ANT: WHY I WAS RIGHT TO RANT
Conte says his Burnley blast has inspired Spurs’ recovery
ANTONIO CONTE has insisted his “crazy” Burnley rant paid off because it transformed Tottenham from losers into Champions League contenders.
Conte faces Burnley again tomorrow knowing a win can lift them above Arsenal into the top four, just three months after his bombshell interview following the defeat at Turf Moor.
Spurs boss Conte left fans thinking he was about to quit after that loss, as he claimed it was a “disaster” and said he would have to talk to the club to assess his future.
But Conte said: “I took a risk because a lot of people didn’t understand. I read that it only took two months for Tottenham to make Conte crazy! I remember very well I was the crazy one.
“I’m an honest person and don’t like to tell lies, and if I have to go strong, then I go strong. I have to do it completely. I knew this could be positive for the team, for the environment, for the players, for the club.
“I like to put across my message for every situation, positive or negative. If there’s a situation when I have to go strong, I go strong.
“For sure, we played against Burnley, and from that time a lot of things have changed. It’s important also for me and for my players, for the club, for the environment, to know each other very well in a complete way.
“Don’t forget that I arrived at Tottenham in November, and usually when you arrive during the season, you have to work.
“You have to play games, there’s no time – it’s all about winning or losing the three points. I don’t like the situation but you have to accept it.
“Since Burnley, we worked a lot together, we had time, we also had the possibility to know each other much better.
“It’s very important to create a good connection with your players. It’s important they know you very well and for me to know my players very well. That connection is very important.”
Conte’s Burnley rant worried fans because the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss is known as a winner
who refuses to compromise. His combative style means he will quit if the club do not match his ambitions.
Despite north London derby
glory, Tottenham’s fate isn’t in their own hands. If Arsenal win their last two games, Conte’s men will miss out.
However, there has been a clear shift in his mood, not just from Burnley back in February, but also in the past few weeks. He is clearly thinking longer term at Tottenham now.
Conte added: “The players have to be proud because they made a great improvement and deserve to play for a place in the Champions League.
“It’s our target because we know the Champions League changes your life and everything about the club.
“We all want to play in the best competition. I’m very happy for the improvement we have. But it’s not enough.
“We have to be ready to exploit it, if Arsenal slip up. My players deserve the chance to fight for a place in the Champions League because we’ve shown we are much better than the others.” LINE-UPS: