Danny Murphy details Tottenham’s ‘bigger issue’ under Igor Tudor as sack whispers heard
Igor Tudor’s start at Tottenham has not gone to plan, and now some are questioning his ability to keep the Lilywhites in the Premier League.
A disastrous season sees Spurs lingering at the bottom of the league once again following the dismissal of Thomas Frank, as Tudor’s arrival has yet to inspire any.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium witnessed a 4-1 loss to North London rivals Arsenal on the Croatian’s first game in charge, which could not have gone any worse.
Given the financial implications that the Lewis family will face from a potential relegation, rumours have already circulated around Tudor being sacked.
It’s safe to say Danny Murphy isn’t fully convinced that the interim boss has what it takes to succeed in N17.
- Read more: Tottenham sticking point to hire ‘outstanding candidate’ Mauricio Pochettino as manager named
Danny Murphy says Spurs players don’t look like they know what to do
Tudor has a chance to put things right when Tottenham take on Crystal Palace this Thursday, but after Nottingham Forest and West Ham picked up big results on Wednesday, the pressure is on.
The former Juventus boss has only had a couple of weeks to get his philosophy across to the players, so if things do come good, he may be forgiven for the poor start.
- Spurs have created just 1.64 xG in Tudor’s first two games
- The Lilywhites have managed 19 shots, but just six on target in that time
While speaking live on talkSPORT, Murphy explained why he thinks the biggest issue about Tudor’s first two games in charge is that the players don’t look like they have a clue as to what their jobs are.
Murphy said: “My bigger issue with him is from both games I’ve watched, it didn’t look like a group of players who knew what their jobs were, or what they were trying to do.”
Host Jim White then asked him if a loss to Palace could spell an early end for his reign in N17, to which Murphy replied, “yeah, it could be”.
Transfer correspondent Alex Crook was also on the show, saying he’s heard “whispers” of Tudor’s sacking, but has been met with silence over enquiries into the situation.
This is what Igor Tudor’s message will be to players vs Crystal Palace
Tudor will understand the tension around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the moment, with fans growing tired of the situation.
That’s why, like he did for the Fulham game, he will most likely tell his players to go for it from minute one, get on the front foot, and score a goal early.
It didn’t work against Fulham, but the reality is, Crystal Palace are another club who have discontent between manager and fans, with player commitment also in question.
- Crystal Palace have won two Premier League games in their last 13
- Tottenham have scored eight more goals than the Eagles in the league, with 38
Although on paper a match against the likes of Wolves or Burnley may seem more winnable, Crystal Palace are one of the easiest fixtures the Lilywhites could have, due to the issues with Oliver Glasner.
But time will tell, as suggestions seem like Lewis and Co. could even be tempted to make a third hire this season if Tudor doesn’t pull a result off.
For more expert reaction on Tottenham and Igor Tudor updates, head to Football Insider.