Nuno Espirito Santo
Nuno Espirito Santo is clearly frustrated by the situation regarding international break and quarantine when it comes to the authorities rather than the players.
Nuno Espirito Santo said: “It’s a problem that not affect us but affects all clubs and all the South American players playing in the Premier League. We have to obey the government law. We will try to do so but at the same time we don’t have any kind of help from FIFA, the government or the Premier League in support in this situation. We know what it means for all of the players to play for their national teams. It’s something they’re very proud of, so what we are trying to do is anticipate the situations. So expecting that not only for the next international break but also there will be a couple more, so we need to be clear. We are trying to take care of that situation. Trying to anticipate the damage. Us as a club we are working on that. What we are trying to do is anticipate when they return. We are trying to create a plan. All of us as managers have this problem to try and solve. We cannot stop it but we try and find the best way for so when they return we can get them sooner. There are ways and we as a club we are trying to provide a support for our player.”
That way looks to be the deal to return before the final game and Spurs will be hoping that more help arrives from the authorities. The world is now more than 18 months into the pandemic yet FIFA have still been unable to work out how international football can properly exist alongside the club game. The current government regulations state that those returning from red list countries must head straight from the airport to a managed, government approved quarantine hotel.
The government regulations state: “There you will be spending the next 10 days in your room. Every room has a television and wifi and facilities to make tea and coffee. The ensuite bathroom will already be equipped with basic toiletries. Hotel staff will not enter the room while you are staying, and so there will be some disposable cleaning products available. There will be a laundry service if you need to have clothes washed. You must not leave your room except in exceptional circumstances (such as an emergency) or with explicit permission from the security staff. Family and friends cannot visit you while you are staying in quarantine. You are not allowed any visitors and should not allow anyone else into your room, nor can you visit anyone else in the hotel.”
Far from being able to exercise as easily on a private pitch as they would at The Lodge, the rules for exercise are different in this situation.
The guidelines read: “You will not as a matter of course be allowed outside to exercise during your stay. In very special circumstances, with specific permission from onsite security staff and where there is an appropriate and safe space to go, you may be able to leave your room for brief periods to go outside for exercise. If this is permitted you will be escorted and supervised by security staff at all times. You will need to wear a face covering and to follow social distancing guidelines.”
All of this comes after the Premier League announced last week that their clubs had “reluctantly but unanimously decided not to release players for international matches played in red list countries next month”.
The statement added: “This follows FIFA’s current position not to extend its temporary release exception for players required to quarantine on their return from international duty. Extensive discussions have taken place with both The FA and the Government to find a solution, but due to ongoing public health concerns relating to incoming travellers from red list countries, no exemption has been granted.”
A compromise with the players appears to have been struck but the clubs will be hoping that some exemption can be sought from the government, at the least to isolate in an environment more controllable by the club – such as The Lodge for Spurs.
