Igor Tudor was absent from post-match media obligations following Tottenham's defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon, having received news of a bereavement within his family.
The Spurs manager departed the stadium to be with loved ones, leaving assistant coach Bruno Saltor to face journalists in his stead.
"Personal matters, family matters and I am stepping in as it is not right time for him to speak," Saltor told Sky Sports when explaining Tudor's absence.
The north London club fell to fellow strugglers Forest in what proved another damaging result in their battle against the drop, with supporters audibly expressing their frustration at the final whistle.
Igor Tudor was told of the tragic news just moments after Tottenham's defeat to Nottingham Forest
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Spurs now sit precariously just a single point above the relegation zone, their position unchanged from before kick-off despite the crushing home loss.
The club has failed to secure victory in any of their last 13 league fixtures, a run comprising five draws and eight defeats that equals their second-longest winless streak in league history, matching a similar spell from November 1912.
Only once have Tottenham endured a lengthier barren run, going 16 matches without success between December 1934 and April 1935.
Their tally of 30 points from 31 Premier League matches represents their joint-lowest return at this stage of a campaign, level with the 1914-15 season.
Saltor made clear the anguish felt throughout the club following another disappointing afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham suffered a huge defeat to Nottingham Forest in their battle to stay in the Premier League
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"Every mistake right now is going against us, every detail is going against us and it affects the players as well," he said.
The Spaniard acknowledged the dire circumstances whilst maintaining belief in the squad's ability to survive.
"It hurts us, it is painful, really painful, but the fans were outstanding today - from before the game until the end of the game," Saltor added.
"We need to carry on because we care, we care for Spurs, we are family and want to get out of this situation. I am 100 per cent sure we can get through this situation."
Captain Cristian Romero offered an emotional assessment of the club's plight, shouldering blame for the dismal campaign.
Igor Tudor's future at Tottenham is under huge pressure following a run of five defeats in seven games
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"The season is tough, especially in this moment. Another very bad [result] for us, another lose the game at home," the Argentine defender told Sky Sports.
"The situation is tough but most important thing is play like a final now. It is a bad season, obviously the first responsibility is with me."
Romero expressed gratitude towards the Tottenham faithful who have remained steadfast despite the mounting disappointments.
"It is painful, it is a sad day but the most important thing is go national team then come back here for the final seven finals," he concluded.