Tottenham interim head coach Igor Tudor says his focus is firmly on improving standards at Tottenham as Spurs get set to host Arsenal in Sunday’s North London derby.
Tudor is dealing with a significant injury list ahead of the Premier League clash and admitted it is unlikely any of the current absentees will return in time. “Probably none of the current absentees will be back,” he said in his first press conference as boss.
The Croatian revealed the scale of the issue in training this week, with numbers heavily reduced. “In this particular moment with 10 injuries, we trained with 13 players. It is what it is. It’s not fantastic or beautiful but 13 we will have and it is quite enough to achieve what we want on Sunday.”
There was at least one positive on the fitness front, with Dominic Solanke returning to sessions after illness. “Solanke trained today and yesterday after some problem with his throat,” Tudor confirmed.
Having only recently taken charge in North London, Tudor made clear he views the role as a responsibility rather than an experience to savour. “I didn’t enjoy because I’m not here to enjoy. I’m here to work. It’s the first moment and there’s work to do. It’s a privilege to be at this club. Enjoy is the first moment, and then there’s work to do. It’s a fantastic club. I am very focused to do the right things.
“The players want to have clarity about what we want. This was the goal. To send a message about values and how we want to play.”
Despite Tottenham’s position in the table, Tudor dismissed talk of long-term targets or relegation concerns, insisting league standings are simply a reflection of daily standards. “This is not important. Fighting for every position, relegation, first position, UEFA places, you achieve the position because of what you do during the week and on Sunday. It is a consequence of this.
“It brings you nothing if you think about relegation. All these goals are far away. I never give them importance. I never speak about results and what we want to achieve at the end of the season. I don’t believe in this. I believe in today’s training. This is all I want the players to think about. The position is a consequence of this.”
The ex-Juventus boss was unequivocal, however, when asked about the club’s Premier League status next season. “Tottenham will 100% be a Premier League club next season.”
He also played down suggestions that he has a specific formula for making an immediate impact at clubs he has managed. “I don’t know. I do my job. Nothing special. I do things that I believe are important. You need to resolve the problems – there are problems even in the biggest clubs.”
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