Nuno Espirito Santo admits he overlooks advice on heading in Tottenham Hotspur training
According to The Guardian, Tottenham Hotspur manager, Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that he overlooks the guidance on heading the ball in training.
This comes after the English Football Association and other bodies urged clubs to limit players to just 10 higher force headers per week in training. This comes in the midst of investigations into the health risks associated with regularly heading a ball, including dementia.
There were doubts raised back then as to how the decision could be enforced. It would appear that in the case of Tottenham, it has not even been a matter of consideration.
Speaking ahead of his team’s game against Arsenal, Nuno went on to reveal that he is currently looking for solutions for his team’s susceptibility at set-pieces. He is in no mood to curtail his players heading the ball.
“I will not lie to you. I don’t count how many times our players head the ball.”
While the Portuguese tactician admits he is aware of the dangers associated with the trait, he believes heading the ball is an integral part of the game.
“I’m concerned with the situation of dementia and what heading the ball can cause. It’s a big concern for us but it’s part of the game.”
Nuno goes on to add that the inquisitions are the reason why training sessions are closed door affairs. Hopefully, it will not come back to bite either him or our players.
“That’s why we have training sessions without nobody seeing us.”
Just how the footballing authorities decide to react to Nuno’s admission remains to be seen.
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While it is extremely unlikely that we are the only club ignoring directives, Nuno’s brazen admission is not helping. The Portuguese manager has a sense of responsibility not just to improving results but also his players and their well being.
Spurs legends Joe Kinnear and Jimmy Greaves are among those battling dementia in their old age. The fact that Nuno’s comments come in the same week where the latter passed away is sobering.
