<p><em>Tottenham Hotspur have turned to Igor Tudor as interim manager following Thomas Frank's sacking. With the North London derby looming, can Tudor's defensive approach keep Spurs in the Premier League?</em></p> <p>Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the appointment of Igor Tudor as interim manager on Saturday, handing the Croatian coach the daunting task of saving the club from Premier League relegation.</p> <p>The 47-year-old former Juventus boss replaces Thomas Frank, who was sacked after Spurs slumped to just five points above the relegation zone.</p> <h2>Why Tottenham Sacked Thomas Frank</h2> <p>Thomas Frank's dismissal came after a disastrous run that saw Tottenham win only two of their last 17 Premier League matches. The Danish manager, who replaced Ange Postecoglou last year following the Australian's Europa League triumph, lasted just seven months at the north London club.</p> <p>Frank's tenure unraveled spectacularly in 2026. Tottenham haven't won a single Premier League game this calendar year, crashed out of both domestic cups in January, and suffered a damaging 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle that proved the final straw.</p> <p>The club now sits 16th in the table, facing the genuine threat of relegation for the first time since 1977. Those tracking the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/united-kingdom/english-premier-league/english-premier-league-outrights-2025-26-9166519">Premier League relegation odds</a> will note just how precarious Spurs' position has become.</p> <p>Sporting director Johan Lange cited the need for<strong> "clarity, intensity and experience"</strong> when explaining Tudor's appointment, essentially admitting Frank had lost control of the dressing room and tactical direction.</p> <h2>Igor Tudor Tactics: What Tottenham Fans Can Expect</h2> <p>Tudor brings a distinctive tactical approach centered around his preferred <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/3-4-2-1-formation-soccer-guide">3-4-2-1 formation</a>. The system prioritizes defensive solidity through a back three, with aggressive wing-backs providing width and two attacking midfielders supporting a lone striker.</p> <p>At Juventus and Marseille, Tudor deployed high-intensity pressing and man-marking across the pitch.</p> <p>His teams typically aim to disrupt opponents' build-up play through tight defensive organization rather than expansive attacking football. Tottenham supporters shouldn't expect the free-flowing style that defined Postecoglou's brief tenure.</p> <p><strong>"His typical formation is a 3-4-2-1"</strong> Italian football expert Patrick Kendrick explained.<strong> "It's very similar to what Ivan Juric used. The back three is pretty in vogue in Italy, and it's looked at as a way of making sure you're solid first and foremost."</strong></p> <p>Tudor's tactical flexibility has proven crucial in previous rescue missions. At Hellas Verona in 2021-22, he guided them to ninth place with the joint-fourth best attack in <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/italy/italian-serie-a">Serie A</a>, launching Giovanni Simeone's career with 17 goals that season.</p> <h2>Tottenham vs Arsenal: Tudor's Baptism of Fire</h2> <p>Tudor's first match as Tottenham manager couldn't be more challenging: the North London derby against Premier League leaders Arsenal on February 22 at 4:30pm.</p> <p>The fixture represents English football's most intense local rivalry, with Arsenal currently riding high at the top of the table. For those looking to wager on the match, the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/united-kingdom/english-premier-league">Premier League odds</a> will reflect the significant gulf between the two sides.</p> <p>The timing is brutal. Tudor will have limited training sessions to implement his 3-4-2-1 system and address the confidence issues plaguing the squad. He faces an injury crisis that may force tactical compromises, with key defenders unavailable for the derby.</p> <p>Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will sense opportunity against a manager with zero Premier League experience and a team devoid of confidence. Tottenham haven't beaten their rivals at home since 2023, and Tudor's conservative tactical approach may invite Arsenal pressure.</p> <p>However, derby matches carry their own logic. The intensity and emotion can override form, and Tudor's reputation for organizing disciplined defensive performances could frustrate Arsenal's attacking ambitions.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/premier-league-betting-guide">Everything you need to know before betting on the EPL</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/epl/predictions/epl-players-to-watch-2025">The breakout stars lighting up the Premier League this season</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/epl-winners-by-year">Every club that's lifted the Premier League trophy</a></li> </ul>