Both Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp criticised Antonio Conte’s tactics following tough matches against his Tottenham side, a sign that his tactical approach was correct.
The Italian coach recently upset Klopp following Liverpool’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Spurs on the weekend, a result that could prove disastrous in their Premier League title race with Manchester City.
Speaking after the match, Klopp expressed his frustration at the way Conte’s team approached the match.
“I am sorry, I am the wrong person to ask about Spurs’ defending because I don’t like this kind of football. But that is my personal problem. I think they are world-class and I think they should do more for the game.
“It’s a game against Liverpool, they have 36% possession. But that is my problem. I cannot coach it. So that is why I cannot do it. World-class players, who block all the balls.
“It is really difficult. Atletico Madrid is doing it. Fine, whatever, absolutely fine, it’s just I can’t. But yes I respect everything they do. But it’s not me.
“It was the expected game. It was always clear that Tottenham would show up like they show up, with all the individual quality they have and the game-plan they have, it was clear it would be incredibly difficult.”
Klopp wasn’t the first Premier League manager to seem exasperated following a match against Tottenham’s Conte. Earlier this year, Guardiola seemed equally frustrated after a 3-2 loss to the North London side.
“After going behind, they defended so deep and so compact it was incredible. They don’t lose the ball with Harry Kane and can run as well with Son and Kulusevski.
“I think we played well. We created a lot of chances. I can’t say anything wrong about the team because we were there all the time. But it was difficult.
“They played the way I expected them to play. They were good in the build-up and created a lot of space to run on the counterattack, but in general we coped well and played a good game.
“Everyone knows what Kane gives. For the first goal we defended the pass inside badly, but after 10 to 15 minutes we created a lot of chances. Lloris was brilliant. We have to score more.”
Conte seemed unimpressed with Guardiola’s review and he responded on Instagram, posting a video showing the quality build-up on display in the match.
The 52-year-old Italian coach is working hard to try and secure a fourth place finish with Tottenham, but things are looking a little grim. Spurs sit four points behind intercity rivals Arsenal with only three games left, so they cannot afford to drop any more points in their last few games.