PREMIER LEAGUE: TOTTENHAM MANAGER CONTE POINTS AT CLUB BOARD AMID INCREASING CRITICISM

According to Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte, explaining the club’s current plight should not be his sole responsibility as he attempts to halt the club’s Premier League slide.

Tottenham has only four points from four games since the Premier League resumed following the World Cup, and they play champion Manchester City at home on Thursday.

—  Antonio Conte, talking to the press

The Gunners’ 2-0 home defeat on Sunday demonstrated how far the club has fallen behind its north London rival this season, raising questions about Conte’s future at the club.

The Italian has worked hard to lower expectations at Tottenham, claiming after a New Year’s Day home defeat to Aston Villa that he performed a miracle by guiding them to a top-four finish last season.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Conte questioned why other members of the Spurs hierarchy were not being questioned about the club’s direction.

“I think there’s a bad habit in England where only the coach talks and explains. I’ve never seen anyone from the medical department come here to explain. “I’ve never seen the club or the sporting director come here to explain the club’s strategy or vision,” Conte, whose team is fifth in the table, told reporters.

“In Italy, before every game, a club representative goes to speak to the media. I believe it could be much better for us; otherwise, there is only one face to explain the situation, which I believe is better explained by the club.”

“I believe that the club’s media presence could be beneficial. Not every week, but at least once a month or every 15 days. I believe it could be more simple for you to understand; otherwise, it may appear (as) if something is a criticism or negative when it is not.”

Conte’s frequent gripes and public statements about his squad’s ability to compete for silverware have worn down fans’ patience, but he claims he finds the criticism of his methods difficult to understand.

“If there is criticism, we must accept it,” he said. “However, it is difficult to understand because we are doing everything we can in this situation,” he added.

“This team’s mentality is very strong, but it’s not just about mentality.”

Tottenham did the double over Manchester City last season and need a win to resurrect their dwindling top-four hopes. They are five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United and third-placed Newcastle United.

Spurs will benefit from the return of Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who has not played since suffering an injury during the World Cup.