Tottenham idol issues ‘worrying’ claim after speaking to Antonio Conte – ‘It’s a real problem’
Paul Robinson has revealed the details of a post-match conversation with Tottenham manager Antonio Conte at Brentford.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Spurs and England number one said the 53-year-old is “frustrated” by his side’s habit of conceding first in matches.
Tottenham conceded the first goal in 10 straight matches prior to the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday (4 January).
Antonio Conte‘s side recovered to pick a points in the majority of those 10 matches but were unable to against Aston Villa on New Year’s Day.
Robinson claimed Spurs must eradicate the trend to finish in the top four.
“It really has been a problem for them this season,” he told Football Insider.
“I spoke to Conte after the Brentford game and he was keen to praise his team’s resilience and character. It was another game where they had to come from behind. Conte, like a lot of people, is frustrated as to why they have gone behind so many times this season.
“It is really difficult to put your finger on it. Is it because they start slowly and are a better team in the second half? I’m not sure.
“The worrying thing is, in the Aston Villa game there was no response. When they have gone behind early they have normally come back.
“The spirit and the fight wasn’t there against Villa. It was worrying. There was no signs of that character and spirit. I cannot remember Robin Olsen making many saves at all.
“Is it mentality issue or is it personnel? One thing’s for sure, they will not get into the top four if they have to come from behind in every game.”
In other news, Tottenham have been told to sell ‘calamitous’ Emerson Royal and teammate after training ground bust-up.