Tottenham interim manager Igor Tudor labels “relegation” a dangerous word that isn’t mentioned by the squad, despite the team sitting just four points above the drop zone.

Tottenham’s interim manager, Igor Tudor, has urged his squad to block out the noise regarding their proximity to the bottom three. 

Speaking ahead of a critical clash with Fulham, Tudor insisted that his players are not panicking, despite a dismal run of form that has left them just four points above the relegation zone. With the club still searching for its first win of 2026, the pressure is mounting on the new boss to steady a ship that many fans fear is heading toward the Championship.

The Croatian’s tenure got off to a nightmare start last weekend with a bruising 4-1 home defeat to North London rivals Arsenal. That loss underscored the massive task at hand for Tudor, who was brought in to provide a spark following the departure of Thomas Frank. 

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— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 22, 2026

As the reality of the situation settles in, the media and supporters alike are beginning to question if Tottenham have the grit to survive the final ten-game sprint of the season.

When asked if the job has proven more difficult than he initially expected, Tudor was refreshingly honest, admitting that he has his work cut out for him. He pointed to the team’s physical and mental condition as primary areas for improvement, while also waiting on key injured players to return to the fold. 

For Tudor, the focus must remain entirely internal, emphasizing that worrying about the results of rival clubs is a distraction they cannot afford.

Perhaps the most striking moment of the press conference came when Tudor discussed the concept of relegation. He described it as a “dangerous word” that he refuses to use with his players, not out of fear, but as a tactical choice to keep the squad’s mind on their immediate tasks. He argued that points are simply a “consequence” of good training and matchday performance, and that obsessing over the table would only hinder their progress on the training pitch.

The stakes for the upcoming match against Fulham could not be higher. The Cottagers are looking to complete a league double over Tottenham after winning the reverse fixture 2-1 three months ago.

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— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 26, 2026

Fulham have also enjoyed a strong home record against the North London side recently. A defeat this weekend would not only bring that “dangerous word” closer to reality but would also mark a historic low point for a club that began the season with much loftier ambitions.

Tudor also took the opportunity to shut down rumors of unrest within the squad following a viral clip from the Arsenal defeat. The video appeared to show defender Micky van de Ven ignoring tactical instructions from the touchline, leading to speculation of a rift. Tudor dismissed the social media chatter as a misunderstanding, clarifying that the defender was actually following a broader instruction for the entire backline and labeling Van de Ven a “fantastic professional.”