Antonio Conte hints at transfer plans as Tottenham troubles exposed in disappointing Aston Villa defeat
Antonio Conte laid bare his worries about Tottenham after losing to Aston Villa and hinted at the type of player he needs to bring into the club.
Spurs went into the World Cup break sitting fourth in the Premier League. But they have taken just one point since the resumption courtesy of a 2-2 draw at Brentford. Sunday’s disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Villa means the north Londoners have won just two of seven matches in the league.
And they are now fifth in the standings, with Liverpool two points behind and with a game in hand.
The West Midlanders were good value for the three points. The game was scoreless at half time but Emiliano Buendia gave Unai Emery’s side the lead five minutes after the interval.
The Argentinian took advantage of an error by Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to nudge the visitors ahead.
And Douglas Luiz made sure of the points on 73 minutes, combining with John McGinn before chipping Lloris.
The home fans showed their displeasure at the final whistle, with boos ringing out around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Conte admitted they were not good enough and urged his charges to continue to battle for every point.
“In the first half we played with good intensity,” he told BBC Sport. “We didn’t concede anything and we found a team that defended too deep and then we conceded this goal and then the confidence dropped for my players.
“We have to know that our life is this. And we have to fight every game for one point or for three points.
“This is the truth, especially when you are without two or three important players and have difficulties.”
Conte needs help in winter window
The transfer window is now open and many clubs have been tipped to do business in January. Spurs are no different and their latest reverse only heightens the need for fresh faces.
It remains to be seen if they can sign anyone of significance in the next few weeks.
And Conte has suggested the kind of player he needs to help turn things around over the next few months.
“We have different characteristics and we don’t have many players who are really good to beat the man,” he added. “We don’t have many creative players in our team. For sure today was really difficult to find space in the first half.”
Conte expects tough challenge
Tottenham have developed a habit of conceding the first goal this season. They were behind once again against the Villans and were never able to get back on level terms.
And the Italian tactician is under no illusions as to the task he and his players face.
“We have conceded the first goal and for sure we try to play to score goals,” he continued.
“There is an opponent like you that can score during the game. We understand very well that the league will be really really difficult for us.
“We have to try to recover all the [injured] players and then we have to know that in every game we have to fight and show that we are strong. The league will be very difficult for us.”
