Is Unprofessional: Glenn Hoddle is not happy with what £175k/wk Tottenham player did last night
Tottenham Hotspur secured their third consecutive Europa League victory, defeating AZ in a tightly contested match on Thursday night. Although the performance may not have been Tottenham’s finest, they successfully claimed three points, thanks to Richarlison’s penalty in the 53rd minute.
The spot-kick came after AZ’s Maxim Dekker fouled Lucas Bergvall in the box, handing Spurs the opportunity to take the lead early in the second half.
The penalty moment created a brief on-field controversy as Richarlison, making his first start of the season, appeared determined to take the penalty kick. James Maddison, who captained the squad for the night, initially intended to take the shot himself.
However, after a short discussion, Maddison allowed Richarlison to step up, a decision that ultimately paid off as Richarlison confidently struck the ball down the center, clinching the winning goal for Tottenham.
Following the match, former Tottenham player Glenn Hoddle criticized Richarlison’s actions, describing them as “a bit unprofessional.” In an interview with TNT Sports, Hoddle expressed concerns about the forward taking the ball from Maddison, the designated captain.
He noted that while Richarlison scored and secured the victory, his insistence on taking the penalty was not ideal. Hoddle highlighted that, in his view, it’s crucial for players to respect established roles on the field, with designated takers stepping up only if the original choice is unavailable due to substitution or injury.
Maddison, reflecting on the incident during a post-game interview, took a more understanding stance. He shared that while he had been ready to take the penalty, he ultimately chose to let Richarlison go forward, recognizing that a successful goal could bolster the striker’s confidence as he returns from injury.
The captain saw his choice as a form of leadership, emphasizing that he wanted what was best for the team and hoped the goal would help energize Richarlison’s season.
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s manager, remained unfazed by the situation, stating simply that as long as the penalty resulted in a goal, the details didn’t concern him. He dismissed any potential issue, reinforcing his focus on the team’s success and their continued winning momentum.
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