Igor Tudor
Tottenham Hotspur is set to welcome back captain Cristian Romero as they gear up for a crucial Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid. Romero’s return comes after a four-game suspension following a red card in the match against Manchester United. His absence coincided with a tumultuous period for Spurs, which saw the dismissal of Thomas Frank and interim head coach Igor Tudor losing his first three Premier League games against Arsenal, Fulham, and Crystal Palace.
Igor Tudor said: “He missed a lot. He was also not feeling good to be in the circumstances not to help the team. He has been doing a lot. He has been working with the fitness coach and doing a lot of running to be in a top condition. Now he can show tomorrow that he is a leader like always.”
Pedro Porro added: “He makes all the difference and we missed him a lot because he can give a lot to the team. We were missing him. We are delighted to have him back.”
Romero’s return is a significant boost for Tottenham, who are struggling in the Premier League and are yet to secure a domestic win in 2026. The team faces a challenging task against Atletico Madrid, who are currently third in La Liga. Despite Tottenham’s recent struggles, Atletico’s manager Diego Simeone has dismissed suggestions that his team is the favorite for the tie.
Diego Simeone said: “I don’t know what it’s related to. If you relate it to them finishing fourth in the Champions League (league phase), then we’re not favourites. If you relate it to their (Premier League) position? It depends on how you want to relate it. Just like every other match. When you step onto the pitch, you don’t remember where you are in the standings or what stage you’re at. The players want to win, to play well. I don’t know any of them who thinks about their league position when they’re about to take a shot. We don’t know how the match will start, but we know their strengths and weaknesses. I know the coach, he’s always played his teams with an attacking mindset, regardless of the formation.”
Adding another layer of intrigue to the match, Spurs midfielder Conor Gallagher will return to Atletico two months after leaving the club. Simeone spoke fondly of Gallagher’s time at Atletico, highlighting his versatility and work rate.
Simeone added: “A young man who worked with us with great humility. He can play in different positions because of his collective work rate, which benefits the team. He behaved very well and we have very fond memories of his time at Atletico.”
As Tottenham prepares for this European challenge, the return of Romero is expected to bolster their defense. However, with eight players still sidelined due to injuries, Tudor’s side faces an uphill battle. The match promises to be filled with drama and key talking points, including potential selection dilemmas, VAR controversies, and the emergence of unsung heroes. Tottenham fans will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes as they seek to make an impact in Europe.
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