Graeme Souness says he is ‘mystified’ by criticism of Antonio Conte as he pleads with Tottenham fans to be patient with their manager and Jamie Redknapp insists the Italian is a ‘serial winner’
- Graeme Souness has questioned criticism of Tottenham boss Antonio Conte
- Spurs have lost two of their last three Premier league games under the Italian
- Souness insisted he believes the club will challenge for trophies under Conte
- Jamie Redknapp branded him ‘a serial winner’ despite the club’s poor form
- The side face Liverpool in a crunch league tie in north London on Sunday
Graeme Souness has urged Tottenham fans to be patient with Antonio Conte amid criticism of the side’s recent poor form.
Tottenham have suffered two defeats in their last three Premier League games and face Liverpool in North London on Sunday, though they could drop out of the Champions League places by the end of the day.
Souness however, speaking on Sky Sports before the match, admitted he is ‘mystified by the doubts about the manager’ from fans as frustrations begin to grow around the club’s direction and playing style.
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has been criticised following his side’s recent poor form
Spurs have lost two of their last three Premier League games under the Italian manager
‘I am mystified by the doubts about the manager and the direction and football’, Souness said. ‘He has been here a year. This club should be challenging and I think they will be. I don’t get it.
‘He has an Italian approach and he will get it right if he has time and support. Spurs’ support is ok. There is added pressure cause of how Arsenal are playing, but that is temporary. My message to Spurs supporters is to be patient.’
Conte has generally enjoyed success at club level, and previously won the Premier League title while manager of Chelsea.
Spurs could find themselves outside the Premier League top four by the end of play on Sunday
Graeme Souness (left) and Jamie Redknapp (right) defended Conte amid the recent criticism
It was regarded an impressive appointment when he joined Tottenham just over a year ago, but the Italian has regularly vented frustrations at his team, while also admitting he is just starting his project at the club.
‘The first time I saw Conte here it just felt right’, Jamie Redknapp, also speaking on Sky, said. ‘It is more substance than style right now but he is a serial winner.
‘He is getting the best out of the players, the signings have been good, there are a lot of plusses. There are seven runners this year, but I look at Spurs right now and they could lay down a marker here.’
Souness urged Tottenham fans to ‘be patient’ with Conte, who has had a successful career
Conte’s side did manage to top their Champions League group thanks to a late winner in Marseille in midweek, and have scored plenty of late goals in recent times, which would suggest the team are fully on board with the manager.
Frustrations appear to have grown in the fanbase because of a defensive playing style, though it is a style that has brought success for Conte elsewhere in his career.
It’s incredibly unlikely the club will make any sort of change soon, though club officials will be hoping the side can improve their Premier League form with a win against Liverpool on Sunday.
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