When Tottenham manager target Gennaro Gattuso ‘lost his head’ and headbutted Joe Jordan in Milan
Joe Jordan #JoeJordan
Gennaro Gattuso has emerged as a shock contender to become Tottenham’s new manager – and the fiery Italian has previous with Spurs… and Joe Jordan in particular.
Standard Sport understands that Tottenham are in talks with Gattuso about their vacant head coach role after turning their attentions away from Paulo Fonseca, with Spurs’ decision not thought to be down to money after reports in Italy claimed the deal broke down over irreconcilable ‘fiscal differences’.
Spurs have now turned their attentions to Gattuso, who is leaving Fiorentina after just 23 days as head coach, and are thought to be close to securing a deal with the Italian.
Fonseca was the recommendation of Spurs’ incoming managing director Fabio Paratici, who is set to assume responsibility for the football side of the club from July 1.
Paratici also admires Gattuso and held talks with the former AC Milan midfielder during his time at Juventus. Gattuso is a free agent after leaving his new job at Fiorentina following a row over transfer targets.
The club was reportedly reluctant to agree to signings proposed by the Italian’s agent Jorge Mendes and wanted to instead target cheaper alternatives.
Spurs have first-hand experience of the passion Gattuso brings to the pitch, with the former AC Milan midfielder incurring a stiff penalty for going up against Joe Jordan – not a battle many would willingly pick.
Gattuso and Jordan clashed at full-time of a Champions League last-16, first-leg tie between Milan and Spurs at San Siro, with Gattuso appearing to headbutt Jordan and also grab him around the throat.
The two had previously clashed during the second half after Mathieu Flamini escaped a red card for a horror challenge on Vedran Corluka.
At full-time, Gattuso took off his shirt and targeted Jordan with a volley of verbal abuse, with the altercation soon becoming physical.
“I lost control. There is no excuse for what I did. I take my responsibilities for that,” Gattuso said at the time.
“I was nervous. We were both speaking Scottish, something that I learned when I played in his home city of Glasgow, but I can’t tell you what we said.
“I didn’t want to argue with players and I did it with him but I was wrong to do what I have done. I will have to await what they decide.”
Then-Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said of Gattuso’s decision to go up against Jordan: “He obviously hadn’t done his homework. He could’ve picked a fight with somebody else.
“Putting his head into Joe’s face, it was crazy. He lost his head.”