Conte says ‘not easy to face these monsters’ after Spurs-Liverpool draw

Antonio Conte spoke in the post-match conference that saw Tottenham Hotspur hold Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to a 1-1 draw, giving Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City some breathing space to move towards the Premier League title. 

He started off on a positive note, saying “In one hand I think we have to be satisified because it’s an amazing team at Anfield, with the atmosphere and a lot of noise. To see the players run with a lot of energy, despite playing every few days is incredible. They are deserving everything they are reaching. For sure, for this reason, the result was positive.”

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However, Conte surmised that things could have gone better for Spurs. The Italian noted, “On the other hand I think maybe we have to be a bit disappointed and I have seen that in the eyes of my players. We had the chances to win the game. Good performance. We did not concede chances to Liverpool, just a deflected goal.” 

It was Spurs who drew first blood in the second half, with a goal from Son Heung-min, set up by a low cross from Ryan Sessegnon. However, Liverpool managed to equalize with 15 minutes remaining, when a low shot from Luis Diaz deflected off Rodrigo Bentancur and rolled inside the left-hand post. 

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Conte continued “I have to be proud of my players. We have never lost our composure and calm and we stopped Liverpool from having chances here. I asked them to be brave with the ball even though I know that’s difficult with the way Liverpool press. I think we prepared the game very well.” 

While Spurs have held Liverpool, City look to clinch the PL title. The Merseyside club also has a shot at another Champions League as they face Real Madrid in the finals, in Paris. 

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Conte showed respect for these accomplishments and the high level of competition in English football, saying, “Liverpool did what they have because they created a foundation under Jurgen. They did a lot in seven years. He created a monster, in a good way. To do this you need time, patience and a lot of things. You have to go step by step. It’s impossible to imagine that next season you’re going to win the title because you have to be realistic. I know teams in England like Liverpool, City, Chelsea and United, it’s not easy to face these monsters.”