Football: Hojbjerg calls on Conte to elaborate after Tottenham criticism
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Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is the first Spurs player to publicly react since Italian Conte’s angry rant about "selfish" players.
PHOTOS: AFP
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LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has called on manager Antonio Conte to elaborate on his stinging criticism of his players after last Saturday’s 3-3 English Premier League draw at Southampton.
The Denmark international is the first Spurs player to publicly react since Conte’s angry rant in a media conference following the match at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Italian had labelled his players selfish, lacking team spirit and not being able to play under pressure. He has also been tipped to leave the club before his contract expires in June, after Spurs bowed out of the FA Cup and Champions League in March.
Speaking ahead of Denmark’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Finland and Kazakhstan, the 27-year-old Hojbjerg was asked for his thoughts on Conte’s comments.
“He gave a very honest and very open press conference. It is because he is not satisfied. You don’t do that if you’ve reached the quarter-final of the Champions League and if you’re in the semi-final of the FA Cup,” he said.
“I understand that if you want to be successful as a team, you need 11 men who are committed to a project and a culture. But I think he has to elaborate on how he feels before you as a player can start measuring and weighing.”
Tottenham remain in fourth place in the Premier League heading into the international break, but fifth-placed Newcastle United are only two points behind with two games in hand.
Asked if Conte was justified in his remarks, Hojbjerg added: “Fortunately, I am not the one to judge it. If that’s how he sees it, then you have to be a little more precise in order for a player to take it to heart.
“But it is clear that you work with each other every day, you want the best for each other, and you want to be successful together. And sometimes the waves go high in football.”
While Conte is expected to leave the club, former Spurs defender Matt Doherty said the club should still stick with the 53-year-old.
“He’s an unbelievable coach, an unbelievable manager. He won’t say anything in the press that he won’t say to his players,” said the Irish right-back, who now plays for Atletico Madrid.
“He’s completely honest with his players, has the passion for the whole club. For me, I hope Tottenham stick by him and hold on to him for as long as possible. He’s one of the best managers of all time.” REUTERS
