Antonio Conte has revealed that he and his staff were ‘really upset’ with Ryan Sessegnon before he scored Tottenham’s first goal of the season, as the wing-back failed to get on the end of a cross minutes earlier.
Conte’s brand of football is synonymous with the three-at-the-back/wing-back formation, with most of the creativity and goal threat coming from wide areas.
Ryan Sessegnon and Emerson Royal started the season opener against Southampton, with the former grabbing a goal and the latter creating two.
However, just before Sessegnon equalised for the Lilywhites, he was caught on his heels and got stuck behind a Saints defender when he should have attacked a cross at the back post.
Conte opened up on how irritated he was by this in his post-match press conference, but was also quick to praise Sessegnon for getting it right after that initial error.
He said (Football London): “I’m really pleased for Sess because we are working very well with him, especially on the physical aspect because in the past this player had many injuries and after one or two months, then again injury, muscular problems.
“He’s working well and we are giving him stability in the physical aspect. I think it’s very important that we signed a player like Ivan Perisic because he (Sessegnon) can see the way to learn something about Ivan. We are talking about a very important player in Ivan, a top player.
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“Sometimes it’s good to bring into your team players even if they are a bit over-age. If they are a good player with experience, they can bring this experience to improve young players in your squad. I think Sessegnon is doing this.
“I was really pleased because today he played a good game. Emerson played a good game. Now we have to continue in this way.”
He added: “If you remember maybe five minutes before there was a cross and he was behind his opponent. On the bench, we were really upset with him because he has to attack the second post and find the right position.
“After three minutes then he scored and we were pleased and celebrated a lot because five minutes before he wasn’t in the same place to score. Today he scored another goal.
“He was always in our offensive position. It was good. I’m happy for him because he has great potential but has to show this potential.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
You can see how demanding Conte is of his players for the full 90 minutes, particularly his wing-backs. He wants them to be in attacking areas and arriving at the back post at crucial times from the first whistle until the last. Sessegnon is showing great improvements at that.
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