Former Birmingham City Boss In Touchline Tantrum: Clip Goes Viral

Footage of Pep Clotet, the former Birmingham City manager, has gone viral following an intense sideline altercation during his new role as head of Italian Serie C club Triestina.

The 47-year-old manager was seen grabbing and shaking forward Raimonds Krollis after the player received a red card during Triestina’s 1-0 home defeat to Giana Erminio. The defeat marks another blow for Triestina, who currently sit at the bottom of the Serie C table with only one win from 14 matches this season.

Clotet, who previously led Birmingham City in the EFL Championship from 2019 to 2020, was appointed as Triestina’s manager just three weeks ago. Frustration grew when Triestina was forced to play with ten men after Krollis was sent off early in the first half for an on-field altercation. The red card appeared to spark Clotet’s fury, leading to his animated confrontation with Krollis as he exited the pitch.

Witnesses described the scene as Clotet, visibly angry, approached 23-year-old Krollis, who is currently on loan from Serie B side Spezia. Clotet first shoved the player before grabbing him by the collar with both hands and shaking him forcefully. The incident, widely shared on social media, led to a wave of criticism directed at Clotet, who has defended his actions.

After the game, Clotet justified his reaction, suggesting that it was an appropriate response to Krollis’s behaviour. “My gesture was right for what happened,” Clotet stated firmly. “What Krollis did is unacceptable. It damages Triestina, the club he represents, and football in general.”

In his post-match interview, Clotet elaborated on his frustrations: “Giana Erminio surprised us with their tactical approach, but we were managing to recover until the expulsion. Obviously, they took control, but we fought hard despite being a man down. However, we must develop a more disciplined mentality and learn how to handle crucial moments individually.”

He concluded by stating that Krollis would no longer play under his management at Triestina. “As long as I am the coach, Krollis will not play for this club again.”

Former Birmingham manager Pep Clotet has completely lost his head at his OWN player after getting sent off over in Italy 😳😳
pic.twitter.com/e9hRrvRElk

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) November 8, 2024

Clotet’s outburst has highlighted the difficult start to his tenure at Triestina, the fourth club he has managed since his departure from Birmingham City in 2020. In his time in charge at Birmingham, Clotet is notably remembered for giving Jude Bellingham his senior debut at just 16, a move that launched the England star’s career. However, his managerial path has since seen mixed results with stints at Brescia, SPAL, and Torpedo Moscow.

Site Opinion

While Pep Clotet’s actions reflect his intense managerial style, such public displays of aggression raise concerns about leadership boundaries on the touchline. Managing in high-pressure environments often demands a certain level of intensity, especially when aiming to inspire disciplined, committed performances. However, physically confronting a player crosses a line, signalling a need for Clotet to reassess his approach.

Moreover, Clotet’s decision to publicly declare that Krollis will not play for Triestina again may be short-sighted. Such statements can alienate team members and create a culture of fear rather than respect. In the long term, Clotet would likely benefit from adopting a more measured approach, focusing on constructive communication to achieve the discipline and focus he seeks in his squad.