Antonio Conte hailed as a ‘tactical genius’ by Robbie Keane and Jamie Redknapp after sparking Tottenham’s comeback win over Leeds, while Micah Richards lauds the Italian’s ability to rally supporters
- Tottenham came from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 on Sunday evening
- Robbie Keane praised Antonio Conte for Tottenham’s second-half turnaround
- Micah Richards was left impressed with Conte’s antics on the touchline
- Jamie Redknapp was also impressed and he hailed the Italian a ‘tactical genius’
Robbie Keane, Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp all heaped praise on Tottenham manager Antonio Conte following his side’s 2-1 win over Leeds.
The north London side initially went behind in the first half after Daniel James’ strike put Leeds ahead. But they came out stronger after the interval and scored two goals through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sergio Regullion to secure their first win under Conte.
Keane lauded Conte a ‘top manager’ and praised him for Tottenham’s contrasting performance in the second-half, which saw them control the game better and go on the front-foot more.
The comeback against Leeds saw Antonio Conte pick-up his first league win at Tottenham
Robbie Keane praised Antonio Conte for Tottenham’s second-half turnaround on Sunday
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, the 41-year-old said: ‘We always talk about how we want Spurs to play football. The feel-good factor seems to be back around Spurs and the appointment of Conte has gone down well.
‘In the first half they were way off the pace. I thought Son and Moura they got a little bit closer to Kane. The energy they showed in the second half compared to the first half.
‘Conte must have had a few stern words for them at half time. In the second half they were the much better team.
‘That’s why he’s won five championships in the last seven years. He’s clearly a top manager. Tactically he’s brilliant. In the first half they were way off the page, in the second half he understood that needed to change.
‘With a manager like him they can (challenge for top four). Defensively, they’re a bit weak. I like Sanchez, Romero looks good but he’s young. They need to be a bit more solid. I think they need another striker to help Harry. If Harry gets injured, how are they going to score goals?’.
Conte’s displayed his passion as he revved up the crowd then punched the air in delight at the full time whistle. Richards was left impressed as he said: ‘When you see a manager geeing you up, that’s what you need. Under Nuno we didn’t see that.’
Micah Richards was left impressed with Conte’s antics on the touchline during the game
Jamie Redknapp described Conte as a ‘tactical genius’ and backed him to succeed at Spurs
Jamie Redknapp was also full of praise for Conte as he lauded him a ‘tactical’ genius’ and backed Tottenham to challenge for a Champions League spot under under the Italian’s guidance.
‘He’s looking at players, he’s looking at different options. Sessegnon could end up being their Victor Moses, who knows. You’ve got a tactical genius. Conte changed Chelsea’s mentality, he pushed them across the line.
‘The fans and the players have got to buy into it. If they invest in January fourth place is up for grabs.’
The result against Marcelo Bielsa’s side has left Tottenham in seventh, seven points behind fourth placed West Ham. They will travel to Turf Moor next weekend to take-on Sean Dyche’s Burnley.