Premier League survival is Spurs’ priority and Atletico tie can help – Tudor

Tottenham Hotspur will prioritise earning Premier League survival over Champions League progress, says interim manager Igor Tudor.

Spurs’ poor domestic form meant Thomas Frank was sacked last month and three defeats in Tudor’s first three games in charge have left them one point above the relegation zone.

They have performed far better in Europe, earning automatic qualification to the Champions League last 16, where they are away for their first leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday (20:00 GMT).

Securing a 49th consecutive season in England’s top flight is Tudor’s priority, though.

“Every game is important,” said the Croat during Monday’s news conference in Madrid.

“[A] totally different mentality aspect can be used in this kind of game, so maybe this can help us see which problems we have, and to switch the right way. But always focus on us, to grow as a team, to do things better.

“We need to do our best in terms that we need to grow,” Tudor added. “Our first aim is the Premier League – this is something that needs to be said publicly. It’s a normal thing.

“[The Champions League] is something extra, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to pass and don’t want to go to the next round.”

Defenders Djed Spence and Cristian Romero are available again, with captain Romero back from suspension to make his first appearance under Tudor.

And after using Richarlison off the bench during his first three games, Tudor said the Brazil forward will start on Tuesday.

“Players are coming back, that’s important,” said Tudor. “In all three games we missed the players on their positions and we missed the players who are usually playing.

Igor Tudor is clearly hoping to use the hostile surroundings of Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano to not only overturn the odds in the Champions League but arrest Tottenham’s slide towards relegation.

The occasionally combustible Croat was in measured, confident mood as Spurs prepare to take on Atletico and while not exactly describing this as a free hit, Tudor sees this break from the Premier League pressures as a chance to change the mood, reset and try a different approach for vital battles ahead.

Tudor’s future is already a topic of debate after three successive losses and poor performances, but he believes this side that will face Atletico will have a stronger backbone with the return of Cristian Romero following suspension.

The coach is under pressure, not only to show he has not merely continued the losing habit of predecessor Thomas Frank, but that he can inject the fight and spirit that he has so far failed to produce.

Romero’s return is seen as key, with Tudor saying: “I am sure in this game he will be the leader he always is and play a good game.

“He has not been feeling good because he has not been able to help the team, but now he’s back. He’s been working hard for the last two or three weeks, doing lots of separate running sessions with the fitness coach to be in better shape.”