"I don't really like that type of thing" - Tottenham manager hits back at two Premier League stars for mocking Richarlison
Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Ryan Mason has hit out at Callum Wilson and Michail Antonio for mocking Richarlison. He wants the duo to respect the Brazilian striker and did not think it was good of them to criticize a fellow professional.
Antonio and Wilson took shots at Richarlison and mocked him for celebrating three offside goals. They were having a dig at the Brazilian, who has not done well for Tottenham since his around £60 million from Everton last summer.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game against Brentford, Mason was furious that footballers in the league were mocking his player. He slammed the duo and said via ESPN:
"I certainly don't feel like I'm ever in a position to criticise another head coach or another manager on the work they're doing or the job they're doing at their football club."
He added:
"Richy I don't think he's thinking about other players, to be honest, I think it is his own pride and his own determination that will probably drive that most of all. In terms of Richy. I don't know. Maybe he's heard it, maybe seen it? Maybe. Maybe it might give him a little bit more. I'm not sure. I'm really not sure about that."
Speaking about how he wouldn't do these things himself and doesn't like it either, Mason said:
"First of all, I guess as a coach I wouldn't do it, and as a player, I've never done it as well. I don't really like that type of thing. We're all trying to do our best. We're all professionals. We're working hard. We dedicate our lives to get to this level and to compete at this level."
He added:
"So don't really like that type of thing personally. But from a player's point of view. I've been signed for a club as a record signing. So I know the feeling that you want to give back."
Richarlison has one Premier League goal to his name this season, and that came in a dramatic loss to Liverpool. He scored in the injury time to complete Tottenham's comeback from being 3-0 down to make it 3-3. However, it went in vain as Diogo Jota scored the winner seconds after kick-off to win the game for the Reds.
Richarlison rejected Arsenal and Chelsea to join Tottenham
Richarlison was keen on leaving Everton last summer and informed the club about his decision at the end of the 2022-23 season, as per Sky Sports. He helped the Toffees escape relegation last season, contributing 10 goals and five assists in 30 league games.
The Brazilian had interest from Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal in the summer, and he opted to work with former Spurs manager Antonio Conte. However, he did not enjoy a good time under the Italian and claimed that he was not getting chances.
Conte was eventually sacked by the club, but Richarlison's form has remained the same. The former Watford man came off the bench against Brentford on Saturday, but could not help Tottenham get back in the game they ended up losing 3-1.