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Friedel: Redknapp could stabilise Tottenham after Tudor's exit

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Former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes Harry Redknapp is the right man to lead the club through the rest of the season after Igor Tudor's exit.

It was announced on Sunday that Tudor has left Spurs by mutual agreement after just five Premier League games at the helm, with his reign only lasting 44 days.

They sit just one point above the drop zone following their 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest before the international break, which was the fourth league defeat of the Croatian's reign – his only point came from a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank in February, had the fourth-shortest tenure of any permanent Premier League manager, with only Sam Allardyce (Leeds United), Ange Postecoglou (Forest) and Les Reed (Charlton Athletic) having shorter stints.

Spurs are firmly in the relegation fight, with only 30 points from 31 matches so far, and they are now searching for a third boss in 2025-26 to ensure they do not drop to the Championship.

Friedel believes Spurs could benefit from appointing a familiar face until the end of the season, noting Redknapp – who took charge of Spurs between 2008 and 2012 – could have a similar impact to that of Martin O'Neill, who has twice returned to steady Celtic this term.

"They're in a desperate situation as we sit here," Friedel, who played for Spurs between 2011 and 2015, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I think someone like Harry Redknapp could do a very similar job to the one Martin O'Neill has done at Celtic on the short-term basis, especially to stabilise the club.

"Long term, it's not the solution, but to go in and instil some confidence into the players is something Harry would do.

"The most important thing is staying in the league. The long-term solution and building of the club can't really take place until you know whether you're doing it from the Championship or the Premier League.

"There's not many really top-quality, real long-term visionary coaches who would jump into this job right now without a break clause in their contract if they're relegated in the summer.

"But then, is that actually good for the club to have to bring in and release another manager after seven games?"

Redknapp, Tim Sherwood and Glenn Hoddle have all been linked with the vacant position on a short-term deal, as has Ryan Mason, who has filled the role as interim boss before.

Mauricio Pochettino has also been linked with a return to north London after he has led the United States at the upcoming World Cup.

Spurs are also reportedly interested in appointing Roberto De Zerbi, who was sacked by Marseille earlier this season, though it is believed he would prefer to wait and take the job at the end of the season.