Gary Neville has strongly criticised Tottenham Hotspur's decision to allow captain Cristian Romero to travel to Argentina for rehabilitation during a critical relegation battle, calling it a symptom of a club in disarray. The former Manchester United defender expressed sympathy for Spurs fans who have witnessed mismanagement on multiple levels.
Romero's Injury and Absence
Romero suffered a season-ending knee injury against Sunderland last month and has been unable to help his side's fight to avoid relegation. Tottenham face Everton on the final day, needing to match West Ham's result against Leeds to stay in the Premier League. Initially, Romero was given permission to continue his rehabilitation in Argentina ahead of the World Cup, but after backlash, he will now attend the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
De Zerbi's Focus
Manager Roberto De Zerbi refused to discuss Romero or Dejan Kulusevski, stating: 'They can't play, they don't play and they are not here. My focus is on Djed Spence, on Randal Kolo Muani, on Richarlison. We have to play with blood, character and spirit. It's a final. Last season they won a trophy, but tomorrow there is something more important: the future of the club, its history, pride, and dignity.'
Neville's Verdict
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: 'It's another disconnect for Tottenham fans. They come to support their team, and the captain might not be here for the last game. Bad decision. Poor choice. Did they not think he'd be spotted in Argentina? It's symptomatic of poor decision-making. They've corrected it, but everyone knows the original decision was wrong.'
Romero's absence has sparked anger among supporters, with Neville noting that such decisions reflect broader issues at the club. Tottenham's relegation battle has been marred by inconsistent performances and off-field controversies, leaving fans frustrated as the season concludes.
