EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham face a huge test against Crystal Palace on Thursday night as Premier League relegation fears suddenly threaten to turn real
Tottenham face a massive game against Crystal Palace on Thursday night to rubbish fears about a disastrous Premier League relegation.
Despite their troubles under Thomas Frank, the appointment of mid-season specialist Igor Tudor made concerns about dropping down to the Championship look a bizarre and distant reality. However, back-to-back defeats for the new manager and West Ham winning at Fulham on Wednesday have made those fears no longer a joke.
The Hammers moved to within one point of Spurs and safety off the back of one league defeat in five games, and just two in eight. While 17th place Nottingham Forest came from behind twice to draw at Manchester City on Wednesday.
Tudor’s side have a game in hand against the Eagles and will be desperate for a win to avoid themselves being dragged into a horrendous relegation scrap. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport via Gambling.com the UK casino comparison site, former Tottenham and Ireland defender Stephen Carr admitted the Croatian has a huge job on his hands.
“It’s going to be difficult for sure,” he said. “He saw first hand the task is big after defeat to Arsenal and he has a lot of work to do on the training ground to get Spurs moving up the table.
“He seems a coach who works his players hard, gets them as fit as possible to compete and a strong work ethic. So the immediate result should be players working harder for each other.
“With Spurs fixtures proving kindly on paper, he can get them out the relegation battle and moving up the table to finish somewhat respectable. But it’s down to the players to want it.
“Hopefully Spurs will have more players coming back fit over the next week which will help the squad out as they have been hit by a huge injury list.
“That said, there has been enough quality on show to compete and win Premier League games. I think and hope he can, but the players must show a response. This is vital and especially at home to pick up wins.”
Tudor is only on a contract until the end of the season with Spurs to make a permanent appointment in the summer. Former boss Mauricio Pochettino returning after he takes charge of the USA at their home World Cup in the summer has been speculated.
While Carr believes appointing Poch would be a good move despite concerns that his once strong squad has all diminished, he also put former Tottenham marksman Robbie Keane in the mix after the Irishman proved to be a success in Hungary with Ferencvaros and Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
“For sure Pochettino is the man on all Spurs fans’ lips of who they want to be the next full time Head Coach,” he said. “He led them to their best finish in the Premier League and I believe even he has said there is some unfinished business at the club, so maybe he is the man to restore pride for the club.
“He fits the bill for sure, but one point of note is this squad is a long way from the one he had at his time with Kane, Son, Erikson, Lloris, Walker, Rose, Dembele, Ali, who were all on top form for Poch. If he comes in, the squad isn’t as strong and it will prove a big job indeed.
“For me, I like Robbie Keane. Not only is he a good friend, but he has also been doing a top job in Hungary and proving to have success coaching and would be a good step up to manage in the Premier League.
“I believe he has the credentials, he knows the club, is hugely passionate, knows the club well and most of all works well with players. So he would be one I would consider as well.”