Tottenham star Richarlison’s comments speak volumes over why Spurs sacked Antonio Conte
Tottenham star Richarlison has opened up on the final weeks of Antonio Conte’s ill-fated reign.
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Richarlison’s latest comments on Antonio Conte might provide an insight into why Tottenham axed the Italian in March. The Brazilian has opened up on facing the wrath of Conte after conducting an interview highly critical of Spurs’ fortunes last season.
Richarlison spoke candidly during a post-match interview with Brazilian media after the North Londoners were dumped out of the Champions League by AC Milan in March. The attacker expressed frustration over a lack of regular football since his arrival for £60million the previous summer.
Conte responded by pointedly suggesting Richarlison had a “s***” season. The forward apologised to his boss and his team-mates over the incident.
But apparently the situation did not end there, with Richarlison now revealing that he was dressed down by Conte for two hours in a team meeting. Richarlison reflects that the 54-year-old, whose departure was confirmed later that month, felt forced to show ‘firmness’ and remind people he was ‘still in charge’.
Tottenham star Richarlison has opened up on his relationship with Antonio Conte (Image: Getty)
Conte’s man-management came into question in the final months of his Spurs reign, with a public outburst criticising his squad after a 3-3 draw with Southampton culminating in his sacking. Spurs have since appointed the much calmer Ange Postecoglou.
“Of course I made a fool of myself by saying in the interview that I needed time and everything else, it was after the elimination in the Champions League, but then I apologised to him,” Richarlison said on international duty. “I even told him that if he wanted to punish me, he could.
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