Tottenham Hotspur fans were pleased to see their team playing with such desire even before kick off last night.
What’s the story?
Tottenham fans had become too accustomed to watching insipid displays from their side this season.
But the atmosphere around Spurs has changed since Antonio Conte’s arrival.
Spurs took on Vitesse last night in the Conference League and right from the off-set there was a different mentality from the squad.
Tottenham fans who watched the warm-up noticed that there was a far greater tempo and intensity to it.
That may have been part of the reason why Spurs were able to make such a fast start to the match, as they raced into a 3-0 lead in the first-half.
Although Tottenham were pegged back, and ultimately had to hold on to claim a 3-2 win, there was plenty to be encouraged by in Conte’s first game in charge.
And Spurs fans were mainly just delighted to see their side giving their all.
Making an impact
Tottenham training is already said to have been far more demanding since Conte took charge by the Daily Mail.
The Italian boss is known for being relentless and any player caught slacking surely won’t be selected in his side.
Conte will need to utilise all of his managerial expertise if he is to get Spurs back into Champions League contention though.
Tottenham’s players have ran the least distance of any Premier League this season and often looked unmotivated under Nuno.
There was promising signs that their application was much improved last night.
But if Conte is to get Spurs back into top four contention then they will also have to show far greater quality on the pitch as they become more accustomed to his preferred system.
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