Speaking to Tottenham Hotspur’s YouTube channel, Antonio Conte has been previewing Spurs’ upcoming pre-season friendly against Rangers.
Spurs head to Ibrox on Saturday to face the Gers in a pre-season match, but, as many Spurs fans will know, this game may not feel like a friendly.
Indeed, while most pre-season games are relaxed affairs, a game in front of the Rangers fans at Ibrox will, as ever, be incredibly intense, even with nothing on the line.
Conte is well aware of the challenges of playing in front of the Ibrox crowd, admitting that it is always very difficult to play away at Rangers, making a similar claim about their Glasgow rivals, Celtic.
What’s been said?
Conte spoke about the two Scottish clubs and the atmospheres at Celtic Park and Ibrox.
“It’s a big game, and I’m sure the atmosphere will be amazing. When you play away against Rangers or against Celtic it’s always very difficult because you play in an amazing atmosphere, but it is a good test for us and we’re talking about a very good team,” Conte said.
“They lost the final of the Europa League last season, and in their last friendly game they beat West Ham 3-1.”
Different test
Rangers and Celtic, with all due respect, may not be two of the very best teams on the planet, but they both pose a different test to any other club due to their fanbases.
A trip to either Celtic Park or Ibrox is unlike anything else a footballer will experience in their careers, and some of Spurs’ players will be in for a real shock this weekend as they head to Glasgow.
Conte is one of the finest managers in the world and he’s taken charge of some of the biggest games against some of the best teams, but even he admits that going to play either of these Scottish giants is a difficult task.
Spurs’ squad may learn a lot about themselves when they face Rangers on Saturday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
