“High risk” – Troost-Ekong tells Tottenham fans what to expect from new coach Igor Tudor

Former Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has told Tottenham fans to expect a much more direct approach following the appointment of Igor Tudor as head coach, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Last week, the Lilywhites parted ways with tactician Thomas Frank after just eight months in charge.

Frank was appointed following his success at Brentford but failed to live up to expectations despite the club's heavy summer investment.

​To replace him, Tottenham confirmed the appointment of Croatian manager Igor Tudor. He has signed a five-month deal that will keep him at the helm of affairs until the end of the campaign.

​Because Tudor has never coached in England, many fans are unfamiliar with his style. Though he has worked in Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Italy, and France, this marks his first-ever stint with a Premier League club.

Coincidentally, Tudor has worked with some Nigerian players, including former Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong.

Welcome Igor Tudor. #Spursy

2015 – Sacked by PAOK due to “unsuccessful results and raging comments about the quality of the team”

2017 – Sacked by Galatasaray after only ten months

2018 – Sacked by Udinese after only six weeks

2018 – Rehired by Udinese then sacked again 7…

— Matt Scott (@Matt5cott) February 13, 2026

​The pair worked together at Udinese during the latter half of the 2018/19 season and the beginning of the 2019/20 Serie A campaign.

During that period, Tudor helped the club avoid relegation, though he was eventually dismissed ten games into his second term due to a run of poor results. Having played under him in two different seasons, Troost-Ekong understands Tudor’s philosophy well.

​Troost-Ekong Reveals What to Expect from Tottenham's New Boss

​The Croatian coach will lead Tottenham for the first time next Sunday in a high-stakes North London Derby against Arsenal.

Ahead of the clash, William Troost-Ekong shed light on what the Spurs faithful can expect to see on the pitch.

​”We had him twice at Udinese,” Troost-Ekong told TalkSport.

“He is a manager who likes to play a 3-5-2 or similar variations. He favors attacking football, a high defensive line, and a high press. He can be quite direct.”

​”He has a big personality—if they need someone to shake things up and get everyone going, he’s the right person. Starting with the North London Derby is perfect; he isn't intimidated by anything and will try to run through every brick wall. That was my experience with him.”

​Troost-Ekong added: “In my time with him, he focused on restoring confidence when we were struggling. At Spurs, he’ll likely work extensively with the back line and focus on tactical discipline.

“Switching to a 3-5-2 would be the first step. You'll see high pressing and exciting football—the kind that gets fans out of their seats.

“There will be goals, but some will be conceded too, because playing a high line involves high risk. His biggest trademark is encouraging everyone to burst forward as much as possible.”

​Tudor will be eager to impress in London, as this is his first role since parting ways with his previous club Juventus last October.

Tottenham certainly possess the quality to compete. They just need a tactician who can blend those ingredients into a winning formula. Fans will be waiting with bated breath to see if Troost-Ekong’s predictions about Tudor come true.