The fan base has grown for Tottenham Hotspur’s latest Premier League match. As the team bus weaved its way down the N17, there was a festive atmosphere (albeit a bit solemn) as the big showdown loomed.
However, Spurs suffered a crushing defeat against Nottingham Forest, who won 3-0 and took a huge lead over their relegation rivals. West Ham United’s loss to Aston Villa softened the blow, but the fact remains that relegation is increasingly on the cards.
As the first whistle shrieked and boos echoed around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it became clear that Igor Tudor’s position was becoming untenable, but it remains to be seen whether ENIC Group will make any new changes with just two months left in the season.
Latest information on Tudor’s Spurs future
Tudor was unable to take part in post-match duties due to a family emergency, but it is clear that had Tottenham’s caretaker manager spoken to the media, he would have accepted the team’s dire situation.
Although he has only been in charge for just over a month, the Croatian has not been able to fully utilize these players’ abilities and changes are certainly needed.
Mauricio Pochettino remains at the top of his list of favorites, with Spurs insider John Wenham even claiming he would still come if they were still in the Championship.
However, with the USMNT manager preparing for the World Cup in North America this summer, it is highly unlikely that he will make a sensational return to north London for the rest of the season.
TEAMtalk has therefore revealed that the savior Spurs are looking for could be Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane, with Tudor unlikely to still be in charge if a trip to Sunderland is required after the international break.
Former Spurs forward Keane has expressed his intention to take on the job and lead the N17 team to safety, and now that his Hungarian national team has been knocked out of the Europa League, the path seems much clearer.
Negotiations reportedly took place several weeks ago, and direct communication is said to have already been established between all parties.
Why Keene upgrades Tudor
Keane, 44, is at the start of his managerial career but has already established himself as one of Europe’s best young managers after spells at Maccabi Tel Aviv and now Ferencvaros.
His front-foot, energetic tactical leanings would be in line with the way Tottenham want to play, but the plain truth is that Spurs just need to find a manager who fears relegation.
Tudor’s three-man backline and questionable training methods are proving to be a strange combination for a Spurs side in this crisis, but simply put Tudor hasn’t responded the way he has and the frenetic draw with Liverpool now looks like a lone outlier as far as performances go.
Simply put, Tottenham have lost consistency in attack and confidence in defense. The problems are too many to count, and whoever can restore the identity and culture of this Lilywhites side may prove to be the hero in the coming weeks.
Lowest xG total in Premier League (25/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
team | Number of points scored | xG |
(16) | Nottom Forest | 37.42 |
(17) | tottenham | 36.98 |
(18) | sunderland | 33.41 |
(19) | wolf | 30.93 |
(20) | burnley | 29.72 |
Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability that a shot will result in a goal.
Keene understands that What you dare to do is do it And the hope is that he will spur players who find themselves in a bind into action. After all, the former Republic of Ireland striker has been hailed as a “legend” by former teammate Teddy Sheringham.
Sadly, we’ve reached a point where tactical analysis can all but be thrown out the window. At this stage, increased confidence may be more valuable than increased coaching training.
Already an established tactician, Keane understands Tottenham and could give Tottenham the boost they desperately need to escape this nightmare that threatens to engulf them.
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