Igor Tudor says Tottenham are prioritizing staying in the Premier League over progressing in the Champions League

Tottenham Hotspur interim coach Igor Tudor says the priority is staying in the Premier League over progressing in the Champions League.

Tottenham’s poor domestic form led to the sacking of Thomas Frank last month, and three defeats in Tudor’s first three games have left them one point above the relegation zone.

They have performed much better in Europe, where they have automatically qualified for the Champions League Round of 16, where they will play the first leg away to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday (20:00 GMT).

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

“Every match is important,” the Croatian said during the press conference held on Monday in Madrid.

“[A] Completely different mental aspects can be used in this type of game, so maybe this will help us know what problems we have, and switch in 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 of growth,” Tudor added. “Our first goal is the Premier League, and that is something that needs to be said publicly. It is a natural thing.

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

Defenders Jade Spence and Cristian Romero are available again, with captain Romero returning from suspension to make his debut under Tudor.

After using Richarlison on the bench for his first three matches, Tudor said the Brazilian striker would start on Tuesday.

“Players are coming back, that’s important,” Tudor said. “In all three matches we missed players in their positions and we missed players who usually play.

“It’s a nice game we’ll be playing tomorrow, and it’s a completely different competition to the Premier League. There’s good experience from this season, and past games, so let’s see what happens tomorrow.”