The search for a steady hand is over. On Friday, February 13, 2026, Tottenham Hotspur officially confirmed the appointment of Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Following the dismissal of Thomas Frank earlier this week, the Spurs board has turned to the 47-year-old Croatian "firefighter" to rescue a season that has left the club languishing in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone.
Why Igor Tudor? The "Instant Impact" Specialist
Tudor’s resume is defined by his ability to walk into a crisis and deliver immediate results. Spurs chose him over other candidates like Marco Rose and Edin Terzić because of his proven track record in Italy:
The Juventus Rescue (2025): Tudor took over a struggling Juve in March 2025 and led them to Champions League qualification, losing just one of his first 11 games.
The Lazio Turnaround: He previously revived a sinking Lazio side, taking them from a run of five defeats in six to a 7th-place finish and Europa League qualification.
The Udinese "Great Escapes": He has twice saved Udinese from Serie A relegation, showing he has the stomach for the dogfight Spurs now find themselves in.
The "Pochettino" Path: Why It's Only Until June
The decision to appoint Tudor on a strictly interim basis with no option for a permanent stay has sent a clear signal to the fans.
Summer Strategy: By keeping the seat warm until June, Daniel Levy and the board are intentionally leaving the door open for a massive permanent appointment this summer.
The Main Targets: Roberto De Zerbi (currently a free agent) and Mauricio Pochettino (who will lead the USMNT at the World Cup this June/July) remain the primary candidates to take the job full-time for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Verdict: This is a calculated gamble. Tudor brings the "winning mentality" and tactical discipline that Thomas Frank struggled to instill. With no game this weekend, the Croatian has nine days to prepare the squad for the most important North London Derby in years. If he can take points off Arsenal, the "relegation" talk might finally quiet down.