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.