Tottenham Hotspur were knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage by Chelsea and following the game, some of Antonio Conte’s frustrations were on show as he faced questions from the media. Answers quoted are those given to questions asked by Football.London Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold and Sky Sports.
Antonio Conte’s Frustrations Starting to Show
Chelsea Deserved Win
Following the defeat, Conte looked stern-faced and clearly unhappy to have been knocked out at the semi-final stage and he is someone who admits he doesn’t like losing in any game at any level, in any competition.
He admitted that his former club were worthy winners, telling Sky Sports News: “I think at the end of the two games, I think Chelsea for sure deserved to reach the final, to play the final of this competition.”
Conte will have been frustrated that the ties’ third goal was as avoidable as the two that Spurs conceded at Stamford Bridge but he was correct in asserting that Chelsea were the better team over two legs, despite a spirited effort in the second half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Conte added: “We have to be honest to tell this. I think today in the second half we created many chances to score. We deserved a final result that was much better but you have to give a judgement after two games, for sure Chelsea deserved to reach the final.”
Bored and Annoyed
When asked about the gulf in class after the match, Conte was clearly unhappy with having to face the same question over and over again and his frustration showed in his response.
He said: “I repeat, I’m talking too much because I have to talk with the media. To repeat on the same topic, the same questions, honestly I am a little bit bored, a bit annoyed. That’s it.”
Conte has hardly had time to breathe since joining the North London club and he has put Spurs back into the top four equation with huge games coming up against Arsenal on January 16. This is followed by games against Leicester City and Chelsea, which could make or break their top-four credentials.
Towing The Line – Tanguy N’Dombele Absence
Tottenham laboured to a 3-1 FA Cup third-round victory over League One side Morecambe and needed Harry Kane and Lucas Moura to come off the bench to avoid being victims of a huge giant-killing. One player that started the game was Tanguy N’Dombele – the club’s record signing – but he failed to influence the game and when he was substituted he ambled across the field of play. Bryan Gil was substituted at the same time and made a quick exit from the field of play, actually passing N’Dombele on his way off and the Spurs fans made their displeasure known. N’Dombele went straight down the tunnel when he finally left the field with the boos ringing in his ears.
The player was not in the squad to face Chelsea and Conte said he wasn’t there because he was following the club line: He said: “It was a technical decision but before to take the decision, I don’t take the decision if I don’t consult the club. There is the club line and I have to follow the club line.”
Assessing Antonio Conte’s Frustrations
Now he is the Spurs manager following his decision to not take the job in the summer of 2021, Conte has a huge job to rebuild the club and his frustrations will come as little surprise especially when he is constantly asked about gulfs in class between his side and other sides. Conte can’t change the club’s fortunes in one transfer window and the summer will be the time when he will find out just how much backing Daniel Levy and ENIC are prepared to give him.
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