Conte blasts ‘selfish’ Tottenham after Southampton draw

Antonio Conte has slammed Tottenham’s players, ownership and winning mentality after they conceded a last-gasp penalty in their 3-3 draw at Premier League contenders Southampton on Saturday.

Spurs led 3-1 with 15 minutes to go but Southampton secured an impressive late comeback with goals from Theo Walcott and an added penalty from James Ward-Prowse.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)

The result sees Spurs remain fourth in the table but have played two games more than Newcastle United and Liverpool.

After the game, Conte slammed the players for not performing in all competitions throughout the campaign.

“I’m really upset because this isn’t the first time and I think today I can tell you this is upset because we win 3-1 with 15 minutes to go and I think you have to win,” Conte told BBC Sport.

“Instead we showed that another time, things improved last season but we lost last season’s characteristics. I don’t want to talk about the technical aspect, the spirit is missing.

“We’re not a team. We’re a team where everyone thinks of themselves. When you’re like that it can happen, you lose to Sheffield United and you drop the FA Cup and with AC Milan you have to finish that run with a 3-1 win and the last 15 you can give them a chance to come back, I don’t see the players’ sense of responsibility.

“Now it’s difficult – we’re working hard with this group and we’re moving in the right direction. We’re falling behind, I see a lot of negative situations and a lot of selfish situations and players I don’t like. I know The way to beat teams, in the past I’ve beaten many teams, won teams.

“Now we go back instead, no one cares. I’m very frustrated with this because me and the staff stay every day to think of a way we can improve. Honestly, it’s time I took responsibility for myself.” Staff, the club, but also the players.”

In his post-match speech, Conte also appeared to be aiming for a clash with the club’s ownership.

“They’re used to it here. Don’t play for something important. They don’t want to play under pressure. They don’t want to play under stress.

“Tottenham’s story is this. Twenty years there has been an owner and they’ve never won anything. Why? The fault lies solely with the club or with any manager who stays here. I’ve seen the managers Tottenham have had on the bench.

“It’s time to change this situation if Tottenham want to change. If they want to continue like this they can change managers, many managers, but the situation can’t change. Believe me.”

Spurs are also facing major injury concerns after a tearful Richarlison had to be pulled back in the first five minutes.

Conte’s side meet Everton after the international break on April 5.