Antonio Conte went on a rant criticizing Spurs players for conceding a late equalizer against Southampton despite being two goals up
Despite Tottenham leading 3-1 against Southampton, they ended up drawing 3-3 after conceding twice late on, including a penalty in the 97th minute.
This result added to the pressure on Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte, who has been under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks.
After the disappointing draw with Southampton, Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte didn’t hold back in his criticisms, calling out his players for being selfish and not working together as a team.
Conte suggested that the club is accustomed to underachieving under the current ownership. His comments were a clear indication of the increasing pressure he’s been facing in recent weeks.
“In this moment, when we play a game, anything can happen. Usually, my teams show stability, not up and down, up and down,” he told Sky Sports.
“We are losing the work that we did last season. I’m not talking about the tactical aspect, I’m talking about the spirit, about the sense of responsibility, about the heart that we put into the pitch. To lose these characteristics, from my experience, you can lose a game against a team from the Championship with a ‘half team’ like Sheffield United – I remember they played with younger players, not the first-team, and we lost and dropped out of the FA Cup.
“Today, against Southampton, we are winning 3-1 and my perception is everything can happen in every moment and to be scared of what happened.
Conte called out Spurs players’ on ‘unacceptable’ behavior
“The coach is responsible, the club is responsible. The players have to take their responsibility. Because what we have seen in the last few months, I don’t like. I’m not used to seeing these types of situation. I see a lot of selfish players and I don’t see a team.
“You can close one or two eyes, but it’s right to keep eyes open and tell the truth. We all have to take responsibility. Not only the club for the transfer market, for the coach. Tottenham have had important coaches in the past, but the problem was always the same.
“If we start to think that the players take responsibility, it’s the right moment if you want to improve. Otherwise, I think for the rest of the season, we risk finishing outside Europe [qualification].”
“Tottenham’s story is this. 20 years there is the owner and they never won something. Why?“
Conte added in his post-match press conference: “They’re used to it here. Don’t play for something important. They don’t want to play under pressure. They don’t want to play under stress.
“Tottenham’s story is this. 20 years there is the owner and they never won something. Why?
“Until now I try to hide the situation. But there are 10 games to go. People think we can fight? Fight for what? With this attitude, this spirit, this commitment. For seventh? Eighth place? I am really upset.
“If they want to continue in this way. they can change the manager. a lot of managers. However, the situation cannot change. Believe me.“