-
Antonio Conte complains about the fixture schedule after World Cup.
Antonio Conte has acknowledged that he is dissatisfied that Tottenham will play so soon after the World Cup is over.
Just over a week after the last match between France and Argentina in Qatar, the Premier League is back. Hugo Lloris, a teammate of Cristian Romero’s from Tottenham, lost to his rival on penalties as the Albiceleste triumphed 3-3.
Tottenham boss Conte has already confirmed Romero will not play and Lloris will feature on the bench, while decisions will be made on quarter-finalists Harry Kane, Eric Dier – who appeared as a substitute in the friendly draw with Nice – and Ivan Perisic.
On Boxing Day, Spurs will play Brentford in the early game. Conte acknowledged that the midseason World Cup and its effects on fatigue will influence his team selection.
He said: “It is a strange situation and honestly to play so quickly – only one week after the World Cup – I am not really happy.
RELATED:
- Antonio Conte gives update on injured Tottenham trio
- Robert Lewandowski reveals his favourite for 2023 Ballon d’Or
- Conte reacts to boos from Tottenham fans with a ‘disappointed’ message.
“But it is normal that when you have so many players play a tournament like this, especially during the season, that now it is not easy because the physical condition is not at the top.
It is impossible to give them a lot of rest and for sure with the players that didn’t play the World Cup and we work for four weeks, now they are in a great physical condition.
“We work a lot on the tactical aspect and physical aspect. Now they are at a level that is better than the players who finished the World Cup.
“For this reason I think I have to make the best decision for the game against Brentford. On one side I have players who I worked with for four weeks really well and on the other side, I have players who worked at the World Cup and are not at the top at the moment.”
Son Heung-min also got some minutes in the draw with Nice, while Kane has been pictured back in training ahead of the trip to Brentford.
Rodrigo Bentancur is injured but serving a suspension regardless, while Richarlison is sidelined for a month. Oliver Skipp and Djed Spence have also been suffering from fevers.