Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have considered former Borussia Dortmund bosses Marco Rose and Edin Terzić among five possible coaching hires, before settling on Igor Tudor.
Thomas Frank was relieved of his managerial duties earlier this week, with Spurs just five points clear of the relegation zone ahead of a north London derby against league leaders Arsenal.
His exit has led to suggestions that former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane could be tempted to leave his role at Ferencváros, but the Irishman was dismissive after watching his side canter to a 4–0 win in the Hungarian Cup, stating “I can’t help speculation” before marching away from his pitch-side interview.
But multiple reports on Friday revealed a deal with Tudor, the former Juventus and Croatia defender. The 47-year-old has been out of work since being dismissed by the Old Lady in October 2025.
Spurs will be the 12th appointment and 10th different club of a managarial career that began in 2013 with hometown club Hajduk Split. Tudor also had spells in charge of Galatasaray, Marseille and Lazio, among others, but a Croatian Cup 13 years ago is the only silverware he has won to date.
Keane Not Interested in Interim Role
The Telegraph had reported that Keane, who bagged 122 goals in 306 games for Tottenham across two spells with the club, had been spoken about as a potential option, but he’d only be interested in heading back to north London on one condition.
While it is stressed that Keane, now 45 years old, would have been happy to speak with Tottenham about the vacancy, he only wished to with the promise of a permanent position.
The former Maccabi Tel Aviv boss appeared disinclined to entertain an interim role. Indeed, he’d only consider walking away from Ferencváros’s title charge if it meant a guaranteed, long-term contract with his former employers.
Confirmation from The Telegraph’s Matt Law that Spurs intend to copy what Manchester United are currently doing with Michael Carrick ruled Keane out entirely.
Who Will Be Tottenham’s Next Permanent Manager?
The list of candidates will almost certainly include the popular choice of Mauricio Pochettino, whose contract with the U.S. men’s national team expires after the World Cup this summer. Buying him out of his current deal would cost a significant sum.
Of those currently unattached, eyes may be drawn to Roberto De Zerbi, who snubbed an approach from Spurs before they ultimately hired Frank last summer. The Italian recently departed Marseille and could have a lengthy list of admirers grows by the end of the season.
It is not clear if Rose and Terzić are seen as possible concrete appointments for the summer, or were primarily being considered for the inteim position.
In the immediate job, Tudor has an immense challenge on his hands. Spurs are still clear of the relegation zone but are undoubtedly trending in the wrong direction and are perilously close to disaster. This may be a rescue mission, beyond a simple case of steadying the ship.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Tottenham ‘Agree’ Surprise Interim Manager Deal After Former Player Scoffs at ‘Speculation’.
