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    Tottenham news: Hugo Lloris defends Antonio Conte, who is 'doing his job with a lot of emotion'

    Planet Sport writerStaff Writer17 March 2022
    Hugo Lloris has rallied behind manager Antonio Conte

    Hugo Lloris has rallied behind manager Antonio Conte

    Tottenham's 2-0 win over Brighton on Wednesday night saw them leapfrog Wolves in the table, leaving them just three points off the top four.

    Goals from Cristian Romero and Harry Kane either side of half time handed Spurs a crucial three points, which keeps them in contention for Champions League qualification.

    Tottenham now find themselves just three points adrift from north London rivals Arsenal in fourth, even if the Gunners also boast a game in hand.

    But the victory over Brighton doesn't patch over the club's troubles with consistency in recent weeks, a pattern that has left club manager Antonio Conte extremely frustrated.

    The Italian boss claimed the Spurs squad are the "best group he had ever worked with" following a win over Manchester City, only for the 52-year-old to question his position as manager after a 1-0 defeat at Burnley.
    Following their recent success over Brighton, club captain Hugo Lloris rallied behind his manager and insisted the players share his frustration over their consistency.
    "Obviously after four months we start to know each other well. I think he's showing a lot of passion and he's doing his job with a lot of emotion," he said.
    "At some moments we can understand his frustration. The players as well, we have this frustration but we keep going, we keep working.
    "Antonio and his staff provide the best from day one and they are not the kind of people who are going to give up in any circumstances.
    "You are in the Premier League and you face difficulties but we - everyone, coaching staff and players - feels the improvement.
    "We really feel the way and the direction we want to take as a team and I think game by game we want to keep improving to make the chance to compete for the final race."

    The Brighton result added to a bizarre trend of results that has seen Tottenham win and then lose their following game for their last eight matches.

    Tottenham have often seen their convincing wins followed up by an unravelling defeat, but they have a chance to end that streak on Sunday afternoon, when they take on London rivals West Ham.

    The Hammers sit sixth, level on points with Spurs, plus David Moyes' side have played one extra game.

    A win at the weekend would lift Tottenham up to fifth, and put fourth-placed Arsenal under immense pressure.
    Lloris was under no illusions how important that game is to Tottenham's Champions League hopes, but the France international gained confidence from his side's recent performances.
    "It's clear, West Ham is going to be massive for us and could make the difference for the final race," he said.
    "When we started this week, especially after the disappointment of the Manchester United game, we had a clear target with Brighton away and West Ham home before the international break - to take maximum points to be close for the European places.
    "It's important to keep our feet on the floor and move game by game, honestly. But I really feel improvement of the team, even with the loss against Manchester United.
    "The feeling after the game, there was frustration obviously but there was a real feeling that we are clearly showing a direction in the way we play football. And today again.
    "It's been now a few games in a consecutive way that we are growing in terms of maturity and growing in terms of good feelings, even if we had some disappointments like the FA Cup loss, the Manchester United game, Burnley away from home.
    "I believe it's part of the process but it's clear and really important to understand that Sunday is massive for Spurs if we want to be in the right place for the final race, and keep our chance, keep our hopes for a strong finish to the season."

    READ MORE: When do the contracts of all 20 Premier League managers expire?

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