By Alan Hutton

22nd Mar, 2023 | 10:56am

Antonio Conte backed after Tottenham source's 'astonishing' reveal - expert

Alan Hutton has suggested Antonio Conte was right to criticise his Tottenham players in his recent press conference.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs right-back is worried Conte’s side may miss out on a top four finish in what has been a lacklustre season once again.

The Italian slammed the club, players and staff in a fiery post-match press conference following his side’s 3-3 draw with relegation fighting Southampton at the weekend.

On 21 March, sources told this site that Conte unleashed his astonishing rant after Daniel Levy made it clear he would not be able to sign two of his top transfer targets this summer.

The 53-year-old wanted to bring Stefan de Vrij and Romelu Lukaku to Tottenham in the summer in an attempt to turn Spurs into a title challenging team, but Levy informed him the club would not sanction the transfers which contributed to his frustrations.

Conte has had a tumultuous season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and although his side are currently fourth in the Premier League, fifth-placed Newcastle United are just two points behind with two games in hand.

It is expected that he will be sacked by the club as they are worried he will not be able to get the best out of the players he so publicly derided.

Hutton has been confused by the whole situation.

“It is a really strange one,” he told Football Insider.

“The season has been up and down, yet again it is going to be a trophyless season so it is difficult for supporters.

“Conte is obviously under pressure as well. He was brought to the club to win something and that is not happening. As it stands are they going to get top four? I am not so sure.

“He is questioning the players’ mentality. He is a winner, he has proven that, the players have not for a number of years. His contract is running down and it is a very strange situation.“

In other news, Tottenham in court today as agreement broken