‘This process will be long’ – Conte opens up on long-term plan at Tottenham

Antonio Conte has said that Tottenham need to show more maturity and nous in the way they manage different phases of the game, but admitted the process would take a long time. 

The manner of Tottenham’s defeat against Southampton left a bitter taste in the mouth of everyone associated with Spurs, particularly given that the side had battled back to retake the lead in the 70th minute.

However, they switched off on a couple of occasions in the final ten minutes of the game and they were punished ruthlessly by the away side.

The defeat was a hard pill to swallow considering Tottenham’s exemplary record at home under Conte until that point. The loss certainly highlighted the fact that there are still plenty of issues still needed to be ironed out at the club.

Conte admitted that the Lilywhites’ game-management against Southampton left a lot to be desired and that his side should have had better control of the game after taking the lead.

When asked if Tottenham currently have enough leaders in the squad, the 52-year-old told Football.London: “For us, when I speak about the process, and I include this type of situation. During the game, there are different phases, different parts of the game.

“You need to have the experience to manage, to understand when you have to risk something more, when you have to keep the result in the best possible way. There are moments you have to manage very well, especially after we scored.

“After we scored, every time we quickly conceded a chance to our opponent. In this way, you give courage to your opponent.

“When you score, it’s the moment to be strong, be compact, don’t lose patience, don’t lose focus. This is very important. But it’s a process for a team that wants to become an important team.

“We’ve just started. This process will be long. But at the same time, in every moment you have to find the time to improve, to analyse the situation that penalised us in the past.

“We conceded three goals in the same way and for this reason, we’re working to try to improve this situation.

“It’s part of the process and unfortunately, we need time to be ready to face the situation in the maximum level. We need to take the step.”

Spurs Web Opinion

We were always going to go through days like Sunday during our rebuilding phase and Conte certainly does not appear to have any illusions regarding the work that needs to be done. Hopefully, the game will serve as a learning experience for the players. I do expect to see a reaction from the side against Wolves on Sunday.

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