New Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor has declared he is fully confident the North London club will remain in the Premier League this season as he prepares for his debut against arch rivals Arsenal.
Spurs currently sit 16th in the table, five points above the relegation zone, a situation that led to the departure of Thomas Frank and the appointment of former Juventus coach Tudor until the end of the campaign.
When asked whether Tottenham would still be a Premier League side next season, the Croatian was emphatic.
“100 percent,” Tudor said.
Focus on Performance Not Fear
Tudor dismissed talk of a relegation battle, insisting that league positions are simply a result of weekly preparation and performance.
“Fighting for every position, relegation, first position, European places, you achieve the position because of what you do during the week and on Sunday,” he explained.
“It brings you nothing if you think about relegation. All these goals are far away. I never give them importance.”
The Spurs boss also brushed aside suggestions that the slim five point cushion over the bottom three should influence the team’s approach.
“Five points, 10, two, it is the same. We need to be focused. Looking down or up brings you nothing,” he said.
Building Unity and Clarity
Tudor stressed that his priority is to instill clarity, unity and strong values within the squad rather than focusing on tactical systems.
“It is not about systems. It is important to become a team, a group who will look after each other,” he said.
“For me this is basic. After that the quality can come out and for me this is a team with quality, with legs that can run. There is potential.”
Derby Test Awaits
Tudor’s first match in charge comes against league leaders Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a fixture that could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Despite dealing with injuries and having only 13 players available in training, Tudor remains optimistic. Defender Cristian Romero is suspended following his second red card of the season, while the identity of the captain for the derby remains undisclosed.
“You will see on Sunday,” Tudor said.
With pressure mounting at both ends of the table, Tottenham’s immediate challenge is clear. Tudor believes that if his side focuses on preparation and unity, survival will take care of itself.
