Spurs consider permanent manager switch during international break

March 24, 2026 Oliver Obel

Tottenham Hotspur are again facing uncertainty in the dugout, with senior figures at the club considering another managerial change as their slide toward the relegation zone continues.

Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest underscored the scale of the problem. Goals from Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi sealed a comprehensive win for the visitors and left Spurs just one point above West Ham.

The result was Igor Tudor’s fifth defeat since taking charge, and it further eroded any optimism generated by last week’s 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 second leg. While that win offered brief encouragement, league performances have remained consistently poor.

Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank on a short-term deal until the end of the season, has taken only one point from a possible 15 in the Premier League. That run has heightened concerns within the club about the team’s direction at a critical stage of the campaign.

According to The Times, Tottenham are now actively exploring longer-term options, with Roberto De Zerbi emerging as a leading candidate. The Italian coach is currently available after leaving Marseille by mutual consent and is understood to appeal to Spurs’ hierarchy.

Former manager Mauricio Pochettino and Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola are also under consideration, though no final decision has been made.

Tudor was absent from post-match media duties following the death of his father, Mario. In a statement, Tottenham said their “thoughts and condolences go out to Igor and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

With the season entering its decisive phase, the club may move quickly if results do not improve. Spurs have never been relegated since the Premier League’s formation in 1992, but their current position leaves little margin for error.

Upcoming fixtures against Sunderland, Brighton and Wolves could prove pivotal before a demanding run-in that includes matches against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton.

The financial implications of relegation would be severe. BBC Sport reports that dropping out of the Premier League could cost Tottenham more than £250 million in lost broadcasting revenue, commercial income and matchday earnings.

Sources: The Times, BBC Sport