CONTE: SPURS CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH

BY

ANTONIO CONTE says he will keep on telling his Tottenham players hard truths because little white lies are a recipe for disaster.

Conte, who confirmed yesterday Heung-Min Son is out for a month with a muscle injury, did not sugarcoat how far behind Chelsea he believes the club are after their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat at Stamford Bridge.

But ahead of the FA Cup clash with minnows Morecambe tomorrow, the manager (above) insists he cannot build something that will last at Spurs without being brutally honest.

He said: “I always give my players the truth. With the truth you can improve. With good lies you don’t have a long time to live. “When I was a player I hated coaches who told me good lies to keep me calm. If you want to improve, it’s important to listen every time to the truth.

“My players know very well what I think about the situation. After the Chelsea game, I was very clear. I said my ambition and I said the truth. We have space for improvement.

“We have started to analyse the game. After a loss you can learn more than after a win.

“I am happy. When the players want to follow you, you have to try to improve them and create something strong for the present and future.”

Conte only signed an 18-month contract at Spurs. But the Italian, who will rest Harry Kane and bring back Dele Alli (inset), added: “I don’t need a long contract to be sure to work for a club. The club has to appreciate my job and then decide to extend my contract – but only if I deserve this.

“I’m not a coach who wants a many-years contract. Tottenham has to be sure 120 percent to continue to work with me.”