Antonio Conte has told his Tottenham press conference on Tuesday that everything between himself, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, has been resolved in the dressing room – after a video emerged after full-time on Saturday.
The Italian gaffer was delighted on the sidelines as Harry Kane headed home an injury-time winner – after Riyad Mahrez had made it 2-2 second before. Conte celebrated with his players on the pitch at full-time.
But a video, which has emerged on social media, shows Hojbjerg seemingly rejecting an embrace from his manager – throwing his arm away and leaving Conte somewhat bemused, which can be seen below.
Conte was quick to dismiss any sort of rift between himself and the Danish ace, who was crucial to the 3-2 win – a victory that re-establishes Tottenham in the race for the top four, after three straight Premier League defeats.
The Italian said: “I have seen the video. He didn’t see me, but then we have recovered in the dressing room because we celebrated with him. We celebrated with him and all the players.
“The midfielders against Manchester City, Pierre and Rodgrigo, they put in a fantastic performance, they ran a lot. Their effort was top. Pierre is another important player, he’s young but he’s more experienced than others.”
Conte on Hojbjerg: Should Italian start Tottenham star at Burnley?
Hojbjerg was superb in the middle of the park. In a somewhat underrated performance, the Dane was crucial in breaking up Manchester City’s play and keeping the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva quiet.
FotMob report that he made nine recoveries, won five ground duels and completed 27 of his 34 passes. A serious effort alongside new signing Rodrigo Bentancur, giving Spurs the defensive shield and basis to win.
But such an energy-sapping performance might convince Conte to rotate, even despite the injury to Oliver Skipp. Harry Winks might come into the side at Turf Moor, in place of either Hojbjerg or Bentancur.
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