Tottenham boss Igor Tudor gives first interview ahead of Premier League relegation scrap

Tottenham head coach Igor Tudor has given his first interview since taking charge of the club, covering how he expects his team to play, as well as his expectations as he takes over from Thomas Frank with the club languishing in 16th in the Premier League.

Speaking in a short video released on social media, the 47-year-old claimed that he wants his players to play on the front foot, a mentality that was missing under the former Danish head coach.

“I like to be positive, I like to play offensive football. That’s my first goal. I like to score goals but in the same way, for sure, you need to give organisation in defence, give the clear structure of what you want to play. I believe that style is more important than the system, of course.”

He also acknowledged the current injury situation at Spurs and suggested his tactical setup may need to adapt to fit the players he has available.

“The situation here is not easy because we have a lot of players injured so we need to find the best system that suits the players available. Maybe this can sound strange but I believe that the thing we need to be focused on is training.

“I’m coming here knowing the situation is not easy. There is no time to find excuses, that is what I said from the first day, each of us, each of the players needs to give something because the position of the club at this moment is not what anyone can expect.

“Every fan of Tottenham cannot accept the situation. We are aware of that but it is not enough to just be aware. We can’t use excuses.”

The Croatian described his appointment as both a challenge and an honour, while stressing his focus remains on improving performances on the pitch.

“Big challenge for me, big honour to be here and I’m very happy. In the same way I don’t think too much about myself because I’m focused on work to do.”

“Wherever you go it is always about your relationship with the players, with the team, with the town. There are lots of similarities. So it is a real privilege to be here.

“The first priority is to give everything the team needs in these moments. The team needs, first of all, to get some confidence, to get some courage but also in the same way, the concrete things on the pitch.”

Tudor also confirmed he already knows several members of the squad from previous spells in management.

“I know some players. I’ve also been coaching with Dejan and Rodrigo. Unfortunately they are not available to play but they are in the dressing room.”

Spurs’ first task under Tudor does not get much tougher, a North London derby clash with Arsenal.

The Gunners are leading the standings, with their eye on a first title since 2004. Tudor and Spurs would love nothing more than to derail that title bid, and get their own season back on track at the same time.