Conte amplifies importance of north London derby, detailing Tottenham improvements
Antonio Conte is under no illusion about the importance of Thursday’s north London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
Tottenham cannot afford to lose to their cross-city rivals if they want to catch them in the battle to finish in the Champions League places. Victory for Arsenal will mean Spurs can finish no higher than fifth.
In contrast, if Conte’s side can win, they would be breathing down Arsenal’s necks, one point behind with two games to go.
The stakes could not be much higher for what is always an intense fixture regardless. Tottenham coach Conte knows it will be a challenge, but cannot hide how significant it will be.
He told a press conference: “We are talking about an important game. Important for many different situations.
“First we are playing this game for an important target. For a place in the Champions League. This is first, to try to win this game.
“I also know the importance for our fans of this derby, the north London derby. This is the first time they’re playing this derby in their stadium with all the fans.
“We have to try to get three points against Arsenal. We are talking about a good team, a really well organised team.
“[Mikel] Arteta is doing a really good job. He’s had the possibility to work and improve his team.
“In this moment of the season it has to give us a big push.”
Ahead of Thursday’s fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Conte has no new injury concerns.
He confirmed: “No, the situation is the same and the same over the last game against Liverpool. [Sergio] Reguilon is not available and I don’t think he can recover. There is only 10 days to go.
“Only the same players as [against] Liverpool.”
Sessegnon spell set to continue in north London derby
Ryan Sessegnon played on the left flank in Reguilon’s absence last time out. Conte is likely to be calling on him again.
It has been a season of learning for the former Fulham starlet. He plays in an important part of Conte’s system but is still developing his game.
His manager is now trying to unlock his potential and has cited what he is good at and where he can improve.
Conte claimed: “Ryan is a player that has great potential. Physically he is really strong and is difficult to beat in one vs one. Defensively he has reached an important level. He showed great attention during the game.
“For sure he has to improve with the ball. For me wing-backs are very important; against Liverpool we had situations where we can improve in this aspect.
“Ryan is a young player and is having a good performance. This type of performance has to give him confidence in himself. We are talking about a young player with a great space for improvement. In the past injury has stopped his growth.”
Sessegnon has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season.
Conte thanks Tottenham players for progress
The fact Tottenham are even in contention to catch up with the Champions League places is testament to the improvements they have made in recent months under Conte.
A difficult start to the season cost Nuno Espirito Santo his job after just four months. But Conte has got the club back on track – even if last season’s Serie A winner is used to aiming higher.
He is under contract for another season, so if he stays, Tottenham will hope to close the gap further.
Asked how close his team are to where he needs them to be, Conte replied: “It depends on the target.
“I can only say thanks to my players. These seven months they’ve shown great commitment, behaviour and being 120% working. For this reason I have to say thanks.
“If now we are in this position, fighting for a Champions League place, it means the players improved a lot and they made the important step forward.
“But for sure there is space for improvement, but you have to know for which target you have to play.”
Tottenham’s crucial clash with Arsenal kicks off at 7:45pm on Thursday.
READ MORE – Tottenham transfer latest: Barcelona star Clement Lenglet tipped to sign and play key role for Conte
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