Antonio Conte has claimed that there is a ‘difference’ between AC Milan and Spurs by virtue of the fact the Rossoneri recently won a major trophy.
It was a night where very little clicked for Spurs as Milan’s approach of waiting patiently and picking their moments to cause just enough doubt at the other end for Spurs paid dividends, with the end result being the first ever 0-0 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Rossoneri missed big chances to extend their lead in the second half as the game became more stretched and Cristian Romero saw red to make things even worse for Spurs, who have crashed out of yet another competition.
Conte spoke to the reporters who gathered at his post-match press conference after what was a disappointing night for his side, and his comments were relayed by FootballLondon.
“I think that when you are pressing and have an opposition that can get out of that pressing quite easily you’ve got all of that space behind you and it means you’re a tough opponent. I think the real difference was how dangerous they were compared to us on the attack,” he said.
“They have players like Hernandez, Giroud and Leao who create real problems. As a team we didn’t create a great deal. We are disappointed. I think we have made a step forward. Last season we were in the Conference League.
“I think for sure the game in the FA Cup [exit against Sheffield United] was really, really bad and the players know very well that we missed a big chance to continue to stay and fight for a trophy.
“Today I think that in this type of game, there is a big difference the opponent. Milan last season won the league in Italy, a big team with a big story. We can do a comparison between these two defeats.
“We are out of the FA Cup and now out of the Champions League. I can tell you that we are working, working to try to improve and go step by step, but if someone thinks that in one day, one year you start to win, it’s difficult.
“In order to win we have to build and you need time. You have to go step by step to also accept this type of defeat. Losing to Sheffield United was unacceptable but today, I don’t like to lose, but it can happen with this type of path and situation.
“I’m really sorry for the fans but we cannot invent the win. It’s important to know this. Hope for a miracle to find a trophy. We have to build step by step.
“Today is not the day to speak about my future. I have a contract until the end of the season and Tottenham know very well my thoughts and at the end of the season we will speak.”
Sounds like a “come and get me” plea to Milan. God I hope that doesn’t happen.
No, it doesn’t. It’s his typical we can’t compete because we need to spend money.