Antonio Conte hits back at Jurgen Klopp as Jose Mourinho reflects on Spurs exit

Antonio Conte has responded to Jurgen Klopp’s criticism of his side’s style of play, while Jose Mourinho has offered his thoughts on his Tottenham exit

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Antonio Conte reviews Liverpool draw

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been open for three years now – and the atmosphere there on Thursday will surely be up there among the best in its short history.

Tottenham will welcome bitter north London rivals Arsenal in a derby that has so much on the line. The Gunners have a four-point lead over Spurs and can guarantee Champions League football for next season with a win.

However, after a gallant 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Saturday, Antonio Conte and his players will be up for the battle and confident of closing the gap down to one point, thus heaping more pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side in the process.

Mirror Sport has all of your latest Spurs headlines ahead of a huge night in the capital.

Would a win for Tottenham on Thursday prompt a late-season slip from Arsenal? Let us know in the comments section below!

Conte responds to Klopp criticism

Conte has hit back at criticism of his team’s style from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following on from Saturday’s Premier League meeting between the two clubs. Klopp was critical of the defensive approach deployed by Spurs, who sat deep and counter-attacked in an effort to contain the Reds’ firepower.

Asked about those remarks, Conte was adamant that if any team deserved to triumph in the 1-1 draw at Anfield based on chances created, then it was Tottenham. “We analysed the game the day after, and for sure if there was a team that deserved to win, it was Tottenham not Liverpool,” he said.

“In this game, I think Klopp understood he gained one point not lost two points. Jurgen is intelligent, he was a bit frustrated after the game. At the same time, for us, for a top coach, it’s important to be focused on your team, not your opponents.”

Read the story in full HERE.

Mourinho makes Tottenham exit claim

Former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has said he holds no ill feeling towards Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy despite the nature of his departure.

Mourinho was sacked a week before last season’s Carabao Cup final after a challenging spell in north London. Tottenham had a strong start to the season, although their form disintegrated under the legendary Portuguese coach midway through the term.

“I react in a funny way when I speak with some English journalists at press conferences,” he said. “I always say the joke about qualifying for the [Conference League] Final, I hope not to be sacked this time, because it’s something that doesn’t happen to too many coaches.

“This time I cannot say I’m the privileged one, because it happened to me. I don’t have regrets. I don’t have bad feelings. There are lots of nice people in Tottenham and I wish them the best. Even to Mr Levy.”

Read the story in full HERE.

Woodgate makes derby prediction

Ex-Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate thinks Spurs will be too good for Arsenal in Thursday’s crucial showdown between the sides. Although Tottenham lost ground to the Gunners over the weekend after they drew at Liverpool, the committed and organised nature of their display ha given fans plenty to be encouraged about.

Woodgate thinks that if Conte’s team replicate the counter-attacking prowess that was on display against the Reds then they can do damage against the Arsenal defence.

“I’m not saying that because I’m an ex-Spurs player, but because I watched them away from home against Liverpool, but if they counter attack like they did against Liverpool, they’ll win against Arsenal,” he said. “Their counter is so aggressive, and so good. I don’t see who can deal with Son, Kane and Kulusevski. The power of those three players will be the driving force.”

Read the story in full HERE.