Igor Tudor has been given a temporary stay of execution but it’s hard to see how he survives much longer .
The Tottenham interim boss was expected to be sacked after his side’s 5-2 humiliation at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 first leg . Yet the club have confirmed he’ll face the press on Friday ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool .
This isn’t a vote of confidence. It’s a stay of execution.
THE ATLETICO NIGHTMARE
Let’s be honest it doesn’t get much worse than this. Tudor’s bold gamble to drop Guglielmo Vicario for 22 year old Antonin Kinsky backfired inside 15 MINUTES . The young Czech was at fault for two of Atletico’s three early goals before being hauled off in humiliation.
But here’s the thing that really stung the players: Tudor didn’t even console him.
As Kinsky trudged off, the Croatian stood motionless. It was Conor Gallagher, Joao Palhinha and Dominic Solanke, all substitutes who chased the keeper down the tunnel to offer support .
Joe Hart was seething. The players noticed. And in a squad already bristling at Tudor’s “overly authoritative” approach, that moment spoke volumes.
THE NUMBERS
Four defeats from four matches since Tudor took charge . One point above the relegation zone . Champions League hopes effectively over after one leg .
Tottenham are staring at the drop for the first time in 49 years. If West Ham beat Manchester City and Forest beat Fulham this weekend, a Spurs defeat at Anfield sends them into the bottom three .
THE PRESS CONFERENCE
The fact Tudor is still standing to face the media on Friday tells us two things:
The club aren’t ready to pull the trigger yet
They’re giving him one last chance or one last rope to hang himself
A heavy defeat at Liverpool will make the decision for them. But by then, it might be too late.
TUDOR’S DEFENCE
“Unfortunately, it happened in this big game, these mistakes,” Tudor said after the Atletico defeat. “He was sorry. The team is with him, me too. I was speaking with him. He understands the moment.”
But the damage is done. The players are alienated. The results are abysmal. And the fans are running out of patience.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Liverpool away. The league’s form team against a side in freefall. Anfield under the lights. If Tottenham get battered and they probably will, Tudor’s brief reign could be over by Sunday night.
The club have confirmed his press conference. That’s all. It’s not a guarantee of anything.
One more bad result, and the axe falls. It’s that simple.
