Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor has come under criticism for his decision-making and reactions after his side’s dismal 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The former Juventus manager made the decision to start substitute goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for the first leg at the Metropolitano, though his choice quickly backfired as the 22-year-old made an early mistake to gift the hosts the opener before a slip a few minutes later allowed Julian Alvarez to tap in the third.
Tudor then decided to withdraw Kinsky within 17 minutes, replacing him with usual starter Guigliemo Vicario, though the damage was already done and Spurs went on to concede two more, leaving them with a mountain to climb if they want to overturn the deficit and make the quarter-finals next week.
After the match, TNT Sports pundits Joe Hart and Steve McManaman questioned Tudor’s decision-making, suggesting that the manager has now “almost decided his own fate”.
“He was brought in for an immediate bounce, immediate reaction," said McManaman after the full-time whistle.
“It wasn't just the performance tonight, it was everything on the periphery. The peripheral nonsense on the goalkeepers, how he chose his team, his set-up,” explained the former Liverpool midfielder.
“At half-time he's gone back to bringing on Solanke, who you thought should have played, Conor Gallagher, Xavi Simons, Palhinha, who would've been ideal for tonight. Every decision he's made he's gone against it at half-time. It was a surreal performance,” he added.
The pair questioned the Spurs boss further after he’d given his post-match interview, with both highlighting a lack of accountability and willingness to speak.
“We talk about Tottenham at the moment, they’re faceless. Who’s in charge of it?” asked Hart.
“How can the man who’s been put in charge to steer them in a better direction not want to speak. What sort of message is he sending there? Did he send a message to the fans, he didn’t acknowledge them in the stadium.
“To say that you’re not willing to speak...that’s your job, you’re the coach, it’s no surprise the club are under the cosh at the moment. You need someone standing up in front of the media, re-assuring everyone,” he added.
“He was spiky yesterday before the game. And again he hasn’t helped himself today, he should be there fronting up. He’s the one who needs to front up, he’s the one who’s getting paid,” agreed McManaman.
“When it’s bad, say it’s bad, apologise, say ‘I’m sorry’, and have this air of positivity. We understand it was bad luck today, and you’re right, Romero and Palhinha getting concussion [with a late clash of heads], everything is just piling up.
“But he knew that, he was brought in when they were in a dire position. The fact that he’s made them more dire is on him,” he added.
Spurs return to the Premier League relegation battle as they take on Liverpool at Anfield this weekend, before the second leg of their Champions League tie at home to Atletico next week, and a potential six-pointer after on 22 March as they host Nottingham Forest.
Igor Tudor defends decision to start Antonin Kinsky against Atletico despite disaster in Madrid
Newcastle demonstrate both best and worst qualities in brilliant but agonising draw with Barcelona
Tottenham lose their balance, the ball and all remaining dignity in abject defeat to Atletico
Tudor defends decision to start Kinsky against Atletico despite disaster in Madrid
Bayern Munich hit Atalanta for six in Champions League rout
Newcastle demonstrate best and worst qualities in Champions League draw v Barcelona
