Igor Tudor Retains Tottenham Role Solely Due to Imminent Liverpool Trip as David Ornstein Reveals Internal Replacement Planning

Paul Merson explains why Igor Tudor remains Tottenham manager as David Ornstein reveals Spurs are already working on a replacement for the interim boss.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 12:26 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

Strategic Delay Prevents Immediate Dismissal of Interim Boss

The decision to retain Igor Tudor as Tottenham Hotspur’s interim manager appears to be a matter of tactical timing rather than a vote of confidence. According to insights from Paul Merson on Sky Sports, the North London club would have likely sanctioned Tudor's exit already if not for the upcoming away fixture against Liverpool. Following the dismissal of Thomas Frank in mid-February, Tudor has overseen a disastrous run of four consecutive defeats, leaving the club a solitary point above the Premier League relegation zone. Merson suggests that the hierarchy is hesitant to appoint a new leader immediately, fearing that a heavy defeat at Anfield would destroy any momentum a new manager might bring.

Anfield Fixture Viewed as a Defensive Shield for Successors

The logic behind keeping Tudor in the dugout centers on protecting a potential replacement from a demoralizing debut. While some analysts argue that a high-profile match against Liverpool could be viewed as a "free hit," Merson pointed to historical examples where early heavy losses severely damaged a manager's standing with the fans. By allowing Tudor to navigate the trip to Liverpool, the Tottenham board effectively shields their next appointment from the fallout of a likely loss. This breathing room would provide a new arrival with a full week of preparation before a critical clash against Nottingham Forest, which is viewed as a more manageable environment for a debut.

Ornstein Confirms Active Search for New Leadership Options

The precariousness of Tudor’s position was further highlighted by reporting from David Ornstein of The Athletic. Ornstein revealed on Friday evening that Tottenham officials are already "actively working on options" to replace the Croatian coach. The club has shifted into a formal contingency planning phase, with the expectation that Tudor’s tenure will be terminated should Spurs suffer another defeat on Sunday. This proactive approach by the board indicates that the search for a permanent or alternative interim solution is well underway, moving beyond simple speculation into a structured recruitment process.