Spurs enter the match desperate for momentum after a miserable run of form in the Premier League. The North London side has yet to record a league victory in 2026, with only two wins in their previous 19 league matches and a ten-game winless streak stretching into the clash with Palace.

Tudor, who had recently taken charge of Tottenham, was also searching for his first victory as head coach after opening his tenure with back-to-back defeats, including a disappointing loss against Fulham.

Speaking to the club's official media channels, Tudor refused to label the Palace game as a must-win fixture but made it clear that the team must focus on improving their performance and mentality.

"There is no must-win game," Tudor said. "All the games need to be won, but first of all they need to be done in the right way. You need to prepare, think about your team, understand who you are and what the players can give, and then improve from there."

The Croatian coach admitted the defeat to Fulham left him frustrated but insisted that reaction was necessary.

"After the game there are emotions and disappointments because you work hard and want the result," Tudor explained. "When the result doesn't come, it should make you angry. You should not come in smiling and say everything is perfect.

"It is important to send a message that we cannot accept this situation."

Despite the difficult run, Tudor said he had already seen encouraging signs from his squad on the training pitch.

"I saw the good will from the players to change things," he said. "We need small details, something to shift the moment, but I have seen small progress. We must keep moving in that direction."

Tudor also acknowledged the pressure that comes with managing Tottenham but urged his players to embrace it rather than hide from it.

"The pressure is part of this job," he said. "But in the end this is sport. The real pressure is in other jobs where people are responsible for lives or supporting families.

"At a big club like Tottenham you must accept responsibility, have courage and step forward."

With Palace arriving in North London, Tudor also highlighted the importance of the home support in helping Spurs rediscover their confidence.

"The fans are very important," he said. "The players feel everything – every encouragement, every applause. The energy from the crowd can lift the team."

For Tudor and Tottenham, the message was simple: show fight, show progress and finally turn effort into points.

Igor Tudor urges Tottenham to show 'courage' against Crystal Palace tonight