Billed far and wide across the media as a fire-fighter upon his arrival, Tudor has proved quite the opposite, taking no time at all to torch his own reputation as a coach and leader, along with whatever sort of positive relationship he might have fostered with Tottenham's players and fans.
And now, three games in, Tudor has suffered three defeats. First it was 4-1 to Arsenal. Then 2-1 to Fulham. And most recently, 3-1 to Crystal Palace as their dismal home record continued. Spurs are just one point above the relegation zone with nine games left.
When waters are choppy, you do not need some ambitious captain with notions of heading out on an adventure. All you really want is someone who can get you safely to shore. Igor Tudor is not keen on the word. Hearing it applied to him when he arrived at Juventus last season, he observed that every manager, everywhere, is living from game to game. You can have a contract for five years and get sent home after three matches, he said.