---
title: "Ivan Javorcic: Igor Tudor ally’s bizarre story sums up Tottenham’s season"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/03/30/ivan-javorcic-igor-tudor-allys-bizarre-story-sums-up-tottenhams-season/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Aditya Singh"
section: "Features"
published: "2026-03-30T07:03:52Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T17:03:39Z"
---

# Ivan Javorcic: Igor Tudor ally’s bizarre story sums up Tottenham’s season

**Tottenham Hotspur are swiftly moving towards relegation and need quick solutions. With seven games to go, they are just one point above the drop with no domestic wins in 2026.**

Tottenham decided to appoint Igor Tudor in February after sacking Thomas Frank. However, after four defeats and one draw in five Premier League games, they have also mutually parted ways with the Croatian. They are now looking for their third manager of the season, interim or permanent.

After winning the UEFA Europa League trophy last season, they could barely have imagined being in this situation. However, the north London side is known for weird storylines, and Tudor’s exit brings another one.

## **Ivan Javorcic’s Tottenham story ended before it began**

Following Matt Wells’ departure in December, Tottenham appointed John Heitinga as Thomas Frank’s assistant on January 15. However, [Heitinga left the club after just 33 days](https://readtottenham.com/2026/02/17/dutch-media-make-brutal-john-heitinga-claim-as-he-leaves-tottenham-after-just-33-days/), as Frank was sacked.

While that seemed amusing, the north London side has hilariously managed to surpass that incident.

> 🚨 John Heitinga has left Spurs 33 days after being appointed as an assistant coach to Thomas Frank\
> \
> Fellow assistants Justin Cochrane & Chris Haslam leaving too\
> \
> Full story & details of Igor Tudor's new backroom staff on [@TheAthleticFC](https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) with [@greggevans40](https://twitter.com/greggevans40?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)[https://t.co/QdbX2QkDiK](https://t.co/QdbX2QkDiK)
>
> — Jay Harris (@jaydmharris) [February 16, 2026](https://twitter.com/jaydmharris/status/2023406387498492167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

When Tudor was appointed as Spurs’ interim manager on February 14, he was set to bring Ivan Javorcic as his assistant coach. They have worked together at the likes of Lazio and Juventus. However, Javorcic’s work permit never arrived in time.

When asked about his right-hand man earlier this month, Tudor told the reporters:

“It’s an ongoing thing now. We are waiting. It’s a work permit issue.”

Tudor had Bruno Saltor as his assistant during his short spell in north London. The latter also gave the press conference after their 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest, as Tudor was told about his father’s death right after the game.

**Also Read:** [Revealed: Why Igor Tudor did not attend press conference after Tottenham 0-3 Nottingham Forest](https://readtottenham.com/Why%20Igor%20Tudor%20did%20not%20attend%20press%20conference%20after%20Tottenham%200-3%20Nottingham%20Forest)

Meanwhile, Tudor’s departure means that Javorcic has to leave Tottenham even before getting to work for them!

## **What next for Tottenham?**

After a mutual parting of ways with Tudor, Tottenham are on the lookout for a new interim or permanent manager. Many names like Roberto De Zerbi, Sean Dyche, Glenn Hoddle, and Ryan Mason have been linked.

**Also Read:** [De Zerbi, Dyche and more: Sources close to Tottenham confirm managerial shortlist after Tudor’s departure](https://readtottenham.com/2026/03/29/sources-tottenham-confirm-managerial-shortlist-after-tudor-de-zerbi-dyche/)

Until a decision is made, Saltor will be in charge of training with the players who are still at Hotspur Way. This includes the likes of Richarlison, Destiny Udogie, and Antonin Kinsky, among others.

> We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.\
> \
> Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach.\
> \
> We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their… [pic.twitter.com/I6HUdLdewL](https://t.co/I6HUdLdewL)
>
> — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) [March 29, 2026](https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/2038262428719272232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Players recovering from their respective injuries, like Mohammed Kudus and James Maddison, are also in the mix.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are hoping to make a decision soon and give the new head coach around 10 days of training before their next game against Sunderland on April 12.