Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has urged Antonio Conte to be more open with his players following his latest outburst.
The Denmark international made these remarks during a press conference with his country’s media on Monday, and his quotes are relayed by Tipsbladet.
Conte was critical of his players during the post-match presser after Tottenham’s 3-3 draw against Southampton at the weekend. Spurs were leading the game 3-1 before the Saints scored two goals to secure a point.
The midfielder has sent a message to the Italian on what he needs to do, when asked how he experienced the ex-Chelsea manager’s criticism.
“Haha, yes, how did I experience it? I think we’ve all seen it. Very honest and very open press conference he gave. It is because he is not satisfied. You don’t do that if you’ve reached the quarter-final of the Champions League and if you’re in the semi-final of the FA Cup,” he said.
“It comes from the fact that, unfortunately, we did not get the results we as a team and club wanted. We are still where we want and need to be in the Premier League. But yes, it’s hard, I should say.
“I understand that if you want to be successful as a team, you need 11 men who are committed to a project and a culture. But I think he has to elaborate on how he feels before you as a player can start measuring and weighing.
“The coach has not been satisfied, and that is what I will take with me. You do what you can to please him. What I do know about myself is that I am an honest player. I am a player who always gives 100% of myself for the team.”
The 27-year-old was further asked whether Conte was right in the manner in which he reacted. In response to that, Højbjerg explained: “Fortunately, I am not the one to judge it.”
According to Tipsbladet, the Dane doesn’t want to claim he was ‘offended’ by the Spurs manager’s criticism.
“That’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying that if that’s how he sees it, then you have to be a little more precise in order for you as a player to take it to heart,” he stressed.
Højbjerg also revealed he and his Tottenham teammates were completely in the dark over what Conte was going to say to the media.
“No, let me put it this way: He didn’t tell us what he wanted to say at the press conference. But it is clear that you work with each other every day, you want the best for each other and you want to be successful together. And sometimes the waves go high in football,” Højbjerg added.
The latest reports in the English and the Italian press are stating Tottenham are likely to show Conte the exit door in the next few days.
