Jonathan Woodgate has taken aim at Antonio Conte on TalkSPORT on Wednesday, questioning why he chose not to play Hugo Lloris against Chelsea. Woodgate was dumbfounded by the Spurs manager’s decision.
A week ago, Conte named Hugo Lloris in the side that suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. On Wednesday night, Spurs had an uphill task in turning the tie around.
Unsurprisingly, they failed to do so. But there was a surprise sprung by Conte in the starting XI – with Matt Doherty remaining on the left flank. Italy international Gollini also came in, starting ahead of Lloris.
But it was the ex-Villa and Manchester United goalkeeper that was at fault for the only goal of the game – completely missing a punch and allowing Antonio Rudiger to score. Woodgate criticised Conte for picking Gollini.
“I found it strange how he wasn’t playing. Your best goalkeeper, captain, I didn’t understand that decision – it’s one decision that I didn’t understand. It’s a semi-final, you’re trying to get to a final, play your best team.”
Woodgate on Conte: Gollini must not get permanent Tottenham deal
Everton at Aston Villa, the Italian struggled. While he has done well in his home country, perhaps the physicality of the Premier League does not suit Gollini. He only played 20 times for Villa before being shipped out.
On a season-long loan at Spurs, he has already conceded 11 goals in 10 games – keeping just two clean sheets. He even failed to keep a clean sheet against League One side Morecambe over the weekend.
Eurosport claim Tottenham will have to spend £13million to sign Gollini on a permanent basis – but Spurs must avoid doing so at all costs.
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