeps the affected area stable, reducing the risk of sudden pressure or movement that could worsen the fracture.
It also, of course, means Spence can still play, as without the mask he might have been forced to miss the tournament entirely.
Whilst the mask can feel unfamiliar at first, it shouldn’t affect Spence’s game, and he will be able to adapt quickly. Spence’s performances so far haven’t shown that this new mask is affecting him, putting in consistent performances in the place of injured Reece James, and it leaves Thomas Tuchel with a selection headache for when he has a fully fit right-hand side operating again.