Tottenham’s Igor Tudor: ‘No time for excuses’ during performance downturn
Tottenham’s newly appointed interim head coach Igor Tudor has stated there is “no time to find excuses” as he aims to reverse the club’s decline in the Premier League.
The 47-year-old former Juventus manager, who was appointed last week to succeed the dismissed Thomas Frank until the season’s conclusion, believes that boosting the players’ confidence is his primary objective.
“The first priority is to provide everything the team requires in these moments. The team needs, I believe, first and foremost, to regain some confidence, to find some courage, but also, in the same vein, the tangible aspects on the pitch,” Tudor conveyed to club media.
“Naturally, I arrive here understanding that the situation is challenging. There is no time to seek excuses. What I have stated from day one here is that each of us must contribute something more, something extra.”
Frank was relieved of his duties last Wednesday after eight months at the helm following a 2-1 home loss to Newcastle United, which prolonged the north London club’s winless streak in the top flight to eight matches.
The club has fallen to 16th place, five points clear of the relegation zone, and Tudor faces a daunting task in his inaugural match in charge, against title-contending Arsenal at home on Sunday.
“The club’s current position is one that no one can accept,” Tudor remarked. “Every Tottenham supporter cannot accept the situation. We recognize that. However, it is not sufficient to merely acknowledge it.
“The circumstances are difficult due to numerous injured players, so we must first identify the best system to accommodate the players available at this time.
“This may sound unusual, but I believe our focus should be on training. Therefore, the training starting today is crucial.
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“The coach must illustrate the path, indicating where we want to go, how we intend to proceed, and the players must embrace this.”
Tudor, who was dismissed by Juventus in October last year after an eight-match winless streak, emphasized his understanding of the club’s culture and the fans’ expectations for an attractive style of winning football.
“I believe in the style. The style is more significant than the system, of course. Every club has its uniqueness. That is primarily a reflection of the club’s culture and the type of football they prefer,” he stated.
“Thus, it is always essential to consider that, while also not forgetting who I am, what I desire, and what the team can accomplish.
“Therefore, I need to be, along with my staff, very astute in finding the best possible approach in a very limited timeframe.”
