Antonio Conte: Tottenham stars ‘not guaranteed to play’ after ‘uncomfortable’ Sky reveal – pundit
Kevin Phillips has applauded Tottenham manager Antonio Conte for creating an “uncomfortable” atmosphere in north London.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Sunderland and England striker said the 52-year-old’s “methods are clearly working” on Spurs’ players.
Tottenham strengthened their top-four bid with a 5-1 win over Newcastle United on Sunday.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game (2 April), Eric Dier detailed how Conte has created “an uncomfortable environment” at Spurs where more is constantly demanded from the players.
He added that such an atmosphere has kept everyone “on their toes”.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Dier’s comments, Phillips said: “Conte has changed the culture there, you can see it.
“If that is creating an uncomfortable environment for the players then that is what is needed. You don’t want players being in their comfort zone if it means they’re getting complacent. You have to work it out.
“Conte is an experienced manager and whatever he is doing it is working. Players are not guaranteed a start under him. That makes it a challenge for the players.
“You have to find a way to get a response out of your players and Conte’s methods are clearly working. Conte’s passion and experience is clear to see.
“I see nothing wrong with creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. One where players are not guaranteed to play.”
In other news, Tottenham have been told to ‘build their team around’ one player ‘for the next 10 years’ after what an expert has just seen.