Tottenham Players Snub Manager After Chelsea Defeat
Refusing to comply with a manager's request is generally frowned upon, whether in the workplace or on the football pitch.
This was exemplified by Tottenham players Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence during their match against Chelsea on Saturday. Following a disappointing 1-0 home defeat, Spurs boss Thomas Frank encouraged his players, as he does after every home game, to take a lap of appreciation around the stadium.
However, as the team was booed off the pitch, Van de Ven and Spence were seen on camera ignoring their manager and heading straight down the tunnel.
In the wake of such an emotional loss, one might question whether their reaction was understandable or if a manager's request should always be honored.
Understanding Both Sides
After the match, Frank downplayed the incident, acknowledging the players' frustrations: "All the players are, of course, frustrated. They want to perform well and win, so I understand that." It is believed that the club does not view the players' actions as a slight against Frank, but rather as an expression of their frustration stemming from recent negativity from fans at their home stadium.
Nonetheless, the public dismissal of Frank's request did not reflect well on the team. Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha commented on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating that while the players' frustrations are understandable, Van de Ven and Spence should have at least acknowledged Frank's request. "As players, you face frustrations. Just listen to your manager and at least nod. Sometimes you have to play this merry little dance. You know you have to clap the fans. I wouldn’t be surprised if those two have apologies coming out," he remarked.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul expressed a similar sentiment: "I can see both sides in this one. The manager clearly wants all the players to appreciate the fans and clap, but you’ve just lost against your biggest rivals. Micky van de Ven was at fault for one of the goals; they had a horrific game. They didn’t show enough to deserve those claps. They care clearly, but they showed it in the wrong way. As a captain, you do that as a leader to show your appreciation. It didn’t look good when your manager walked on the pitch and they kind of showed anger and disrespect to him."
When Players Ignore Their Coaches
Football is an emotional sport, and players may not always react appropriately when things don’t go their way. Here are some previous incidents where players have snubbed their managers, along with the subsequent outcomes:
Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Ten Hag
What happened: In October 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo, then with Manchester United, refused to come on as a late substitute during a 2-0 victory over Tottenham and left the stadium before the match concluded.
How it panned out: Ronaldo was dropped from the squad for the next game and later criticized the club in a TV interview, claiming he felt "betrayed." He subsequently left the club by mutual consent.
Marc Guehi and Oliver Glasner
What happened: In August of this year, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi appeared to ignore manager Oliver Glasner as he called out to him on the pitch after a draw with Chelsea.
How it panned out: Despite the incident, Guehi and Glasner maintained a good relationship, and Guehi remains a regular starter for the Eagles. However, it was confirmed last month that he will leave the club next year.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri
What happened: During the 2019 Carabao Cup final, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted in a match against Manchester City.
How it panned out: Kepa apologized but was fined a week’s wages. Sarri later stated that he considered the matter closed.
Paolo di Canio and Glenn Roeder
What happened: In September 2002, during a game against Tottenham, Di Canio had an outburst at Roeder after being informed of his substitution.
How it panned out: Roeder played down the incident, but Di Canio continued to criticize his manager and eventually left the club in the summer of 2003 when his contract was not renewed.