Highlights: Newcastle end winless run with win over struggling Spurs
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The 47-year-old Croatian left Italian side Juventus in October 2025, ending a short spell that began just seven months ago.
But he will be hoping to make the perfect first impression by winning this weekend’s North London derby in front of his own supporters.
Arsenal could go into the game seven points clear at the top of the Premier League if they beat Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday night, but speaking to club media on Tuesday, Tudor sounded calm during what is undoubtedly a period of turmoil for his new club.
“The first priority is to give the team everything they need in this moment,” Tudor said. “I think the team needs to gain confidence and courage first of all, but we also need concrete things on the pitch as well.
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“Of course, I come here knowing that the situation is not easy. There is no time to find excuses. What I have said from the first day here is that each of us needs to give something more, something special.”
Tottenham currently sit in 16th place, five points off the relegation zone, and are hoping that Tudor’s arrival will spark a comeback.
The specter of Arsenal chasing the title did not allow for a gentle introduction, and Tudor did not shy away from the scale of the challenge.
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Tudor was sacked by Juventus last year after eight games without a win.
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“The club’s position at the moment is unacceptable to anyone,” he continued.
“All Tottenham fans cannot accept this situation and we know that too. But just being aware of it is not enough. The manager needs to show the way. Where we want to go, how we want to proceed and the players need to accept this.”
Tudor is keenly aware of both the expectations and identity of his new club.
Tottenham’s tradition of forward-footed football remains at the heart of supporters’ demands and the former full-back has shown he shares that ethos.
“I believe in that style,” Tudor said. “Of course, style is more important than system. That’s why every club has its own characteristics. First of all, it’s about the culture of the club and what kind of football they like.”
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“So it’s always important to think about that, but in the same way, don’t forget who you are, what you want and what the team can achieve.
“So my staff and I have to be very smart and find the best possible way to do it in a very short amount of time.”
But style alone cannot solve the practical problems at hand. Injuries thinned the team, limited options and complicated tactical planning.
“The situation is not easy because we have a lot of injured players,” he admitted. “We first need to find the system that best suits the players available at the moment.
“It may sound strange, but I think what we have to focus on is training. So training from today, that’s the key.”
