Paul Robinson has claimed that Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte ‘clearly has a problem’ with Tanguy Ndombele and feels the midfielder will not fit into the Italian’s new system.
The 24-year-old is one of a number of Spurs players bidding to earn the trust of Conte after the former Inter Milan manager challenged him to force his way into contention.
Ndombele was handed his first start under Conte against NS Mura in the Europa Conference League, but was part of a side that flattered to deceive and fell to a humiliating 2-1 defeat in Slovenia.
The performance will surely not have given the Spurs boss a selection headache ahead of the weekend’s trip to Burnley, with Ndombele’s position in the side likely to be one of those under threat.
Former Spurs goalkeeper Robinson believes there is already a disparity between both Ndombele and Conte despite their short time together and feels an exit for the Frenchman could be on the cards sooner rather than later.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Ndombele is a top-class player but his work rate and attitude clearly isn’t good enough.
“This is not the first time we’ve heard a manager say those things. Every manager has said it. There is clearly a problem.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“When you sign a player you do your due diligence. There was obviously something missed with Ndombele because the lack of effort in training and in certain games is visible. To sign a player for that amount of money you expect him to be the whole package.
“I cannot see Ndombele fitting in under Antonio Conte. Conte does not suffer fools no matter who you are or what you have achieved. If you are not doing what is asked, you will be out.
“This will probably be the end for Ndombele. Conte will have been given a lot of assurances and free rein. He holds all of the cards. Time is running out quickly for Ndombele.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Conte clearly has a bid job on his hands at Spurs and one of his toughest tasks is getting Ndombele lined up in his team consistently. It may take him a little longer to force his way in than others and it looks to be heading that way.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
