A Covid outbreak has hit Tottenham Hotspur – leaving Antonio Conte frustrated, as seen during his press conference before the upcoming game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Antonio Conte Frustrated by Covid-19 Outbreak
Antonio Conte Concerned for Players and Families
Conte confirmed that eight players and five members of his coaching staff have all tested positive for Covid-19 and the problem is a very serious one for the club, it’s players and families. Conte said:
“But the situation is serious. Everyday we are having positives. Today one player and one member of staff. I think the worst is we don’t know and we continue to have contact with people that the day before weren’t negative. For sure this is not a good situation. We have a training session to prepare for the game against Rennes, but it’s very difficult. ”
Concern Over False Negatives
Conte has raised concern over the fact that players have tested negative for Covid but then the next day tested positive. Managing the situation is clearly not easy as everything is so uncertain from day to day. The Italian was also keen to express his concern and genuine fear over the situation:
“every day, every day we are having contact with the people that are false negative and become positive and then everyone is a bit scared, I think because we all have family and why I have to take this risk?”
It is clear Conte is aware that this issue goes well beyond football:
“I have to speak about a different situation not football because football is the most important thing in a press conference but today to speak about football is impossible, it’s impossible.”
Next Games Hang in the Balance
Tottenham are due to play Rennes in their final Europa Conference League group match on Thursday, December 9 and then Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday December 12 in the Premier League. The ECL game is set to go ahead as UEFA set an extremely harsh limit for the postponement of a game which can only take place when fewer than 13 players are available to be fielded. This means the game is set to continue but Spurs will be severely weakened.
The Brighton game could still be called off as Spurs have less players confirmed with the virus than Fulham had in the 2020/21 season when their game against Spurs was called off. But, there would be an obligation on the club to ensure the tie is fulfilled before December 31. If Tottenham fail to do so then they would forfeit the three points to Brighton and that could dent their hopes of a top four finish.
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