Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has admitted that teams always need to be careful when they are playing AC Milan but he backs his team to turn the Champions League tie around in the second leg.
Speaking during his press conference after the 1-0 defeat at San Siro for the Premier League side (via Milan News), the Italian coach respected the quality within the Rossoneri squad but still thinks that when back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, his team will get the job done.
“This was a relentless battle, difficult for us and difficult for them to play a good game. That goal in the sixth minute cut us off, we could have done much better at that moment,” Conte explained.
“And then you have to try, when you face Milan you have to be careful in defence because they can hurt you on the counterattack and that’s how it was. This was the first leg of the round of 16, there’s still the return leg and I’m sure that in our stadium our fans will create an atmosphere that will lift and motivate us.”
This fixture meant that Antonio Conte returned to Italy in a professional capacity and he spoke with joy about being back at San Siro where he coached Inter for two seasons. He was clearly impressed by the atmosphere created by the Milan fans.
“Coming back to San Siro is unique. I consider this a historic and beautiful stadium. So crowded it’s nice, the enthusiasm has been rekindled in Milan and that makes me happy. The atmosphere was against us, they made themselves felt in an important way. I hope the same will happen for us when we play at home,” he said.
There is constant speculation around Conte and his employment status with many thinking he will leave Spurs in the near future. When asked if he will come back to Italy, he said: “I try to live in the present, so many things have happened. But you know that as an Italian and a former coach of the national team, Italy is in my heart and it won’t be a problem to return one day.”
