Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has told his post-match press conference – as per Football London – that he was “disappointed” with the Spurs fans on Sunday evening as his side huffed and puffed, but eventually lost to Liverpool.
In the last four games, there has been a trend. Spurs have been poor in the first half and much improved in the second 45. It was the same again – after doing so against Newcastle, Sporting Lisbon, Bournemouth and then Marseille.
Spurs were 2-0 down to Liverpool, thanks to a Mo Salah brace at home. But Spurs were so much better in the second half, with Dejan Kulusevski injecting some much-needed creativity from the bench. He got an assist for Harry Kane.
Ivan Perisic hit the bar, while a mistake from Alisson also saw Spurs hit the post. Given the injuries Spurs are playing with, they did very well in what was an even match on the whole. Spurs fans were not impressed at half-time, though.
Indeed, boos rang around the Tottenham Hotspur stadium at half-time – following Salah’s brace. The second of which came a couple of minutes before the break. Conte was asked about the boos, saying he was disappointed with fans.
“We have to show a great respect for our fans. They are our fans, they pay their tickets. But if you ask me, if I was a bit disappointed, yes. It’s important in every moment to be honest. I always continue to repeat, just starting a process.”
Conte disappointed with Tottenham fans on Sunday evening
The frustration among Spurs fans was evident. It was the fifth game in a row that they have had to watch their team struggle to get going in the first half, and then try to chase the game in the second half. It is a worrying trend.
Spurs were excellent in the second half. That is how they can play. But why are they struggling to do so in the first half? Conte wants his old side to play on the counter, but allowing teams to come onto them initially is hardly ideal.
They cannot stop the goals before countering. Eric Dier made a mistake as he continued in a slightly different position, and against a Liverpool side, they are always going to be put to the sword playing that way. Spurs need a win.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
