Dimitar Berbatov has claimed that Antonio Conte’s emotional outbursts over recent weeks are understandable as the Italian is not used to the kind of inconsistency Tottenham have shown.
Tottenham have produced some outstanding performances over recent weeks but they come sandwiched between frustrating losses.
The Lilywhites’ unpredictable displays certainly seem to have taken their toll on Conte, who has looked a beaten man in some of his press conferences.
Berbatov admitted that he too has been furious watching some of Tottenham’s performances over recent weeks.
The former Spurs striker told Betfair (as relayed by The Daily Mail): “You probably saw Antonio Conte’s interview when they lost to Burnley, this is where I strongly agree with him, when you’re not familiar with inconsistency it can drive you crazy.
“It drives me crazy when I watch Spurs sometimes. I bet Antonio Conte is familiar now with what is happening, he is a winner, his reputation is so great. He’s Italian and more emotional, so sometimes it relates to interviews like this where he’s very honest.”
However, Berbatov pointed out that the Lilywhites have shown what they are capable of when they are at their best.
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He added: “On the other hand, Spurs can produce great results, last game a 5-0 win over Everton is a prime example. They played great football as well.
“They have the ability to be great, just that consistency they need to find, and get the points where they need it. If not you beat City, but then lose the next game against Burnley, it makes no point that you beat City.”
The Bulgarian admitted that the Lilywhites need to now be able to string a few good performances together and build on the momentum of their win over the Toffees.
When asked if Spurs can produce another good performance at Old Trafford he responded: “I hope, but I don’t want to say a big word here, as in the past we have praised Spurs about their performances, but then in the next game. Bam, nothing!
“They need to be consistent and be that team that is nasty when they need to be nasty and get the points, it doesn’t matter how they need to play.
“I know for sure that Conte is making them train hard because I played Claudio Ranieri (at Monaco), who is Italian and I know how they like to work really hard in training sessions. I know they’re working hard to cover the mistakes they’ve made in the past.
“Let’s hope that 5-0 beating of Everton is going to be continued against United, so it can help them chase the top four.”
Finally, Berbatov insisted that Conte needs to be allowed to bring in the type of players that he trusts in the summer.
The 41-year-old said: “The question is are they going to back him? Are they going to release enough money for him to buy players.
“We’ve already seen two Italian players come into the league in the winter, but this was a familiar buy, going where you know players. Safe bets that they can do something for you.
“I want to now see in the summer, when Conte knows who can do the job for him, and who doesn’t. Who is going to be sold and who he is going to bring into that team to fit his philosophy.
“It’s easier to bring your philosophy to the pitch when you have the right players, when you don’t have the right players, it’s more difficult.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It is tempting to write off our recent results as being down to inconsistency and lack of application but there there is a clear pattern among the performances and results.
Under Conte, we have struggled against sides who defend with a low-block and do not afford us any space in the final third. We have tended to go well against teams who take risks and leave gaps for us to exploit on the counter-attack.
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