Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has urged Antonio Conte to “expand” his criticism of the Spurs squad following his rant after Southampton.
Conte labeled his Spurs players “selfish” and questioned the club’s ambition and direction in a 10-minute outburst during Saturday’s post-game press conference.
Spurs had conceded an equalizer in the 93rd minute in a 3-3 draw at St Mary’s after leading 3-1 in the second half.
Asked about his head coach’s comments, Hojbjerg – while speaking to Denmark on international duty – said: “I think we’ve all seen it. He gave a very honest and very open press conference. Because he is not satisfied. You don’t do that when you’ve reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
“That’s because unfortunately we didn’t get the results we wanted as a team and as a club. We are still where we want and need to be in the Premier League. But yeah, it’s hard.
“I understand if you want to be successful as a team, you need 11 men committed to one project and one culture. But I think he needs to explain how he feels before you as a player can start measuring and weighing.
Spurs are currently fourth in the Premier League, two points clear of fifth-placed Newcastle but have played two more games.
Conte’s side were knocked out of the Champions League round of 16 by AC Milan in early March and exited the FA Cup in the fifth round after a 1-0 loss to champions club Sheffield United.
“The coach wasn’t happy and I take that from it,” added Hojbjerg.
“You do what you can to please him. What I know about myself is that I am an honest player. I’m a player who always gives 100 percent for the team.
“If he sees it that way, then you have to be a little more precise so that you take it to heart as a player.”
GO DEEPER
These two days of eerie silence are just the eye of Storm Antonio
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