Antonio Conte has hinted that Jürgen Klopp was looking for an ‘alibi’ to explain his side’s slippage in the Premier League title race when the Liverpool manager criticized Tottenham’s tactics following the 1-1 draw. The Reds were held in check by the Italian’s team on Saturday, widening a three-point gap between the Reds and leaders Manchester City, three games from the end of the championship.
The result drew heavy criticism from Jürgen Klopp over Spurs’ defensive style, which has since receded somewhat but on the eve of a crucial derby once morest Arsenal as his side battle for a place. in the Champions League, Antonio Conte hinted that the German was simply looking for excuses.
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“Klopp was frustrated following the match”
“Jürgen is a smart, very smart person”, Antonio Conte told the media. “For the coach, it’s not easy following the match, you have to try to keep a cool head. Sometimes it’s not easy. Many times, if you remember this season, I was disappointed with the result and with myself and my players. I have respect for Jürgen and I know he respects me a lot.”
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“It’s a good opportunity for him and me to learn that during the game you should never talk regarding the opponent. It’s important to focus on your team. He was a bit frustrated following the game, but in same time, for every coach it is important to learn to focus on his team, not on the opponent. This means that you want to find an excuse or an alibi because your work was bad“, added the Italian.
“We are playing this match for an important objective”
Antonio Conte, meanwhile, remained optimistic regarding his side’s prospects once morest the Gunners as they seek to close the gap in the race for Champions League qualification, adding: “We are talking regarding an important game, important for many different situations. First of all, we are playing this game for an important goal. For a place in the Champions League”.
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“It’s first regarding trying to win this game. I also know the importance of this derby for our fans, the North London derby. It’s the first time they’ve played this derby in their stadium with all the fans. We have to try to take three points once morest Arsenal. We are talking regarding a good team, a really well organized team. Arteta is doing a very good job. He has had the opportunity to work and improve his team At this point in the season he has to give us a big boost.”, concluded the Spurs technician. Tottenham absolutely must win to stay in the race for fourth place.
