Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur reveals he is still in contact with four of his ex-Juventus teammates and explains how Antonio Conte has helped him develop in North London.
The Uruguay international joined Spurs on a permanent deal from Juventus in January and has been one of the regular starters under Conte since.
Last week, the Italian tactician said Bentancur has the quality to become one of the best midfielders in the world.
“I thank him, but I don’t think I am so special. The truth is that I am happy and so satisfied with what we are achieving at Tottenham. I’ve already scored three goals this season and we are not even halfway through the season,” Bentancur told Tuttosport.
“Now that the coach has changed the system, playing with three central midfielders, he asks me to push forward and try to shoot more frequently. Everyone can see the results, it’s about mentality and self-confidence.
“I have an important role in the team and I can feel Conte’s trust at any time, in games and training,” he continued.
“Of course, there are bad moments sometimes, but it happens in every team, at a personal level, I am so happy. I will give my best to make sure he does not change his mind.
“Playing with extraordinary players such as Harry Kane or Son makes life easier. The truth is that they’ve surprised me since the first day I arrived. I knew they were so strong, but not till this point.
“They are monsters, excellent with the ball at their feet and are also nice people, very simple and available.
“We’ve changed mentality. That’s what Conte wanted. We should never give up until the final whistle, we have learned the lesson and, in fact, we often scored the winner in the final minutes this season.”
Bentancur spent four and a half years at Juventus, scoring three goals in 181 appearances. The Bianconeri were his first European club. He joined the team in 2017 from Boca Juniors and still has a close bond with the Old Lady.
“I watch Juventus and Boca on TV. I am still in contact with a lot of my former Juventus teammates. I have a Whatsapp group with Alex Sandro, Danilo, Cuadrado and Dybala,” said the Uruguay international.
“I think the first two years at Juventus were satisfying in terms of growth and development, but the last two were not as good.”
Bentancur won three Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia and two Italian Supercups during his spell at Juventus, where he played under Max Allegri, Maurizio Sarri and Andrea Pirlo.
“Juventus lost a bit of anger and desire to win, when you win too much, you risk that the group becomes accustomed to victories and there are no longer strong motivations,” the midfielder admitted.
“We wanted to win the Champions League, but it didn’t happen and it was frustrating.
“My time at the club was really good. I developed and clubs and fans gave me so much. Juventus was my family and this feeling will never change. I wish them all the best.”
Juventus will meet Lazio at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, while Tottenham face Leeds today. Bentancur will join his national team to prepare for Qatar 2022 after today’s match in London.
Happy for you Rodri 🤍🖤
tottenham been playing very poor lately, playing style like old ladyball season
Best decision he made leaving the 0.01
From a bricklayer now to a semi competent one under a former legend.