Antonio Conte hints Fabio Paratici should face the press to explain club’s strategy

Antonio Conte has suggested that other members of the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy should face the media to answer questions, rather than himself having to conduct the vast majority of press conferences.

Conte made reference to the style in Italy where sporting directors also regularly answer questions from the press ahead of matches whereas in England it is typically the manager who has to reply to the press pack.

Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici was a regular face in the media during his time at Serie A giants Juventus, but has become something of a hidden man behind the scenes in north London where supporters typically only get to hear from him following the closure of the winter or summer transfer window.

Conte believes that around once a fortnight a member of the medical team or without naming him directly, Fabio Paratici should also take responsibility for media duties on occasions rather than it all resting on his shoulders.

He told Football.London: “In England I think there’s a bad habit that it’s only the coach talks and explains. I’ve never seen the medical department coming here to explain. It’s the same I’ve never seen the club or the sporting director coming here to explain the strategy of the club. In Italy, before every game there’s a person from the club that goes to speak to the media. I think for us it could be really really better, otherwise there is only one face to explain the situation that I think is better for the club to explain. It’s habit and I respect this habit. In Italy it’s different.

“Otherwise it means that only if the coach talks there can be misunderstanding. I think it could be good for the club to be present in the media. Not every week, but at least every 15 days or once a month. I think it could be more simple for you to understand and not always the same. Otherwise it can seem if something is a criticism or negative and it’s not the case.”

SpursWeb Opinion

Conte’s comments to call out other members of the Spurs staff to answer questions could potentially mean there is a difference on opinion on the transfer strategy for the current window and beyond. The Italian could be simply calling out the likes of Fabio Paratici to be honest with the club’s direction, rather than it falling on Conte to reveal all.