Antonio Conte believes Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool should be used as a ‘good example’ to Tottenham as the club look to progress.
Spurs take on Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend, with both teams in need of a result to boost their top four ambitions.
Conte was full of praise for Klopp, who has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup at Liverpool, transforming the Reds into regular contenders for major trophies.
Liverpool ended Klopp’s first season eighth in the Premier League table and took almost four years to win their first trophy under his management. Conte believes that the patient approach shown by the Merseyside club should be an example to Spurs in their own pursuit of success.
“I have great respect for Jurgen because his story speaks for him. He has changed the face of Liverpool,” Conte said at his pre-match press conference.
“I remember very well Liverpool didn’t win for a long period. He needed four years to help Liverpool win again and for sure it shows it is important for the coach to have time. Liverpool can be a good example for us.”
Conte discussed his side’s concerning list of injuries ahead of the clash, with Richarlison, Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min all confirmed absentees – the South Korean having surgery to stabilise a fracture around his left eye.
“It’s better to start with a smile,” he said. “We need to face this situation. We need to finish these three games in the best possible way. We have these injuries. Richarlison is not available for the game, same for Romero.
“Bentancur is much better and today was a part of training session. The same for Kulusevski, he had half a training session with us.
“The problem with Lucas Moura is having different phases for his pain. Today it was really bad and they said he was really worried for this. I asked him to try to be available. Also Sonny now is having surgery.”
Conte provided an update on Romero, who has missed the club’s last three fixtures and is a doubt for Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
“About Romero, I can tell you that for him if he has the possibility to play with one leg he will play with the one leg. I would tell the fans that we have players really committed to the club. Maybe Romero he had an injury because we wanted to take a risk and he had this injury, but for sure many teams are having big injuries.
“We are seeing this situation is impossible for the future. I’m hearing about the welfare of the players but it’s only a polite way of showing they care but they’re not caring if the schedule is this. If the most important thing is the show must go.”
