Igor Tudor appointed Tottenham interim boss: Former Juventus manager replaces Thomas Frank amid alarming slide towards the drop zone

Igor Tudor has been appointed the interim manager of Tottenham Hotspur, replacing Thomas Frank.

Frank was sacked on Wednesday, less than 12 hours after a defeat at home to Newcastle.

Former Croatia international defender Tudor, 47, fits the Spurs brief with vast experience and a reputation for making an impact at short notice, and will have the opportunity to compete for the job on a permanent basis should he impress during his short trial.

Former Juventus and Croatia defender Tudor has been a manager since 2013 but has worked in 12 jobs in the last 11 years – at Hajduk Split (twice), PAOK, Karabukspor, Galatasaray, Udinese (twice), Hellas Verona, Marseille, Lazio, Juventus and now Tottenham.

Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, who have led the search, want to consider a wider pool of candidates in the summer for the next permanent head coach.

‘We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Igor Tudor as Men’s Head Coach until the end of the season, subject to work permit,’ a Tottenham statement read.

‘Igor joins us with a clear focus: to improve performances, deliver results and move us up the Premier League table. His mandate is straightforward – bring organisation, intensity and competitive edge to the squad at a decisive stage of the campaign.’ 

Tottenham also highlighted that Tudor has ‘regularly delivered improvements following mid-season appointments.’

‘It is an honour to join this Club at an important moment,’ Tudor said.

‘I understand the responsibility I have been handed and my focus is clear. To bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match.

‘There is strong quality in this playing squad, and my job is to organise it, energise it and improve our results quickly.’

Tudor takes charge with Tottenham just five points above the relegation zone after going eight matches without a win in the Premier League, their worst run since 2008.

His first match in charge will be the North London derby against Premier League leaders Arsenal on February 22.

‘Igor brings clarity, intensity and experience of stepping into challenging moments and producing impact,’ Lange added.

‘Our objective is straightforward – to stabilise performances, maximise the quality within the squad and compete strongly in the Premier League and Champions League.’