Tottenham Hotspur will continue their search for a new manager after deciding against appointing controversial Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso. It follows a significant fan backlash from Spurs fans, many of whom took to Twitter to say #NoToGattuso.
Gattuso has been accused of sexism, racism and homophobia in the past. Back in 2013, the former AC Milan midfielder said he ‘can’t really see women in football’, while that same year he downplayed the racist abuse of Kevin-Prince Boateng during a friendly between Milan and Sion.
Gattuso also made disparaging comments about same-sex marriage in 2008.
The 43-year-old seemingly became a candidate for Spurs when he suddenly left Fiorentina a little over three weeks after being hired. At the same time, talks between Spurs and ex-Roma boss Paulo Fonseca broke down over the finer details of the proposed contract.
The Athletic writes that conversations did take place between Spurs and Gattuso. It is said that new managing director Fabio Paratici had previously considering hiring him to replace Andrea Pirlo at Juventus earlier this summer. But talks with Spurs will not be going any further.
It means the hunt for a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho, who was sacked shortly before the EFL Cup final in April, goes on. Mourinho has since gone on to land a new job at Roma, while Ryan Mason took temporary control of the team until the end of the season.
Spurs were linked with a reunion with former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was sacked in November 2019, while ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte briefly became a target before the Italian decided to call off talks earlier this month.
Current Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has also been linked with the job, while Graham Potter and Scott Parker have been considered outside contenders from within English football.
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Source : 90min