Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte stated he underestimated the restoration interval after his gallbadder surgical procedure which stored him out of motion for a month and the Italian can not wait to return to the touchline when it hosts AC Milan within the Champions League.
Conte underwent emergency surgical procedure however made a fast return to the dugout final month earlier than docs suggested him to relaxation and get better once more as he watched Spurs video games from residence whereas his assistant Cristian Stellini took cost of the workforce.
The Italian stated he needed to return early after Spurs have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Sheffield United final week however he revered the needs of fearful docs who had put their foot down and requested him to return solely on Sunday.
“For sure I under-evaluated the recovery after surgery. For this reason, I think that for my sense of responsibility, I wanted to come back early,” Conte informed reporters on Tuesday, a day earlier than Milan visits seeking to defend its 1-0 lead from the final 16 first leg.
“Maybe I over-evaluated my body and myself. Now I’m well, I’ve recovered energy and I have to recover weight but for the rest my feeling is good. I try to transfer my energy to my players, it’s an important game for us.
“It’s important for me to work with my players and the staff and prepare for the games. From afar I tried to stay very close with my players using video. To be present is totally different and for this reason I have to say thanks to my whole staff.”
Spurs ahead Son Heung-min stated he was glad to have Conte again as his vitality was infectious.
“He brings good energy to the team. When the boss isn’t here it’s different,” Son stated.
“Yesterday we could feel that energy and his passion. If he’s on the touchline, the players will be more comfortable and will give us an amazing boost.”
Spurs are fourth within the league and the success of their season may hinge on going by way of to the following spherical of the Champions League, with Conte saying they’ve to deal with “living with pressure” and utilizing it in a constructive method.
“We live for these moments because when the pressure is going up it means your level is going up,” Conte stated.
“Don’t forget that last season we were playing in the Conference League. This season we’re playing in the Champions League.
“If you ask me if I want to win the Champions League I would say yes, but then there is the reality. We have to go game by game.”
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com