Antonio Conte has revealed that he wants to win every game and always tries to pick the best team to do just that, which is why Djed Spence and Matt Doherty have not been picking up minutes.
Emerson Royal has started all but one of Tottenham’s games across all competitions this season at right-wing-back, with Ivan Perisic covering during the Brazilian’s one rest.
However, new signing Spence and regular starter from last season, Doherty, have not been able to get a look in under Conte so far this season.
When asked why Spence had not been handed any chances, Conte was keen to point out how young the wing-back is, labelling him as a ‘good prospect’. He also revealed he is still not seeing the levels he wants from Doherty so far this campaign.
Although Emerson Royal is free to start against Eintracht Frankfurt tomorrow, the right-back will likely miss multiple games after his red card in the North London Derby.
Conte said (Football London): ” The fans have to be fans. The fans is the fans, I understand they can think everything but I see every day what happens during the training session.
“I try to do the best for the team. If they trust me, then they trust me, but the choices are mine. If I didn’t decide to pick one player it’s maybe because he’s not ready.
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“We are talking about a young player with a good prospect, but I repeat I try to pick the best team. Also Doherty last season played every game. Now I’m not seeing him in the right way to start the game.
“I’m not stupid, I don’t want to lose. I try to put the best team, to pick the best team. If they trust me it’s ok, if they don’t trust me then I’m the coach and I need to take the best decision for Tottenham.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
Like Conte says, he gets to see the players every week in training. It appears he prefers to fitness and solidity of Emerson Royal to the potential or Spence or the recovering Doherty. However, he will be forced to switch things up following the red card, even if it means Perisic slots into right-wing-back again.
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