‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen’: BBC pundit noticed what Conte was doing in the dugout as Spurs lost to Aston Villa

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Tottenham lost to Aston Villa in their opening clash of 2023 and the BBC’s Mark Schwarzer has been keeping a close eye on Antonio Conte.

The Italian coach sat back and looked on as his Spurs side put in a woeful performance in north London. It was akin to a side struggling for confidence near the bottom of the table, nevermind a side looking to get into the top four.

Spurs were without key players like Richarlison, Bentancur and Kulusevski. But the XI selected did little to make up for their loss, and Conte looked a frustrated figure throughout.

Indeed, that was something Schwarzer picked up on while commentating for the BBC. Noticing how Conte was in his technical area, the former Boro goalkeeper picked up on just how quiet Conte seemed today.

“I don’t think I have ever seen Conte so inactive in his technical area ever. he has been very very quiet, he is just standing there with his arms folded, his hand on his chin,” Schwarzer noted.

“Is it the calm before the storm? Is it something we will hear about in post-match, his frustration about the performances of his players?”

Conte will no doubt be looking to his board to help him out now the January window is open.

TBR’s View: Conte not impressed with what he sees at Tottenham

Conte is right to be annoyed with his team. They produced nothing today and lacked any sort of drive or intensity needed to win games at this level.

However, Conte must also take some of the critics. This is his team and tactics and while he might not like what he’s seeing, it is still his team.

It’s interesting that Schwarzer points out Conte’s demeanour here. No doubt, we’ll hear more from what will be a frustrated Conte after the game in more detail.