Football

Spurs boss Antonio Conte reveals plans for ‘incredible’ Erling Haaland

Spurs boss Antonio Conte reveals plans for ‘incredible’ Erling Haaland

Antonio Conte has shared his thoughts on Manchester City star Erling Haaland ahead of their Premier League meeting this evening.

City host Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side at the Etihad as both clubs look to bounce back from derby losses last weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side lost 2-1 to Manchester rivals Man United on Saturday, with Spurs then losing 2-0 to north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

Conte ready for ‘incredible’ Haaland

City striker Haaland has been in phenomenal form since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The 22-year-old has banged in 21 Premier League goals this season, with Spurs forward Harry Kane six behind him in second.

The Norwegian has 27 goals in all competitions this season, having also scored five in the Champions League and one in the League Cup. Haaland is, however, without a goal in his previous two matches, having drawn a blank against both Chelsea and Man Utd.

But that is of little interest to Conte, who like everyone in the Premier League is now fully aware of just how lethal the young Norwegian is. The Spurs boss noted that City are a really strong side, and naturally have a really strong striker leading their line.

“We are talking about a young player but at the same time, I think his status is an important status,” Conte told the Spurs website.

“He is showing to be a really strong player, he has scored over 20 goals – it’s incredible in your first season in the Premier League to score in this way.

“Yes, we have to pay attention (to him), but we have to pay attention to all of Manchester City’s players because we are talking, I repeat, about a really good team.”

Haaland

Conte ready for Haaland and Co.

Haaland and Co. are the only club that Spurs have yet to meet in the Premier League this season, with their first fixture postponed in September.

The home match is now scheduled for February 5, meaning the two clubs will meet twice in the space of two-and-a-half weeks. Between the two matches, the north London side have a league match at Fulham and an FA Cup fourth round game at Preston.

Guardiola’s side meanwhile have Wolves in the league and Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round in their two fixtures in between, with both games at the Etihad.

It will undoubtedly be a challenge for Conte’s men, but the manager is going into the period in an optimistic mood.

Spurs have, however, won just two of their five matches since the return of English football after the 2022 World Cup, with City winning four of their seven.

“We have to play game by game,” said Conte. “For sure, they will be two difficult games because they are second in the table, usually they win the league and also this season I think, with Arsenal, they are the two title contenders to win the Premier League. 

“It won’t be easy, it’s normal, but at the same time it can also be a big push for my players to try to give everything to deliver a good result for our fans.”


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