Antonio Conte admits he is hurt to see Marcelo Bielsa sacked at Leeds, following Tottenham’s 4-0 win at Elland Road on Saturday.
Bielsa was dismissed from his role at Leeds following the club’s loss to Spurs, with Leeds having conceded 3+ goals in five consecutive Premier League fixtures to drop just two points above the relegation places.
The defeat to Conte’s Spurs side was Leeds’ fourth in succession in the Premier League and the club’s board have now decided on a change in their battle to beat the drop.
Bielsa’s exit brings an end to a colourful reign at Leeds and Conte has spoken on his disappointment at seeing the veteran Argentina leave the club.
“I’m very disappointed. We are talking about an important manager and we are talking about a person that is a master for many managers in the past and in the present,” Conte said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Spurs’ FA Cup fifth round clash with Middlesbrough tomorrow evening.
“When I read the news it hurt me. I have great respect for him as a person and as a man.
“In every situation he has shown great integrity and in football you can’t always find this type of person.
“I understand that the club has to make a decision and I know very well the owner and it was nice to read the words that he used about Marcelo.
“He spoke about the mentality he brought to the club. I understand sometimes that the club has to try to change some situation.”
