Former Tottenham player Chris Waddle feels Spurs are bound for relegation this season – and does not think a new manager will make a difference.
The London giants parted company with Igor Tudor over the weekend, with the Croatian manager’s tenure at Tottenham lasting only 44 days after he replaced Thomas Frank.
A 3-0 hammering on home soil by Premier League relegation rivals Nottingham Forest before the international break left Spurs in 17th place, just one point above the drop zone.
Seven up
Tottenham have only won seven of 31 top-flight games under Frank and Tudor this season, drawing nine and losing 15.
The club are reportedly in talks with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is available after leaving Marseille in February – and is the favourite with Sky Bet to become the next permanent manager.
But former England winger Waddle told an exclusive interview with 10bet: “I don’t think a new manager at Tottenham changes a thing.
“The players aren’t good enough and that isn’t going to change if a new manager comes in.
“I’m looking at the squad, looking at individuals that don’t look like they’ve got the stomach or the ability to pull the club out of the hole it’s in.”
Affection for club
Waddle added: “I had some great years at Tottenham and have a lot of affection for the club.
“I have a huge amount of respect for the fans and feel for them – it’s sad to watch what has happened to the club this season.
“Look at the managers that Tottenham have had in recent years. Antonio Conte. Jose Mourinho. These are proven winners.
“Did anything change? It’s not about the managers; it’s about changing the culture at the top of the club.
“Tottenham have the best stadium in the country and the best training facilities.
“They don’t have the best players and until the board changes its recruitment policy, then the club will always struggle. They won’t ever be able to challenge at the top end of the table.”
READ MORE: Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham by mutual consent after just seven games in charge
Championship bound
West Ham’s vital win at Fulham and home draw with Manchester City have moved them onto 29 points, just one point behind Spurs with seven games remaining.
And Waddle feels Tottenham are now favourites to drop into England’s top tier, a league they have not competed in since 1977.
“Where do Tottenham go from here? It’s looking like the Championship,” he said.
“I’m really concerned and worried about what is happening at the football club. I cannot believe a club of that size are in the position that they’re in.
“West Ham might be saying the same. Nottingham Forest might be saying the same.
“After the result against Forest, Tottenham Hotspur are basically the favourites for that third relegation spot.
“Hopefully, three or four players will come back [after the international break], but are they good enough? Will it be enough?
“That’s the big question for Tottenham: Are the players good enough and do they have the bottle for a relegation fight? Can they roll up their sleeves?”
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Miles off the pace
Waddle continued: “I’m not convinced that this group of players have got enough about them to stop the rot.
“Tottenham are miles off the pace. I thought they’ve turned a corner after improved performances against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool – then they go back to zero with the Forest performance.
“No confidence on the ball. They didn’t really cause Forest any problems.
“Yes, they’ve had some bad luck with injuries, but Tottenham have been sliding for years now.
“The Europa League win papered over a few cracks – this group of players simply aren’t good enough to be challenging in the Premier League.
“The players need to take some responsibility, but the main culprit are the board and leadership of the club.
“They haven’t invested money in players; they’re always buying for the future, but Tottenham need better players for the now.
“The club is in a real mess. They’re miles away from being a top club in the Premier League.”
The fight for Premier League survival resumes on Friday, April 10 when West Ham play hosts to rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Tottenham travel to Sunderland for a 2pm showdown on Sunday, April 12.
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SportJustSport writers