Writing in his blog, Richard Keys has been discussing Antonio Conte and the style of play he’s been implementing at Spurs recently.
To say that Conte’s Spurs have been uninspiring at times this season would be something of an understatement. This Tottenham side have been picking up plenty of points, but aside from one half against Southampton and the game against Leicester, they’ve not been playing the best football.
It’s been smart and pragmatic, but it’s been boring to say the least, and Keys has actually gone as far as to compare the style to Jose Mourinho’s style towards the end of his time at Spurs.
Conte similar to Mourinho?
Keys discussed Spurs’ style of play under Conte.
“I still think Arsenal will come up short – but we need them to be nipping away at City. We need Spurs to keep winning as well, but watching them is really hard work. I said on beINSPORTS Saturday that if Mourinho was serving up what Conte is he’d be slaughtered. I’m not criticising Conte. He’s doing what he’s always done and Spurs need to be tougher, but when Mourinho did the same thing at Tottenham he was labelled a dinosaur. Conte is supposedly a tactical genius,” Keys wrote.
Results business
Keys isn’t too far of the mark with this comparison in terms of the styles of play being implemented, but football is a results-based business.
Conte just got Tottenham into the Champions League and they’re currently third – that’s why he’s not being criticised in the same way Mourinho was.
By the time Mourinho was sacked, Spurs were miles away from the top four and had lost eight of their last 19 league games, if Conte has a run like that, he’ll be criticised in the same way – believe us.
The style of play isn’t the best, but as long as Spurs are picking up points, Conte will be a fan favourite.
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