Everything Tottenham fans can expect from Igor Tudor as formation, tactics and line-ups examined
Igor Tudor is edging closer to becoming the interim head coach of Tottenham.
David Ornstein reported on Friday that Spurs have reached a verbal agreement for Tudor to take over until the end of the season.
The 47-year-old is set to join the Lilywhites on a contract until the end of the season, with no option of a permanent appointment in N17.
Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham are said to have led the process to appoint the Croatian, with his big-club experience seemingly playing a key role in the decision.
The news has been met by a mixed reception at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and now Tottenham News has rounded up everything you need to know about Tudor.
- Read more: Here’s what Tudor can bring to Tottenham
Who is Igor Tudor?
The first question that will spring to mind for Spurs fans is, who is he?
Many supporters may not have heard of the Croatian who has predominantly managed in Italy over the last eight years.
Tudor most recently managed Juventus, but he lasted just seven months before being let go and replaced by Luciano Spalletti at the Allianz Stadium.
Prior to that, he spent time at Lazio, Marseille, Hellas Verona, Hajduk Split and Udinese, but he has typically struggled to last more than a year with any club.
His record with the Old Lady is nothing to write home about, as showcased by Sofascore, revealing exactly why he was let go so early in his Turin spell.
That will hardly fill the North London faithful with hope, but he will only remain in charge of the Lilywhites until the end of the season.
His short-term spell could see him work well with what he has available, especially based on his usual play style and tactical approach.
What is Igor Tudor’s tactical approach?
The 47-year-old may not stick around for very long, but will set out his ideas very quickly as his style could echo some of Thomas Frank’s philosophy.
The Dane struggled at times as he constantly chopped and changed his formation, but Tudor is known for utilising a 3-4-2-1.
His sides are typically very fluid and become a 5-2-3 off the ball, with his two players behind the striker typically roaming around the pitch to fill in where required.
They help to fulfil his idea of pressing man-to-man, with a view to making things extremely difficult for the opposition defenders to play out from the back.
That causes his men to win the ball further up the pitch on a regular basis and give themselves the best opportunity to score off the press.
When it comes to his own side building up, he asks his wing-backs to get high and wide to offer space, while his central midfield two drop deeper to open up passing lanes further up the pitch.
That could all suit Spurs well, but there will still be questions about who will get into his best XI.
How could Igor Tudor line up at Tottenham?
There are many injury problems in N17 that will likely force Tudor’s hand, but he still has plenty of quality options at his disposal.
One thing he may not have is a progressive midfield option, but he could utilise Joao Palhina and Conor Gallagher in those positions as they can drop deep and be effective from there.
The back three picks itself with Kevin Danso likely to join Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, unless Palhinha takes up that role as he did under Frank.
Further forward, Dominic Solanke is likely to keep his role with Xavi Simons in behind him, leaving a decision over that second number 10 role.
Randal Kolo Muani could be the man for Tudor, who he wanted at Juventus in the summer, but he will face competition from the likes of Mathys Tel and the list of injured forwards in North London.
This approach is similar to Frank’s and gives Spurs fans reason to be wary of Tudor, but time will tell about his tenure.
For all the latest on Tottenham’s managerial situation, head over to Football Insider.