An Open Letter to Tottenham Hotspur

To whom it might concern,

My identify is Dustin George-Miller. I’m managing editor of Cartilage Free Captain, the most important Tottenham Hotspur fan weblog in the US. However I’m writing to you at this time as a global Spurs fan deeply disturbed by a few of what I’m listening to within the media.

Just lately there have been rumors, some from effectively revered journalists, that the Membership is contemplating appointing Roberto De Zerbi as its subsequent everlasting supervisor. Whereas I absolutely perceive the extraordinarily unreliable nature of “switch rumors,” particularly relating to such an extremely excessive profile appointment because the Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur, this explicit rumor appears to have extra gravitas than most. I acknowledge that the scenario surrounding the managerial place at Spurs is sophisticated, in flux, and extremely depending on the Membership’s standing on the finish of the season, however I wished to personally write and categorical my emphatic opposition to the appointment of De Zerbi and would strongly recommend that the Membership look to different candidates, of which there are little doubt many.

Roberto De Zerbi is for sure a proficient soccer supervisor. He’s additionally a extremely divisive determine throughout the teaching ranks. His public falling out along with his earlier managerial appointments at Brighton and Marseille needs to be an enormous pink flag for the membership on the subject of who ought to take cost. De Zerbi has confirmed himself to be caustic, acerbic, excessive strung, and confrontational in his interactions — only one instance is the sideline confrontation he had with Cristian Stellini that resulted in each managers being ejected and issued heavy fines. We’ve had hot-tempered managers earlier than. It not often ends effectively, or lengthy.

However extra importantly, I’m extraordinarily involved with the membership’s (obvious) flirtation with De Zerbi contemplating his historical past of apologia for sexual violence and rape. Specifically, his choice, whereas at Marseille, to accumulate and vigorously defend Mason Greenwood, a participant credibly accused of rape and sexual assault, needs to be disqualifying for a membership of Tottenham Hotspur’s stature. Hiring a supervisor who confirmed help for Greenwood at a time when he was exceedingly poisonous all through world soccer sends a horrible message to Tottenham supporters who’re survivors of sexual assault — it suggests the membership prioritizes on-pitch outcomes greater than relationships with its personal supporters.

I might remind the Membership management of the fan outrage that emerged a number of years in the past when Spurs seemingly had been fascinated about appointing Gennaro Gattuso to the managerial place. That proved to be exceedingly unpopular. This is able to be far, far worse. Some issues are extra vital than soccer. That is certainly one of them. Tottenham’s tradition wants a tough reset after the previous two years, however I can’t consider a worse method of creating that tradition than by alienating a good portion of the fan base which are sexual abuse survivors. I’ve heard from many, many Spurs followers by way of my connections at Cartilage Free Captain and on social media, and the overwhelming majority oppose the thought of appointing De Zerbi.

Clearly, I have no idea for certain whether or not the Membership is significantly contemplating the appointment of De Zerbi. If it seems the Membership just isn’t, I might welcome that information. I might nevertheless once more reiterate my, and my weblog’s, sturdy opposition to his hypothetical appointment. There are many managers who would do a wonderful job managing Tottenham Hotspur, in no matter division they discover themselves in, that don’t comprise the extreme baggage that Roberto De Zerbi carries with him. I might, within the strongest attainable phrases, recommend the membership remove him as a possible candidate.

Tottenham Hotspur followers are sensible. They perceive the realities of recent soccer, but in addition will not be keen to nominate problematic characters for the only real function of profitable soccer matches. Additionally they deeply care in regards to the tradition throughout the membership. The fan protests over Gattuso (and, associated, the try to hitch the Tremendous League) ought to show that. It didn’t work with Jose Mourinho. It didn’t work with Antonio Conte. It won’t work with Roberto De Zerbi, and his appointment would solely show that the Membership management is willfully blind to the true ache suffered by its supporters who’re survivors of sexual abuse and rape.

Please select another person.

Respectfully,Dustin George-MillerManaging Editor, Cartilage Free Captaincartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com