Tottenham news: Pundit reveals one thing Antonio Conte ‘could not stand’ about Tanguy Ndombele
Antonio Conte “could not stand for” Tanguy Ndombele’s “free-spirited” approach at Tottenham.
That is the view of ex-Spurs defender Alan Hutton, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the Frenchman’s deadline-day loan move to Lyon.
Ndombele, who is under contract in North London until 2025, arrived at Spurs as a £54million club-record signing from Lyon in July 2019.
But the 25-year-old midfielder has shown only glimpses of his talent, and he barely featured after Conte was appointed in November last year.
As relayed by the Daily Star last Friday (4 February), Ndombele told French journalist Julien Maynard that he had lost the taste for football at Spurs.
Hutton suggested that this was a result of his differences with Conte.
“I think it’s the best they could have done in a bad situation,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“Conte isn’t the type of guy who wants players that aren’t playing at 110 per cent anywhere near the squad.
“Ndombele seems that type of character. He’s a free spirit and wants to do his own thing. Conte couldn’t stand hat.
“He has spoken about him publicly in those terms. If they can get as much money back as possible, that would be a good deal for Tottenham.
“We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from him but it’s not worked out. It makes sense for him to go back where he’s more comfortable.
“Hopefully they take him on at the end of the season and Spurs get the money back that they paid for him.”
Ndombele scored two goals and registered one assist in 16 appearances for Spurs this term.
He made his second debut for Lyon against Monaco last Saturday (5 February).
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