Tottenham Hotspur forward Dejan Kulusevski claimed that manager Antonio Conte’s words must be respected by the players and that he did not find the Italian’s harsh criticism of the team to be offensive.
Following Spurs’ 3-3 draw at Southampton, Conte had a bizarre press conference where he attacked his players for being selfish, lacking team spirit, and incapable of playing under pressure.
When asked if Conte’s remarks had angered him, Kulusevski responded to Sky Sports, “No, because I know what I bring to the team everyday.
“I know that I prepare myself to do as good as I can and that’s why I can always look at myself in the mirror,” added the 22-year-old, who is part of Sweden’s squad for their European Championship qualifiers against Belgium and Azerbaijan.
“Sometimes I know I don’t play well enough and I can take responsibility for that.
🗣️ “I know what I bring to the team”
Dejan Kulusevski says he did not take offence to Antonio Conte’s comments and is happy to keep working with him ⚽⤵️pic.twitter.com/IPJzmGSO2z
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 22, 2023
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“But what (Conte) said is for him (to say), that’s his word. But I respect him, he helped me a lot during my career so he’s still a very important man in the club and in my work.”
Spurs have been eliminated from the domestic cup competitions this season, as well as the Champions League, and Kulusevski said Conte was disappointed, just as the players are.
“I know sometimes we have to be sad and angry, and that’s how he took it,” he said.
“We have to respect his words.”
