Similar to what happened at Tottenham, some Valencia fans are pushing against the hiring of Gennaro Gattuso due to controversial comments made in the past, leading him to try and explain himself to the media.
The 44-year-old Italian coach was on the verge of becoming Spurs coach last year before fans dug up some controversial comments dating back to his playing days at Milan, which pushed the North London side to appoint Nuno Espirto Santo instead.
Gattuso has remained out of work since. Slightly prior to being linked with Spurs, he had joined Fiorentina for a few days before immediately leaving after disagreeing over transfer policy later in the summer.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gattuso attempted to explain his prior comments, starting with those deemed sexist.
“My history speaks for itself. I’m racist? I’m homophobic? I’m xenophobic? I’m sexist? Have we gone mad? It’s time to calm down.
“So let’s start explaining, the phrase about women, uttered at the time of Barbara Berlusconi’s entry into football, was meant to be a defence of Galliani’s work, which had been brusquely dismissed.”
The Italian coach then tried to defend himself from accusations of racism.
“I’m racist? Then why did I sign Bakayoko when I was at Napoli? I’ve never had anything against Black players, many of whom have been my teammates and friends.
“I built my career with hard work, commitment and sweat. Nobody has given me anything as a gift. And I will no longer allow anyone, with terrible accusations, to hinder my work.”
In 2008, Gattuso made comments regarding same-sex marriage that have sparked controversy, and in 2013 he noted “I can’t really see women in foot ball” following Barbara Berlusconi’s executive appointment.
Gattuso: "Frase sulle donne era per Galliani. Razzista io? Ma se al Napoli ho preso Bakayoko!" https://t.co/7cYpMHKE6e
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) June 4, 2022
I hear yer a racist now Ringho? How is that goin for ye?
shut up Father Ted. You’re part of the problem.
Well spoken Gennaro. The idiots that criticize you know nothing. Godspeed!
Stuff these soft idiots with there accusations. As a Milan fan I stand with Rino.
I think people need to be less sensitive
And Hotspur and her fans were punished by Nuno. lol
The sensitive ones are the ones crying victim about the consequences for their actions. Say terrible things and there will be consequences. Saying ‘women don’t belong in football’ has nothing to do with defending Galliani’s work and y’all know that. Its an excuse. The “manly” thing to do would be to accept responsibility, apologize, and move on. These are public figures who have a responsibility to set a good example. Gattuso, if he wants to be a top manager, needs to apologize and evolve. If he wants to prioritize his ignorant views, he can do that too, but don’t expect to make it as a great manager. This is coming from a Milanista who loves Gattuso the player. When you respect somebody you hold them accountable and expect better.
Man snowflake society will melt at anything.
Every one is racist today. Just a smear used by idiots.
Cancel culture insane (truly mentally ill) lefty loonies talking shizz. Freck them.
If less people listened to them and let them moan in their echo chamber, the world would be an infinitely better place.
Prime Calcio, maybe he should have said that Berlusconi’s daughter shouldn’t be involved in football, and she should have. Would that have been smarter by him, going against the owners daughter? Not really. So he said in general, and who gives a rats arse anyway? It’s just words said in the moment. Why does he need to apologize because some far left wing-nuts go back into people’s history to smear them. The best thing to do is ignore it.
PrimoCalcio, well said. Completely right.
Everyone here proposing excuses for Gattuso’s comments are missing the point.
If his words were misconstrued, then all he needs to do is show strong character, apologise for any impact his words (heard/read by 100s of thousands) had.
If he meant the horrible words at the time, but has become a better person since, then all he needs to do is show his development and be a great example by explaining how immature his thoughts were in the past.
And if he still believes these things, he isn’t worth defending.
I stant with Gattuso
You can’t say a word without being branded racist
Lord help us
Shouldn’t even have to justify himself.
Tired of this woke nonsense, it’s creating real problem rather than solving it…disgusting and woke and soft society that is screwing up everything…
Wow, he’s really gone for the “I can’t be racist cos I have black friends” defence.
Btw, it’s not hard to not say anything racist, just don’t say anything racist. Sounds simple, but it’s remarkably effective
Well said Mike, we can all see that Father Ted is the bigot here