Tottenham suffer humiliation as Swedish politician takes bizarre swipe referring to economy as ‘Spursy’
A Swedish politician has deployed an unusual footballing analogy in parliament, drawing parallels between his nation’s economic challenges and Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal Premier League campaign.
Mikael Damberg, the Social Democratic Party’s former finance minister, addressed the Riksdag during Thursday’s fiscal policy debate with a pointed critique aimed at the current government.
Damberg told the chamber: “I naturally think of Tottenham Hotspur, also known as Spurs, it is one of England’s most distinguished and rich clubs with an enormous stadium, dedicated and large supporter base – everything to be considered a ‘top team’.”
The 54-year-old introduced the term “Spursy” to describe having opportunities but achieving no results.
Damberg elaborated on his critique, arguing that the north London club finds itself battling near the foot of the table not because of a lack of resources, but because of wasted chances.
He said: “Due to making wrong decisions, general jerkiness and thinking in the short-term, they have lost their direction and stability.”
The politician, who held the finance portfolio from October 2021 to November 2022, drew a direct line to Sweden’s economic management.
Targeting current finance minister Elisabeth Svantesson, Damberg said: “Madame Speaker, that is precisely how the Minister of Finance is handling the Swedish economy.”
A Swedish politician has deployed an unusual footballing analogy in parliament
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He warned the government risked making Sweden “Spursy”, insisting the country “cannot perform like Tottenham”.
Damberg’s assessment reflects Spurs’ genuine predicament, with the club languishing in 16th position, merely five points above the relegation zone.
Thomas Frank was dismissed earlier this month following a woeful spell that yielded just two victories from 17 league fixtures.
Former Juventus manager Igor Tudor has been installed as caretaker until the season concludes, tasked with steering the club away from danger.
Parallels were drawn between his nation’s economic challenges and Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal Premier League campaign
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His reign begins with a daunting assignment on Sunday: a north London derby against table-topping Arsenal.
The Croatian, who departed the Italian giants in October after winning 10 of 24 matches, faces an immediate baptism of fire against their fiercest rivals.
Tudor acknowledged the difficulties awaiting him during his introductory press conference, citing a lengthy injury list.
He explained: “The situation is not easy, because, as you know better than me, we have a lot of injured players, so we need first to find the best system, the suit for the players that are available in this moment.”
Thomas Frank was dismissed earlier this month following a woeful spell that yielded just two victories from 17 league fixtures
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GETTY
Swedish internationals Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski will both miss the derby, adding particular resonance to Damberg’s remarks back home.
Bergvall, 20, underwent ankle surgery last month, whilst Kulusevski has been sidelined all season with a knee injury.
Spurs ended a 17-year trophy drought last May by lifting the Europa League.
