LONDON – The managerial hot seat at Tottenham Hotspur is heating up once again, with Igor Tudor’s position increasingly precarious following a string of disappointing results. Just weeks after replacing Thomas Frank, the Croatian manager is facing intense scrutiny and the club is reportedly considering replacements, with Roberto De Zerbi and Adi Hütter emerging as leading candidates. The situation is further complicated by Tottenham’s precarious position in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone.
The pressure on Tudor intensified after a damaging 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, a result that highlighted the team’s struggles and left supporters deeply concerned. CEO Vinai Venkatesham, along with sporting director Johan Lange and the Lewis family, are now leading a review of Tudor’s future, with crucial meetings scheduled in the coming days to determine his fate. The club’s hierarchy recognizes the need for a swift and decisive move to avoid the potentially catastrophic consequences of relegation.
De Zerbi Remains a Top Target
Roberto De Zerbi, formerly of Marseille, has long been linked with a move to Tottenham. Reports from January 2026 initially suggested the club’s interest, and that interest has been revisited in recent days, according to sources. De Zerbi is currently available, having left Marseille in February, making him an immediately attainable option for Tottenham. But, the Italian manager has reportedly set a condition for taking the job: he wants assurances that the club will remain in the Premier League. This stipulation underscores the high stakes involved and the potential risks associated with accepting the position before Tottenham’s league status is secured.
Foot Mercato reported that De Zerbi is seriously discussing the possibility of joining a club, and Le Phocéen indicated he is increasingly close to returning to management. The Times reported Tottenham are revisiting the idea of hiring De Zerbi, potentially including a release clause in his contract should the club be relegated. This suggests a pragmatic approach from Tottenham, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding their future.
Hütter Enters the Frame
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, L’Équipe reports that Adi Hütter has emerged as a strong contender alongside De Zerbi. The report suggests a “mano a mano” – a direct competition – between the two managers for the Tottenham job. While details regarding Hütter’s current situation and availability are less readily available, his emergence as a potential candidate indicates that Tottenham are exploring multiple options before making a final decision.
Tudor’s Difficult Start
Igor Tudor inherited a challenging situation at Tottenham, taking over a team plagued by injuries and lacking confidence. While he oversaw a draw at Liverpool and a win against Atletico Madrid (in a losing Champions League cause), those positive results were overshadowed by a string of four successive defeats. The Croatian manager deserves some sympathy, having also recently dealt with the personal tragedy of his father’s death, and walking into a “toxic atmosphere” left by his predecessor. However, he has struggled to connect with supporters or inspire significant improvement in the team’s performances.
The defeat to Nottingham Forest was particularly damaging, exposing the team’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of attacking threat. It’s a situation that demands immediate attention, and the club’s leadership recognizes the need for a manager who can quickly stabilize the team and steer it clear of relegation. The stakes are incredibly high, with the possibility of a historic and embarrassing relegation looming large.
Pochettino Remains a Long-Term Option
While De Zerbi and Hütter are the immediate focus, Tottenham have not entirely ruled out the possibility of bringing back Mauricio Pochettino. However, Pochettino is currently managing the United States national team and will not be available until after the 2026 World Cup. Sources indicate he is willing to return to Tottenham once his international commitments are fulfilled, but that would require patience and a long-term vision from the club.
What’s Next for Tottenham?
The coming days will be critical for Tottenham Hotspur. The club’s leadership will hold a series of meetings to assess Tudor’s position and evaluate the available alternatives. A decision is expected soon, with the club eager to appoint a manager who can provide stability and leadership during this turbulent period. The immediate priority is to secure Premier League survival, and the choice of manager will undoubtedly play a crucial role in achieving that goal.
Tottenham’s next Premier League fixture is against Burnley on April 6th, 2026. The match will be a crucial test for Tudor, and potentially his last chance to salvage his position at the club. Regardless of the outcome, the future of Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial position remains highly uncertain.
Fans will be watching closely, hoping the club makes the right decision to avoid a disastrous end to the season. The search for a latest manager is a pivotal moment for Tottenham, and the club’s future hangs in the balance.
