Things are pretty chaotic at Tottenham right now. The future of Antonio Conte is very uncertain, with the Italian not even taking training as the likes of Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski are away on international duty.
A number of other first-team stars are also absent from Hotspur Way right now as they play for their countries.
As a result, Sky Sports believe Conte has simply decided to stay in Italy, with the Telegraph claiming that he is expected to leave Spurs imminently.
Few are aware of the impact this uncertainty is having on the Tottenham players, although the aforementioned Kulusevski is not happy for other reasons.
What’s the story?
Well, the £110,000-a-week man suffered a 3-0 defeat to Belgium as Finland lost their opening UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier.
Kulusevski was furious with Orel Grinfeeld – who refereed the clash – claiming that his display was “really, really, really, really bad” in an interview with Afton Bladet after the 90 minutes had ended.
The Tottenham No.21 said: “I think it’s really, really, really, really bad. How many free kicks did I get against me? Maybe ten or 12 and zero yellow cards. Then a guy will come in playacting and then I will be punished. It’s a really, really bad level, but what can you do?”
As WhoScored shows, Kulusevski won six freekicks against Belgium, far more than any other player, so he was certainly on the receiving end of some heavy treatment.
Therefore, you can understand his frustration at the fact that not a single Belgium player received a yellow card.
Tottenham need protection for Kulusevski
The 22-year-old surely won’t be the only one annoyed at Grinfeeld’s refereeing performance.
Those at Tottenham will want to see the Swede receive more protection from officials as he is targeted.
Kulusevski has already missed 13 games for Spurs due to injury this season, and with Tottenham in a fight to secure a place in the Premier League’s top four, they need him available.
If Kulusevski suffers an injury in Sweden’s next UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier on Monday against Azerbaijan, those at Spurs will surely be furious.
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