Pundit ‘worried’ as Tottenham stars ‘suffocated’ by Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte is “suffocating” the Tottenham squad with his intense playing style and tactics.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Spurs’ start to the season.
Tottenham sit third in the Premier League after 11 games but have now lost back-to-back matches against Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Spurs were booed off the pitch after their loss to Newcastle on Sunday (23 October) with some fans voicing frustration at Conte’s playing style.
McManus claims the Italian’s tactics may be having an adverse effect on Tottenham.
“There is pressure but the start of the season has gone pretty well,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“They are top of their Champions League group and they are third in the Premier League. You need to remember where Tottenham were five or ten years ago.
“They weren’t competitive at all. They weren’t even close to the Champions League and they certainly weren’t challenging for the Premier League.
“They have a real good squad there and a top-quality manager but back-to-back defeats is not good for them. The way they played against Newcastle, who were very comfortable, would be a worry for me.
“I’m not sure a lot of Spurs fans will be happy with the style of play. Especially when you look at the players they have. There is real quality in the forward areas and midfield as well.
“Maybe they are being suffocated by the tactics but I don’t think they are under pressure.
“A few fans aren’t happy with the style, that’s it.”
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