antonio conte happy
How significant was that win and how much did the virus impact the team?
It wasn’t easy because yesterday morning the doctor sent me a message that a few players they felt not well and with a stomach problem, vomiting and also fever. For this reason, Kulusevski didn’t have a training session, also Gollini, also Hugo. He was not in a perfect condition today, also Winksy. Despite this we face the game in the right way and I am so happy because I have seen a team that has improved in many aspects. Now this team is ready to fight in every game. It is not simple, it’s not easy to play against us, to face Burnley today wasn’t easy. They tested our nerves because for us it was vital to get three points and to have an opportunity to take a place in the Champions League and stay until the end for this big achievement. I am very happy because I saw a team that improved a lot step by step and now I think deserves, in the same way like Arsenal, to go for a place in the Champions League but we will see what happens at the end of the season. For us another game against Norwich. It won’t be easy, there are no easy games, but I think it was positive for the team, for the players, for the club to fight for something important
How did Hugo manage to get out there and play despite having the virus?
Hugo had a fever but it was strange that this type of situation for Hugo and also Gollini, but no chance to miss an important game for Hugo and for Gollo. They showed to be very professional, to understand very well the moment, the importance of the moment and the players for sure not in 100% the physical condition at the top but Hugo is our captain and I think that never never he wanted to miss this game.
What was your view on the penalty?
I think 200 per cent a penalty, not 100 per cent. It was so clear. It was very difficult to understand the complaints, if your arm is in this way and you take the ball, I think it is very, very clear, honestly.
Will you watch the Arsenal game and can Newcastle do you a favour?
I think first of all we had to do our task and to win and get three points and put some pressure on Arsenal. We know very well it is not easy to play against Newcastle and especially when they arrive with the new manager and in a good spell and not an easy game, but it will be the same for us in Norwich, and the last game against Everton for Arsenal. For sure I will watch the game because I love football and I want to watch and I want also to suffer. But I think it is a big achievement for the last game to have the possibility to take a place into Champions League because I don’t forget our path since November and we will see what happens. I also think Arsenal did a really good job this season because they didn’t play in Europe and now they have a chance to play in the Champions League.
Was this game all about digging in?
Don’t forget we played two days ago and in a tough game against Arsenal and don’t forget before Arsenal we played in Anfield against Liverpool and you know very well that in this type of game you spend a lot of energy not only in the physical aspect but also a lot mentally aspect. It was very important for us today to take the three points but I think we created the chances to score more goals. Sometimes it was the keeper good, he made good saves; sometimes I think we could be more clinical in this situation but at the end of the season to play against Burnley and a team that is fighting to avoid relegation is not simple. They come here to play a defensive game, a well organised defensive game and don’t concede space for us. I repeat, it wasn’t easy, only after to get three points you relax. We didn’t concede a goal, another clean sheet and the team was strong and seems strong. In this moment it is not easy to play against us.
Was there the need to recreate the Arsenal derby atmosphere with the importance of the fans?
For Tottenham, the fans are vital because you have an amazing stadium so to create an amazing atmosphere in every game is very important. The fans, if you feel they stay back to you in a strong way, and for sure it’s normal to give much more and also to overcome your real possibility. I think our fans have to play an important role in every game, and this stadium has to become a fortress for Tottenham I think. Because it’s amazing and has the characteristics to become a fortress for Tottenham.
