Tottenham Hotspur fans have claimed that Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is ‘copying’ Antonio Conte.
What’s the story?
The Telegraph report that Gerrard has banned fizzy drinks and sauces since taking charge at Villa, as he looks into his new side’s nutritional plans.
The news comes just after Conte took the exact same step at Tottenham.
The Athletic say that Spurs players are no longer allowed to eat butter, ketchup or mayonnaise at Hotspur Way any more.
The dietary changes are designed to help Spurs players be fit enough to play in Conte’s style.
And Tottenham fans think that Gerrard may well have taken a leaf out of their manager’s book.
A fresh approach
It was never actually reported that Gerrard banned fizzy drinks at Rangers, so this looks like a new step for him.
It seems highly unlikely that he simply pinched the idea from Conte though.
Gerrard is rapidly proving to be one of the most impressive up-and-coming managers in football.
He has got off to a strong start at Villa, after guiding them to victory against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.
Conte also has impressed with the work he has done at Tottenham so far.
Spurs players have been worked hard on the training ground, but the results are already becoming obvious.
Tottenham are running further, and playing with more intensity than they ever did under Nuno, and they remain unbeaten under the Italian’s guidance to date.
If these sort of results continue, there may well be more managers who consider banning fizzy drinks in the future!
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