Tudor prioritizes Premier League salvation over Champions League a day before Atlético Madrid first leg
Tottenham interim manager Igor Tudor is still looking for his first win after taking the job in February and he is more focused on salvation than Champions.
Tottenham are coming off of their first major European trophy in club history, but it seems as though a second in a row is not exactly at the forefront of the North London club’s priorities. Interim manager Igor Tudor has stated that salvation in the Premier League is at the top of the to do list for the rest of the season.
Atleti tie an “opportunity” to grow
The Croatian manager took over on the Spurs touchline less than a month ago, and inherited a club that was juxtaposed between a fantastic European campaign and a dreadful domestic run. He’s only been in town for a handful of weeks, but he knows that the board, fans and club have no interest in what would be a catastrophic relegation.
We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Igor Tudor as Men’s Head Coach until the end of the season, subject to work permit.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 14, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/IqK72rpNSg pic.twitter.com/31rCpoVQTj
“Our first aim is Premier League and this needs to be said publicly,” said the interim boss. “That doesn’t mean we don’t want to go to the next round. Every game is important. We have to grow so it can be an opportunity. A totally different competition against a team with Champions League history, experience and quality.”
Spurs drew Atlético Madrid in the Round of 16 and are still looking to advance past this stage of the tournament, but Tudor is taking this as a tie in which they can some positives out of for the final stretch of the Premier League season. “Maybe this can help us to see the problems we have,” Tudor said in the presser leading up to the first leg in London. “These kinds of games can help us to switch in the right way, grow as a team, do things better.”
Liverpool looming
Tottenham currently sit 16th in the league and are just one point above the relegation zone. The consequences of a potential drop to the Championship are disastrous. The club could lose nearly €300 million in revenue next year if Spurs are unable to save themselves from the bottom three of the league over the course of the next few months.
Before joining Tottenham on an interim role, Tudor was at Juventus where he was signed to play the same role with the Italian giants. In March of 2025 he replaced Thiago Motta, but after signing a contract extension after the season he was sacked in October following an eight match winless spell.
We'll face Atletico Madrid in the @ChampionsLeague Round of 16 🔒 pic.twitter.com/74unvafE8C
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 27, 2026
Tudor replaced Thomas Frank on Valentine’s Day, but has yet to earn a single point in three league matches. They lost 4-1 to Arsenal in the North London Derby in his debut, then lost to Fulham at Craven Cottage before returning home and losing to Crystal Palace with fans spotted hitting the exits at halftime. After their meeting with Atleti they travel to Anfield for another difficult test that could land them in the danger zone by the end of this weekend.
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