Tottenham train ahead of Frankfurt Champions League tie

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Antonio Conte has hit back at Tottenham fans calling for Djed Spence to start by claiming the player ‘is not ready’ despite the club poor performance in the North London Derby against Arsenal. The right-back has found his minutes severely limited since joining from Middlesbrough in the summer, seeing just one minute of competitive match action since the start of the campaign. 

Spence arrived during the transfer window in a £13million deal from the north-east club after he spent a hugely impressive season on loan at Nottingham Forest. There had been high hopes that he would come straight into the starting lineup given the Lilywhites struggles in the right-wing-back position however he has been behind Emerson Royal, Matt Doherty and Ivan Perisic in the pecking order. 

Some fans have been calling him to be given a starting place from the off, especially after Emerson’s poor performance at the Emirates which culminated in a red card. However, Conte has hit back at his own supporters claiming the England under-21 international is not ready. 

He said: “The fans have to be fans. They can think anything but I see every day the training sessions. If they trust me, they trust me, but the choices are mine. If I don’t decide to pick a player, it’s because he’s maybe not ready.

“We are talking about a young player with a good prospect, but I repeat I try to pick the best team. Also Doherty last season played every game. Now I’m not seeing him in the right way to start the game. I’m not stupid, I don’t want to lose. I try to put the best team, to pick the best team. If they trust me it’s ok, if they don’t trust me then I’m the coach and I need to take the best decision for Tottenham.”

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football

Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.

We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.

Source: Read Full Article