‘Don’t forget’ – Conte offers honest review of Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Sporting

Antonio Conte has insisted that Tottenham must keep improving and fighting if the club wants to make it through to the Champions League knockouts. 

Tottenham were given a taste of their own medicine this evening in the Champions League, with Sporting playing on the counter-attack with great effect in Lisbon.

The home side outperformed Tottenham on and off the ball, causing problems in the transition and eventually scoring two goals past Hugo Lloris in the dying minutes.

Once again, Spurs struggled to create meaningful chances of their own once Sporting sat back and defended, while also making too many mistakes in and out of possession.

The Portuguese side have now extended their lead at the top of Group D, with Sporting on six points and Spurs on just three after two games.

When asked for his thoughts on the game, Conte revealed what he keeps drilling into his players about getting results from these types of game.

He said (Football London): “The game in the first half was in balance between the two teams. In the second half, we felt the opportunity to get the three points and had the chance but in the end, we are talking about a loss.

“We can do a lot better in those last few minutes. We conceded a counterattack. Hugo made a really good save and then after the corner we conceded a goal.

“I always say to my players that the details move the final result. Maybe we didn’t deserve to win but at the same time we didn’t deserve to lose tonight.

“We try to analyse what we did in his game and what we did that was positive. Champions League is a tough level. The Marseille match was also difficult. We have to know that we must fight if we want to go to the next round.

“The Champions League level is high. You know that you have to reduce the mistakes because in the end you can pay. Tonight we paid a lot. Now we are talking about a loss, a loss against a team that showed they are used to playing this competition.

“It’s a pity and we have to analyse the game well and all the players they know very well that this level is an important level. It’s right to continue to improve this process.

“Don’t forget that last season we lost against Mura in the Conference League and I think we made an important step forward.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

I think Conte has to take as much blame as the players tonight really. I’m not sure I agree with Kulusevski starting from the bench every week in these types of games where Spurs are desperate for his creativity, and the substitution was too little too late.

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