Robbie Keane noticed that Dele Alli was being put through running drills after Tottenham Hotspur’s game against Leeds United yesterday, as per his comments on Super Sunday on Sky Sports (07:16pm).
What’s the story?
Alli only played the final moments of the game after once again starting as a substitute under Antonio Conte.
But with Tottenham’s players now having to run far greater distances, no corners are being cut, as they work on their fitness.
In times gone by, Alli’s cameo display may have earned him a break, just by getting a few minutes on the pitch.
However, as the first-team were back in the dressing room, Alli was back out performing running drills with the other subs.
And Keane believes that Conte’s training demands may not go down well with every player, especially if they aren’t getting picked.
“Most of those players have been away. But in the second half, the intensity,” he said.
“He demands that from his players. He’ll have them in during the afternoons and everything. He wants to nail down exactly what he wants to do on the training ground.
“It’s going to be hard work for the players. Some won’t like it, especially the ones who are not involved.
“After the game you can see there, Dele Alli is doing a lot of running.
“It’s going to be difficult. If you want succeed at this football club, you have a top manager, but you need to help him.”
Adapting to Conte
The new demands are clearly something that Tottenham’s players are still adapting to.
Spurs began slowly against Leeds and went into the break 1-0 down.
However, they upped their game in the second period and ended up triumphant.
Tottenham actually ran further than Leeds, which is quite a turnaround for a side who averaged the lowest distanced run in the entire division under Nuno.
The hope is that Conte’s appointment can revive a Tottenham squad which has faltered in recent seasons.
Time is definitely on their side, as Spurs have plenty of games left to catch the top four.
Tottenham are only four points away from the Champions League spaces, and with the signs already encouraging under Conte, it is far from out of the question that they could breach that gap.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
