Telegraph Sport has been told that Tudor has tried to strike up a personal relationship with captain Cristian Romero, but he has done little to lift the morale of the group or instil confidence into individuals.
It was pointed out that Tottenham’s players did not give up in Madrid, despite falling 4-0 and 5-1 behind, but it is believed the majority of the squad want to fight for the club, the fans and their own pride – rather than for Tudor.
Tudor’s decision to drop first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario in favour of Kinsky, who had not played since October, was the latest gamble that blew up in his face since the Croat’s appointment.
Tottenham insiders were surprised that Pedro Porro was asked to start as a right-sided centre-back in a back three in the defeat to Crystal Palace, telling Telegraph Sport that the Spaniard is not equipped to play that position.
Some noted that when Tudor was asked in which position forward Richarlison would play ahead of the first-leg thrashing by Atlético, Porro interrupted to joke “centre-back”.
João Palhinha, Conor Gallagher, and Xavi Simons have all been played in unfavoured positions by Tudor before being dropped, while teenager Archie Gray has been moved around the team.
Tudor’s chopping and changing, and playing players out of their favoured positions, is said to have left players confused, frustrated and feeling disconnected.
It is claimed that Tudor needed to be reminded to inform Vicario that he was going to be replaced by Kinsky ahead of naming the team for the Atlético game, despite the Italian’s status as regular No 1.
Vicario will presumably be needed to start all of Tottenham’s remaining fixtures, given Kinsky’s meltdown, despite Tudor risking upsetting both of his goalkeepers.
Players were understood to be shocked that Tudor did not console Kinsky when he trudged off the pitch in Madrid after being replaced by Vicario. Substitutes Palhinha and Gallagher rushed down the tunnel to offer support.