LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Igor Tudor has admitted his team are struggling physically at the moment and has promised to “add more fuel to the engine” to avoid relegation.
Tudor arrived in north London as Tottenham were in a fierce battle to avoid relegation to the second division for the first time since the 1977-78 season.
Tottenham have only won two of their last 18 Premier League (EPL) matches and are now four points above the relegation zone before travelling to Fulham tomorrow night.
Tudor, who was appointed to replace the sacked Thomas Frank, realises that the players’ physical condition is key in his team’s efforts to avoid relegation.
The Croatian coach, who is known for his high-intensity approach, admitted that his squad is currently unable to reach the required level of fitness.
“Physically, I don’t think we were in the best shape,” Tudor said.
“They played many matches before without many players ready and that situation caused the team’s fitness level to drop.
“So we need to use this period without matches to replenish our energy so that the team’s engine can function better.”
“They are tired. To do high pressure, you need to be fit and all the players need to be at that level.
“Of course we will improve and do this better over time, but for now it’s a big question of what we can and can’t do.”
Training footage of Tudor instructing Tottenham players to do intensive running has gone viral on social media, reminiscent of pre-season sessions.
However, Tudor rejected claims that his training methods were too harsh for players going through a challenging season.
“No, this is not a punishment. That’s just the way it is – running. This field is 100 yards long, so you have to run,” he said.
“There are certain habits. Maybe some are used to working a little less? I added running without the ball. Players really don’t like running without the ball!”