Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte heavily criticized his players after a disappointing draw against Southampton FC last night. Despite having a two-goal lead against the Saints, Tottenham Hotspur conceded two and tied the match. As a result of this draw, Tottenham’s chances of remaining in the top four are uncertain. With 49 points, they are in 4th after playing 28 games, while Newcastle United are just two points behind them with two games in hand.
Last night, the Spurs went to St. Mary’s Stadium to play against the home team, Southampton FC. Tottenham started the game by playing attacking football. But they had to wait until the last minute of the 1st half to find the net. Pedro Neto scored that goal with the help of Son.
However, Southampton leveled the scoreline in the 1st minute of the 2nd half. Che Adams scored this goal in the 46th minute to keep the game alive. A goal from Harry Kane in the 65th minute, followed by another from Ivan Perisic in the 74th minute, put the visitors ahead. It seemed Tottenham Hotspur were winning the game as they had a two-goal lead. But there was more drama to come.
Striker Theo Walcott scored a stunning goal for the Saints in the 77th minute to make the game more exciting. In the very last moment, the home team got a penalty kick which James Ward Prowse converted into a goal. As a result, the match ended in a 3-3 thrilling draw,
Conte criticized his players
Antonio Conte was very furious after the disappointing draw despite having the lead. He said, “They don’t play for something important. They don’t want to play under pressure. They don’t want to play under stress. It is easy in this way. Tottenham’s story is this.”
“I said I wanted to see the fire, and I have not seen it. I said that I want to see the fire in their eyes, in their hearts. I want to see the right spirit. Not only in the training session, but on the pitch because it is here you make the difference.”
Conte heavily criticized his players’ attitude, saying, “Until now, I try to hide the situation but there are 10 games to go and some people think we can fight. Fight for what? With this spirit, this attitude, this commitment? What? For seventh, eighth, 10th place?”
The manager also said players have to take responsibility. “I am not used to being in this position. I am really upset, and everyone has to take their responsibility. Not only the club, the manager, and the staff. The players have to be involved in this situation because it is time to change this situation if Tottenham want to change.”
