Speaking on The View From The Lane Podcast, Jack Pitt-Brooke has been discussing Antonio Conte’s influence at Tottenham during his absence due to illness.
Conte underwent surgery last month that has forced him to take a leave of absence as of later, and Cristian Stellini has taken charge during this time.
However, while Stellini has been on the sidelines as of late, Conte is still very much the manager.
Indeed, according to Pitt-Brooke, despite being out of action, Conte is still setting the team’s instructions in training and he is also picking the team for each game.
Conte still picking the team
Pitt-Brooke discussed Spurs in Conte’s absence.
“I certainly think confidence has been low and I don’t think Conte is good at lifting confidence. He’s a brilliant coach, but he’s not good at lifting spirits. Conte’s absence has caused players to take on responsibility a bit. I don’t want to take things out of context here, Conte’s illness is not a good thing at all, but one of the by-products of him being away is collective decision making and autonomy,” Pitt-Brooke said.
“I think Conte is coming back to a happier dressing room. It will be interesting in terms of decision making. Do they go back to Conte telling them exactly what to do? He’s not just letting them get on with it at the moment. He’s been very specific with Stellini about instructions and what they’ll do in training and what the team is going to be and all that.”
Getting it right
Conte may not be in at Spurs making the calls day-to-day, but he is still picking the team, and he’s getting it right recently.
Indeed, Spurs’ recent upturn in form has been somewhat accredited to Stellini, but Conte deserves kudos too.
The Italian may not be well enough to be his usual self on the touchline, but he’s still this team’s manager and he’s been getting the team selection spot on as of late.
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