BEN DAVIES says fired-up Antonio Conte has his Tottenham players wanting to run through brick walls for him.Spurs boss Conte is famously animated on the touchline in every game, raucously celebrating each time his team scores.
Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel were embroiled in a bust-up on Sunday
But he took it to new levels in Sunday’s feisty 2-2 draw against old club Chelsea, where he was sent off along with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel after a bust-up with the German.
Tuchel was annoyed Conte did not look him in the eye when shaking hands at the final whistle – seconds after Harry Kane’s dramatic leveller – and a melee ensued.
The pair had already had a heated exchange after Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg’s equaliser for 1-1, while Tuchel did his best Jose Mourinho impression by running down the touchline to celebrate Reece James putting the hosts ahead on 77 minutes.
Both managers will now be banned from the dugout for this weekend’s games – with Spurs hosting Wolves and Chelsea travelling to Leeds – and have been charged by the FA for their conduct.
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Yet left-back Davies said of Conte: “We’re used to seeing that passion from him!
“His record speaks for itself. He’s a world-class manager.
“But as a person and as a man on the side, you can’t help but want to run through a brick wall for him.
“He’s animated, he’s very clear in what he wants from his team. He’s very passionate. When he speaks, you can’t help but just sit there and listen.”
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Hojbjerg labelled Conte’s passion on the touchline as “important” for the Spurs team, who had been trailing until the sixth minute of injury time when Kane struck.
The Dane said: “It’s his personality and something as a player you know he brings. It’s important.
“I think in this case the officials could have said, ‘OK, no need for cards in this game’ after the finish. And just leave it a bit, you know?
“I think it was a bit…it’s difficult to comment on decisions but I didn’t think it was necessary for the officials to be giving red cards after the game.”
Kalidou Koulibaly’s superb volley had given Chelsea the lead before Hojbjerg levelled – though Tuchel felt there had been a foul in the build-up, as well as claiming Richarlison was offside when the Dane struck.
James looked to have given the hosts a deserved victory only for Kane to flick home a header off the England defender at the death, sparking the wild scenes.
Hojbjerg added: “There were moments in the game when I think we were too far from controlling the game. Sometimes even without the ball you can be in control, and I thought after the 1-1 especially we were a bit too emotional and lost control of the game.
“This was not, from my point-of-view, so good from the team. But the way we came back and believed was important.
“This is a step forward definitely but it’s difficult for me to celebrate a draw.”
Spurs have significantly bolstered their squad this summer with SIX new arrivals – and it was the introduction of £60million new-boy Richarlison off the bench which proved pivotal.
The Brazilian’s energy and directness gave Chelsea a new problem to deal with and suddenly Conte’s side looked a real threat.
Ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Hojbjerg, 27, said: “I think if you want to be a top, top team, you have to have two players that can contribute in every position.
“That’s what I learned when I grew up in Munich in my early years in professional football. They had minimum two players in every position. And it makes everyone stay on their toes.”
Davies agreed and also claimed good pal Kane is looking in tip-top shape after netting his first goal of the season.
The Welshman, 29, said: “It does give you a lot of confidence knowing the quality we’ve got that can come off the bench and change the game for us.
“The boys who came on I thought they did exactly what we wanted them to, which was to have an impact.
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“I think Harry is looking as good as he ever has.
“He’s a top player. He’s shown time and time again the class that he’s got and he’s off the mark again. Let’s hope he can have a successful season.” More
