Conte praises his sides “nastiness” and “desire” as Spurs secure late comeback

Antonio Conte has applauded Spurs’ “personality” as they fought back from 2-0 down to defeat a resilient Bournemouth side, 3-2.

The Lilywhites started the game horribly with the Cherries deservedly taking the lead mid-way through the first half.

Spurs did not start the second half much better as in the 49th minute Kieffer Moore was once again Tottenham’s downfall. The Welshman managed to get in-between Emerson and Davinson Sanchez to head home and make it 2-0 to the home side.

Conte spoke on his frustrations about going behind:

“But sometimes it is difficult for me to understand why it happen some situations but I think that we started a path with this group of players and maybe three or four days we be one year that I stay at Totenham and work with these group of players.

“For me these guys are really good guys, really good players but sometimes they lose the confidence easily and I think we have to try to work and to continue to work on this aspect.”

In the 57th minute, Ryan Sessegnon started the comeback, getting in behind the Bournemouth backline and slotting away a smart finish

Ben Davies then equalised 15 minutes later heading home from a corner – Tottenham’s ninth set piece goal this season.

Then in the 92nd minute Rodrigo Bentancur was once again Spurs’ saviour as following a scramble in the penalty box, the Uruguayan’s effort found the back of the net – sending the Spurs away end into pandemonium.

Conte on his side fighting back from defeat:

“But for sure it was great to see the desire of my players and the reaction they had. I repeat also the nastiness they put into the pitch because I have seen in the eyes of my players the desire to win this game. Also when we drew 2-2 and then in our mind the only thought was to take the ball and start to play again. This reaction was really positive and I want this from my players.”

During the celebrations, cameras caught Conte calming walking down the tunnel after the late winner.

The Spurs boss spoke on why he didn’t celebrate Bentancur’s goal:

“I came back when I knew the goal was regular. I thought in my mind and my heart I can have a heart attack because in two days to score and then have goal disallowed. I said I go down and then stay calm and then I wait for the decision of the referee.”

The Lilywhites now head into a must-win clash on Tuesday night, against Marseille. In which, they must win to secure qualification to the Champions League knock-out rounds.

Conte:

“In the end I think it was vital for us this win, especially after two losses in the Premier League and now this win has to give us enthusiasm, passion to go into Marseille and play a final.”