ESPN4 minute read
Conte blasts Spurs in sensational post-match conference
Antonio Conte lashed out at Tottenham in a furious post-match press conference following their 3-3 draw with Southampton.
Antonio Conte has slammed Tottenham’s players, ownership and winning mentality after conceding a last-minute penalty to draw 3-3 with Premier League strugglers Southampton on Saturday.
Spurs found themselves 3-1 ahead with 15 minutes remaining but Southampton secured a superb late comeback with goals from Theo Walcott and a stoppage time penalty from James Ward-Prowse.
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The result keeps Spurs in fourth place in the table, but have played two more games than Newcastle United and Liverpool.
After the match, Conte criticized the players for how they failed to deliver throughout the campaign in all competitions.
“I’m really upset because it’s not the first time and I think today I can tell you it’s an upset because we win 3-1 and there are 15 minutes left and I think that you have to win,” Conte told the BBC. Sport.
“Instead we showed it another time, things started to improve last season but we lost the characteristic of last season. I don’t want to talk about the technical aspect, it’s missing the mind.
“We are not a team. We are a team that everyone thinks of themselves. When you are this way it can happen, you lose to Sheffield United and drop the FA Cup and with AC Milan and to finish this race you are winning 3-1 and the last 15 you are able to give them the opportunity to come back I do not see the sense of responsibility of the players.
“Now it’s difficult – we are working hard with this group and to go in the right direction. We are going behind, I see a lot of negative situations and a lot of selfish situations and players that I don’t like. I know the way to beat teams, in the past I beat a lot of teams, winning teams.
“Now instead we are falling behind, no one cares about it. I have a big frustration about it because me and the staff stay every day to think of a way to improve. Honestly, it’s time for me to take responsibility for myself, the staff, the club but also the players.”
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Conte also appeared to take aim at club ownership.
“They are used to it here. Don’t play for something big. They don’t want to play under pressure. They don’t want to play under pressure.
“Tottenham’s story is this. Twenty years ago the owner and they have never won anything. Why? The fault is only with the club, or with every manager who stays here. I saw the managers Tottenham had on the bench.
“It’s time to change this situation if Tottenham want to change. If they want to continue on this path, they can change managers, a lot of managers, but the situation cannot change. Believe me.”
Spurs are also facing a significant injury problem after a tearful Richarlison had to be taken off within the first five minutes.
Conte’s side will face Everton after the international break on April 5.