Arjun Menon
Spurs Face Relegation Crisis After Managerial Turmoil
Tottenham Hotspur are currently mired in a desperate fight for Premier League survival. Following a disastrous 17th-place finish in the 2024/25 season, which saw Ange Postecoglou dismissed despite a Europa League title, the club has failed to find stability. Successor Thomas Frank was recently sacked with the team sitting in 16th position, a mere six points above the relegation zone.
Igor Tudor now takes the reins on an interim basis until the end of the campaign. The 47-year-old Croatian tactician is expected to overhaul the team’s tactical framework. Tudor has historically leaned on a three-back system, specifically a 3-4-2-1 formation, during his tenures at Juventus, Lazio, and Marseille. This shift from Frank’s 4-2-3-1 will force the squad to adapt quickly to survive the drop.
How does Igor Tudor typically set up his team? Across his recent spells at Marseille, Lazio and Juventus, the 47-year-old prefers a back-three formation — most commonly using a 3-4-2-1 shape with narrow forwards supporting a central striker.
The Case to Drop Richarlison
Survival in the top flight requires clinical finishing, an attribute Richarlison has lacked since his £60m move from Everton. The Brazilian is drawing uncomfortable comparisons to Roberto Soldado, who joined for £30m in 2013 but managed only 16 goals in 76 games before being sold at a £16m loss. Richarlison has recorded 28 goals in 121 appearances for Spurs, a return far below the expectations of a club-record signing.
While the forward leads the squad with seven league goals this term, Richarlison has also missed 12 big chances—the highest tally in the team. His lack of precision makes him a liability in high-stakes matches. With internal reports suggesting Tottenham set an asking price of £22m (€25m) for the striker in January, his long-term future in North London appears bleak.
Read also: Tottenham Outpace Premier League Rivals for Christian Pulisic Signature
Kolo Muani Under Igor Tudor
Tudor’s arrival could provide a lifeline for Randal Kolo Muani. The French forward previously thrived under Tudor during their time together at Juventus. Although Kolo Muani is yet to score a league goal this season, his familiarity with the manager’s tactical demands makes him a logical choice to lead the line. If Tudor can reignite Kolo Muani, Richarlison may find himself permanently relegated to the bench as Tottenham Hotspur fight to avoid a historic slide into the second tier. Stay tuned to TipsGG for more Premier League updates.