Igor Tudor will leave Tottenham in the coming hours with the club already indicating their “highest intention” to replace the Croatian.
David Howells is backing Tottenham to stay top
Former Tottenham midfielder David Howells believes his old side can stay in the Premier League. Spurs slipped into relegation for the first time in 49 years after a 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest on Sunday left them in 17th place and just one point off the bottom three.
Howells played a part in Tottenham’s last two battles to stay in the top flight in the 1990s and, after key personnel stepped up both times, the 58-year-old is hoping to do so again with returning players in April.
“It was a tough season (1993-94) because of the injuries and the struggle to pick up enough points to be safe, but it’s like what’s going to happen now, people started to back off,” said Howells.
“Teddy (Sheringham) was a great player and Darren Anderton too, so to see them sitting with you was also important.
“That season (the 1997-98 season) was when many players came together saying, ‘Not this club, not with these players, it won’t happen’.
“It can only come from the players, we will fight heads on the field, but it must come from them.
“Not having Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison in the dressing room all season has been a big reason for where we are, but I think Tottenham have the players to stay.
Tottenham: Igor Tudor shares key update on James Maddison ahead of Nottingham Forest
It is important.
“I don’t know if these two will play again this season, I hope they will play again, but if I look at the whole team, I think there is character, enough talent and hopefully they can do it.”
If the Lilywhites are to stay, however, it seems likely that it won’t be with a Tudor in charge.
Igor Tudor is set to leave Tottenham soon, with Roberto De Zerbi a “strong target” to replace the 47-year-old, reports Pete O’Rourke.
“Igor Tudor will leave Tottenham in the next 24/48 hours. Roberto De Zerbi is the main target to come in if he can be confirmed to take the job now rather than at the end of the season.”
The former Brighton manager is at Marseille, who still have a lot to play for in Ligue 1 this season, sitting in third place but with a sea of strikers hiding behind them in the Champions League qualifying race.
The Italian is said to be open to joining Spurs in the summer, but his willingness to leave the French club at short notice remains unclear.
One thing is for sure, De Zerbi still has many fans in England, including Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who called him “one of the best coaches in the world”.
“I’ll keep them in the Premier League” – The “common-sense” manager sends a big message to Spurs
I go to you, Tottenham …
