Speaking ahead of Middlesbrough’s FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur, Chris Wilder has been full of praise for Spurs boss Antonio Conte.
There are plenty of parallels to be drawn between Wilder and Conte, they’re both no-nonsense managers who implement 3-4-3 formations.
Wilder, understandably, is a big fan of the Italian, and he’s claimed that the former Inter boss is a ‘world-class’ coach.
What’s been said?
The Boro boss was full of praise for Conte ahead of this game.
“Spurs have a world-class manager. Just look at Antonio Conte’s record, it speaks for itself” Wilder said.
“He’s got an incredible passion to help his team. For us to beat Spurs would be an incredible achievement.
“Just as we did at Old Trafford, we understand that a lot of things have to go for us and we have to be at our absolute best to give ourselves an opportunity.”
Meeting of the minds
This clash between Boro and Spurs could be a very interesting one.
Yes, Tottenham have a stronger squad, but tactically, this should be an incredible battle between two of the most intelligent managers in the country.
Let’s not forget, Wilder is a former LMA Manager of the Year winner, and his overlapping centre-backs are one of the most interesting tactical innovations of the 21st century so far.
Conte’s 3-4-3 isn’t too dissimilar to what Wilder has used at both Boro and Sheffield United, and if he can find a way to counteract the Spurs boss’ tactics, the Teesside club could claim another massive scalp in the cup.
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