Tottenham Hotspur will continue their search for a new manager after deciding to appoint the controversial Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso. This is followed by a significant fan backlash from Spurs fans, many of whom took to Twitter to say #NoToGattuso.
Gattuso has previously been accused of sexism, racism and homophobia. Back in 2013, the former AC Milan midfielder said he could not really see women in football, while the same year he downplayed the racist abuse of Kevin-Prince Boateng during a friendly match between Milan and Sion.
Gattuso also made derogatory comments about same-sex marriage in 2008.
The 43-year-old apparently became a candidate for Spurs when he suddenly left Fiorentina just over three weeks after joining. At the same time, talks between Spurs and ex-Roma boss Paulo Fonseca broke down over the finer details of the proposed contract.
Spurs fans were generally opposed to Gattuso getting the job / Francesco Pecoraro / Getty Images
Athletic writes that conversations took place between Spurs and Gattuso. It is said that the new CEO Fabio Paratici had previously considered hiring him to replace Andrea Pirlo at Juventus earlier this summer. But talks with Spurs will not go any further.
This means that the search for a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho, who was fired just before the EFL Cup final in April, continues. Mourinho has since been given 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 suspend talks earlier this month.
Antonio Conte suspended talks with Spurs earlier this month / MIGUEL MEDINA / Getty Images
Current Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has also been linked with the job, while Graham Potter and Scott Parker have been considered as external challengers from English football.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!
