Harry Redknapp explains Tottenham return stance as Tudor faces sack deadline

Harry Redknapp has ruled out a return to Tottenham despite being linked with the job, while some players reportedly feel Igor Tudor has been ‘disrespectful’ since his arrival at the club

Harry Redknapp has admitted he believes a return to Tottenham is unlikely – even if the club decide to sack Igor Tudor. The 78-year-old former Spurs boss was touted for a remarkable comeback to north London after Thomas Frank’s exit last month.

Instead, Tottenham opted to appoint former Juventus and Marseille manager Tudor as head coach through to the season’s end. Yet Tudor has suffered a disastrous beginning at Spurs, suffering defeat in all four of his opening fixtures across all competitions.

Tudor’s tenure started with a 4-1 home loss to Arsenal in the North London Derby, and Spurs have struggled ever since, falling to Fulham and Crystal Palace in the Premier League before Tuesday’s 5-2 hammering by a dominant Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16.

Whilst Spurs intend to persevere with Tudor before Sunday’s Premier League clash at Liverpool, speculation surrounding the Croatian’s future has intensified dramatically, with certain supporters and former players demanding his dismissal despite just one month in the post.

READ MORE: Tottenham star Antonin Kinsky ‘to look for move’ after Igor Tudor humiliationREAD MORE: Tottenham make Igor Tudor sack decision with Liverpool confirmation

Redknapp’s name has once again entered the discussion, with ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara backing the experienced manager to succeed Tudor and secure the club’s Premier League status. However, he dismissed suggestions of a sensational Spurs return on Wednesday.

Speaking to the Press Association at the Cheltenham Festival, Redknapp said: “I’ve been asked a few times if I’d go back to Spurs and it’s probably not going to happen, is it? Would I go back? Of course I would, but I doubt very much it’s going to happen.”

He added: “They’ve got it all on to stay up, it’s going to be hard. I’m looking at their fixtures and Nottingham Forest are playing alright, West Ham are playing very well, it’s going to be tough for Tottenham. My only concern at the minute is The Jukebox Man (his horse) in the Gold Cup, I’m nothing to do with Spurs any more.

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“They haven’t been in touch, not at all. I hope Spurs stay up and I hope West Ham stay up.”

Going into this weekend’s Premier League matches, Tottenham occupy 16th position, sitting just one point ahead of Nottingham Forest in 17th and West Ham in 18th – the latter currently in the final drop zone. There are genuine fears that Spurs could face relegation to the Championship for the first time in 49 years, with several squad members reportedly viewing Tudor’s approach as ‘disrespectful’ since his appointment.

This became apparent after Tuesday’s loss at Atletico, when Tudor opted to withdraw Antonin Kinsky following a disastrous 16-minute period that saw three goals conceded from three mistakes. Vicario came on shortly afterwards to replace Kinsky, and Tudor’s efforts to enforce discipline have seemingly misfired, with suggestions this has left the playing squad disillusioned and questioning his authority.

Some believe Tudor has been too forceful since arriving at Tottenham, appearing ‘disrespectful’ and ‘borderline mocking’ during his opening month in the role.