‘It didn’t look good’ – should players ever publicly snub their manager?

Refusing to do what your manager asks you to do in an office or on a football field is not a good look.

Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence, both of whom played for Tottenham, gave the statement to Spurs manager Thomas Frank on Saturday.

When Frank encouraged his players to do a lap of applause around the stadium shortly after half-time in their 1-0 home defeat against Chelsea, as he does after every home game, he did it again.

Van de Ven and Spence were caught on camera bashing their manager and going straight down the tunnel as his players were being booed off the pitch.

Is such a reaction understandable in the present, given that the emotions and frustrations were high following such a disappointing loss? Or should a manager’s request always be honored?

Frank downplayed the incident after the game, saying, “All the players are obviously frustrated.”

I am aware that they would like to do well, win, and perform well, as stated in their respective statements.

Spurs are understood to be satisfied that Frank was not hurt, but rather a result of frustration with the way things had changed and the amount of negativity that had been generated by fans at their home stadium over the past few weeks.

However, it was unfortunate to publicly reject Frank’s request.

Nedum Onuoha, the former defender for Manchester City, thinks it is understandable that the players were frustrated, but believes Van de Ven and Spence should at least acknowledge Frank.

You experience frustrations as players,” he declared live on BBC Radio 5. Simply nod your manager and listen.

You may have to do this joyful little dance at times. You are aware of the fans’ clapping. If those two make amends when they come out, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Tim Krul, the former Newcastle goalkeeper, said, “I can see both sides in this one.

“You’ve just lost against your biggest rivals, but the manager obviously wants all the players to cheer up and cheer.”

They played a terrible game, and Micky van de Ven was to blame for one of the goals. They weren’t clapping enough, so they shouldn’t have. They show no sign of concern, but they did so improperly.

Football is a sensitive game, and players may not always react the best way when things don’t go their way.

What followed from previous instances of players snubging their managers, along with what follows:

Eric Ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo

What transpired: Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portugal star, left the stadium before half-time when he refused to play as a late substitute for Manchester United in a 2-0 victory over Tottenham in October 2022.

How it turned out: Ronaldo was dropped from the squad for the following game, and he claimed in a TV interview that he felt “betrayed” by the team the following month. He left the club by mutual consent a week later.

Oliver Glasner and Marc Guehi

What transpired: Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who was at the time linked with a move to Liverpool, appeared to ignore Oliver Glasner as the Eagles manager called him out on the pitch shortly after half-time in a draw with Chelsea.

How it turned out: Guehi and Glasner haven’t changed since that incident, and the defender has continued to play for the Eagles regularly. However, it was announced last month that he would leave the organization next year.

Maurizio Sarri and Kepa Arrizabalaga

What transpired: Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted for him during the defeat by Manchester City in the 2019 Carabao Cup final.

How it turned out: Kepa apologized but received a pay fine for a week. Then, according to Blues manager Sarri, the situation is now closed.

Glenn Roeder and Paolo di Canio

What transpired: Di Canio yelled at Roeder on the touchline after being informed that he would be substituted for a game against Tottenham in September 2002. After he calmed down, Di Canio was eventually released.