Tottenham Hotspur coach Antonio Conte (54, Italy), ahead of the first leg of the round of 16 of the European Football Federation (UEFA) Champions League (UCL) in the 2022-23 season, conveyed the difficult situation of the team and strengthened his determination.
Conte attended a press conference held at the San Siro Citadium in Milan, Italy on the 13th (local time) ahead of the match against Italy’s prestigious AC Milan. 슬롯사이트
Regarding taking the baton again after undergoing surgery for cholecystitis recently, he said, “It was a very difficult situation.”
“I wanted to take responsibility for the team and be with the players at every moment,” Conte said. I’m still not in perfect shape, but I’m recovering well.”
“It was very painful to leave the team. “I’ve never been so far away from the team,” he said.
In particular, coach Conte was worried about the departure of players due to injuries.
“We haven’t been very lucky lately,” he said. Two players and I got on the operating table. He said, “It is important to overcome the crisis together this season. In moments like these, you should try to create the right mental strength. We need to help and cooperate with each other to get through the crisis.”
When asked if he would use central defender Eric Dier as a midfielder in place of injured midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hoivier and Yves Bisuma, manager Conte drew the line, saying, “I’ve never thought of that.”
He replied, “Because Bentancur was injured two days ago, I did not think of other options.”
“We have a solution,” Conte said. There are Oliver Skipp and Pepe Sar,” but “they are very young, 20 and 22 years old, and have no Champions League experience. This season we have to help these players control their emotions. I believe in them,” he said.
He continued, “We have to spend a long time with three midfielders. During that time, the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup have to be played,” he said. “There should be no other injuries now. If not, you will have big problems.”
Still, coach Conte said, “I want to use this period as an opportunity to become stronger, and I want to overcome the crisis in the right way.” He expressed his determination.
Tottenham will enter the tournament by playing the first leg of the UCL round of 16 against AC Milan on the 15th (Korean time).
