Report: What Spurs insiders noticed Conte was doing before they faced Chelsea last season, was very different

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Tottenham Hotspur insiders say they noticed Antonio Conte was acting very differently before his side played Chelsea last season.

Within two and a half weeks, last season, Conte had seen his new club play his former employer three times, losing every time and failing to score a goal in the process.

The Athletic report that Conte was on edge before those games, obsessing over Chelsea’s strengths at a time when they were still European champions.

And during the matches, he was more subdued and quiet than usual; he is normally a blur of energy on the sidelines.

Conte on edge before Tottenham played Chelsea

Perhaps Conte knew at that stage that his Tottenham side were a way off the level required to go toe to toe with Chelsea.

That was reflected in those results over a condensed period early in the new year, hammering home the point in emphatic style.

Since then, Chelsea have faced plenty of uncertainty and still have plenty of work to do this summer.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have done early business and there is a real feeling of confidence around the club under Conte.

A win at Chelsea would be a huge shot in the arm for their first full campaign under Conte, especially coming so early on.

This is an opportunity for Spurs to land a blow and they certainly put in the more impressive performance of the pair during the opening weekend of the season.

And it remains to be seen how Conte approaches this game, which should now hold no fear for his Tottenham charges.