Conte defends sideline passion as Tottenham secure comeback win over Leeds

Football
22 Nov 2021 • 5:21 AM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

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Antonio Conte has secured his first Premier League win as Tottenham Hotspur manager in a comeback victory over Leeds United.

A lacklustre opening 45 minutes saw Spurs fail to muster a single shot on target, but Leeds broke the deadlock just before the break through a tap-in from Daniel James.

However, the second stanza saw the home side deliver an emphatic performance to secure a 2-1 win.

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min both hit the woodwork before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's deflected strike levelled the scores.

Conte's side were soon in front when Eric Dier's free-kick free-kick deflected off the wall and onto the post before Sergio Reguilon poked in the rebound.

The win means Spurs move above Manchester United into seventh spot on the Premier League table.

Leeds, meanwhile, remain 17th and just two points above the relegation zone.

Speaking after the game, Conte made no apologies for his animated behaviour on the sideline.

"I have a great passion and I want to transfer it in all the environment," he said. "When it comes to passion, you either have it or you don't.

"This win is very important because we struggled today. We played two different games and they beat us on the tactical aspect in the first half. To play against Leeds and against Bielsa is not easy. We must be satisfied. This is only a point from which to start for the rest of the season.

"I said to the players that we have a lot of space for improvement and I'm pleased as many were involved today. [Harry] Winks struggled in the first half but played with personality in the second. [Ryan] Sessegnon coming on was also important so it's right to celebrate with passion.

"We celebrated the win because I think that it was difficult and we knew this. I read the stats of Leeds and they were the first to bring high intensity. In the first half, we struggled a lot because they played better than us, they won tackles and they led the game. We conceded possession too much.

"After the first half, the fans weren't satisfied with the football and I agreed with them. In the second, we changed it totally. I changed the plan tactically but they then played well and with personality.

"We created difficulties for Leeds in the second half and to win in this way is good as I bring with me and my players two different situations - the first half and the second half."


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