Tottenham Hotspur’s rollercoaster 2025-26 campaign has taken another dramatic twist, as the North London club confirmed the mutual departure of interim manager Igor Tudor on March 29, 2026—about a day earlier than many had anticipated. The decision follows a turbulent six-week spell for Tudor, marked by personal tragedy with the recent passing of his father and a dismal run of results that left Spurs teetering just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.
Tudor’s exit, coming in the wake of a crushing 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, has thrown Tottenham’s already chaotic season into further disarray. The club’s official statement, released Sunday, expressed gratitude to Tudor and his departing staff—goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci—for their efforts during a short but intense tenure. "We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time," the club’s message read, underscoring the human side of a managerial saga often dominated by results and speculation.
During Tudor’s 44 days at the helm, Spurs managed just one win, one draw, and five losses from seven matches, plunging to 17th in the league table. The club now finds itself with only seven games left to secure top-flight survival, and the urgency to appoint a new head coach before the season’s conclusion has never been greater. Yet, as of this writing, Tottenham have not settled on a successor, despite reportedly considering up to ten different candidates for the interim role.
Among the names linked to the vacancy are familiar faces and club legends, each with their own narrative threads woven into Tottenham’s storied history. Former managers Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle, and Tim Sherwood have all been floated as potential short-term solutions, while ex-assistant Chris Hughton and even recently sacked Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche are said to be in the mix. The club has also reportedly checked on former Monaco coach Adi Hutter, with The Telegraph and football.london both confirming these developments.
But perhaps the most eye-catching rumor is the possible appointment of current defender Ben Davies as interim player-manager—a move that would be as bold as it is unconventional. Davies, 32, has been with Spurs since 2014, amassing 363 appearances and becoming the club’s longest-serving active player. His 2025-26 season, however, was cut short in January by a fractured left ankle, effectively ending his playing contributions for the campaign. Despite this setback, Davies’ experience and deep knowledge of the squad have propelled him into the managerial conversation, a reflection of both his standing at the club and the desperation of Tottenham’s current predicament.
“With only Adi Hutter concretely linked, Tottenham Hotspur may have to go out of left field and hire someone,” wrote The Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law, highlighting the club’s lack of clear direction. The notion of Davies stepping into the breach is not without precedent in football history, but it would certainly be a dramatic departure for a club of Tottenham’s stature. As one commentator dryly observed, “Maybe a strange hire and someone who knows the players well like Davies can galvanize something, but that's highly unlikely.”
The search for stability has been complicated by the unavailability of top managerial targets. Mauricio Pochettino, beloved by many Spurs fans for his previous spell at the club, is currently committed to leading the United States men’s national team at the upcoming World Cup and is contractually unable to juggle both roles. Roberto De Zerbi, who recently left Marseille, is reportedly interested in the permanent Tottenham job but has made it clear he will only consider the position after the season—and only if Spurs avoid relegation. “De Zerbi is said to be keen on the permanent position but has ruled out taking over with the club in a relegation battle this term,” reported football.london.
Other names on the lengthy shortlist include Robbie Keane, Ryan Mason, and Ali Hutter, with Keane making it known he would only leave his current role at Ferencvaros for a full-time opportunity. The sheer breadth of the candidate pool, ranging from club icons to recent Premier League managers, underscores the lack of consensus and joined-up thinking in Tottenham’s boardroom. “This 10-man list of potential managers with different approaches clearly demonstrates a lack of joined-up thinking at the North London club,” noted football commentator Ben Jacobs.
The timing of Tudor’s departure has also drawn criticism, as Spurs have now wasted nearly half of the international break without appointing a new manager. This delay has allowed direct relegation rivals like West Ham United to prepare thoroughly for the crucial final stretch of the season. With Tottenham’s next match not until April 12—an away trip to Sunderland—there is a narrow window for the new head coach, whoever that may be, to work with the squad and instill some much-needed confidence and tactical clarity.
Meanwhile, coach Bruno Saltor has been tasked with leading training for the small group of Tottenham players not away on international duty. The expectation within the club, according to Tottenham expert Alasdair Gold, is that a new head coach will be in place by the time the full squad returns, giving everyone about ten days to prepare for the Sunderland clash. “Spurs are looking to have a new head coach in place in time for when the players are back from international duty, giving them all 10 days to work together ahead of the Premier League game at Sunderland,” Gold told football.london.
For supporters and neutrals alike, the prospect of Ben Davies transitioning from the treatment room to the dugout is both intriguing and emblematic of the chaotic season Spurs have endured. Injuries, managerial upheaval, and a relegation dogfight have combined to create one of the most unpredictable periods in the club’s recent history. As one observer put it, “It speaks to the growing desperation at the club that Davies is being linked. But honestly, the saddest part is that he's better than some of the people who have been linked like Tim Sherwood.”
As the clock ticks down to the resumption of Premier League action, all eyes remain fixed on Tottenham’s next move. Will the club opt for a steady, experienced hand from its illustrious past, or will it gamble on the fresh perspective of a current player like Ben Davies? One thing’s for certain: with the threat of relegation looming and the season’s climax fast approaching, every decision now carries enormous weight for the future of Tottenham Hotspur.