"Anyway, how can you sack anyone who still hasn't got a contract. I'll be there for the game and I'll stand behind the dugout giving instructions to the players from there. They will respond to me more than the next manager"

Paul Gascoigne’s words reflect a sense of frustration and defiance toward the situation surrounding his managerial role. He points out the absurdity of being dismissed from a position for which he does not possess an official contract, highlighting issues of mismanagement or a lack of formal agreement with the football club. This detail hints at a chaotic or unprofessional environment where boundaries and expectations are ill-defined, making the circumstances of his sacking ambiguous at best. Gascoigne’s statement also reveals a fundamental disconnect between himself and the club’s hierarchy, possibly hinting at broken or unfulfilled promises regarding his appointment or tenure.

Despite the controversy, Gascoigne asserts his intention to remain present and influential at the upcoming match. Rather than stepping away quietly after being relieved of his duties, he plans to use his presence to continue guiding the players, even standing behind the dugout if that is what it takes. His determination to be with the team, despite official orders, speaks to a deep commitment both to the players and the act of coaching itself. He is unwilling to let go of his role, feeling a moral or personal responsibility towards the individuals he has been leading.

Furthermore, Gascoigne expresses confidence that the players will remain loyal to him and be more receptive to his guidance than that of any successor. This claim reveals an underlying belief in the rapport and trust he has developed with his team, suggesting that his influence goes beyond any formal title or contract. It also communicates a challenge to the authority of club management, as he implies that real leadership derives from authentic connections rather than bureaucratic appointments. Through his remarks, Gascoigne exposes the complexities of sporting politics, loyalty, and the often-blurred lines between official roles and actual influence within football clubs.