Conte reacts to Craven Cottage win

Harry Kane’s record-equalling goal just before half-time earned Tottenham Hotspur a vital three points over Fulham in a Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage. Read the match report here, player ratings here, the pick of the stats of the match here. My own conclusions from proceedings in West London can be found here, and you can have your say on tonight’s match Vital Spurs fan forum here. Below are some quotes from head coach Antonio Conte as he reacted to his side’s win tonight.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Conte expressed his satisfaction at winning at a tough ground against an in-form opponent after two bitter defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City:

“It was a big win after two consecutive defeats against Arsenal and Man City. It was a really important to win today because Fulham are having a fantastic season. If they won the game, they would climb up the table”, said Conte.

“For us, it was important to get the three points, especially when many teams are coming in front of us or fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League.”

Conte then revealed that he had a meeting with his players in order to clarify their goals for the remainder of the season after falling short of some standards his group set last season, and urged the players to build on tonight’s win in order to stay in contention for the Champions League places:

“We have to try and stay in the race. A clean sheet and had a good answer from my players because during the week, we spoke about the difference in comparison to last season – not the goals we are looking to achieve, but especially for the goals we’ve conceded.”

Conte elaborated on his side’s shortcomings this season compared to last regarding their defensive failings, and expressed his happiness at his side’s ability to keep Fulham at bay and see the second-half out to keep their clean sheet intact.

“We conceded a lot of goals compared to last season. For this reason, we have to try and improve today to finish the game with a clean sheet. It was important for Hugo Lloris and we showed great solidity in the second half. We tried to get a chance, but we didn’t take an important risk and for this reason, I am really happy because this win is important for the confidence for our heads and minds.”

“I am really proud to be Tottenham manager. I had the possibility of being the manger of an important club, it makes me proud and this has to be clear to everybody.”

Conte then reiterated his ccmitment to his players, stating that both he and the squad were committed to achieving their goal of Champions League qualification come the season’s end in order to make themselves and the fans proud:

“For this reason I want to fight until the end with my players. We are a team that works a lot and under this aspect I can’t tell anything about my players. In the last period, we were sleeping maybe because we were losing some characteristics from last season.

“I spoke with my players and I have good players, but especially good men. They understand we have to fight until the end for the important positions, we have to be ready to suffer.

“When I accepted to become Tottenham manager, I was happy and I am happy. In every moment and every second of my day, my first thought is for my player and club and to improve.

And to make our fans proud of the team. The Premier League is not simple, it is difficult and there are many clubs ready to spend a lot of money to for the team. We are in the right direction then we will see. The most important thing for me is to work with my players and to have a good relationship with the club.”

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