Antonio Conte hits back at Jurgen Klopp’s criticism of his playing style

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has swiped back at Jurgen Klopp’s comments on his style of play in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against the North Londoners.

The result was of no good to either team’s respective ambitions as Liverpool now sit three points adrift of Manchester City in the race for the title, while Spurs currently trail Arsenal by four points in the top-four battle.

However, it was Klopp who was evidently left feeling the more frustrated of the two coaches at the sound of the full-time whistle on Saturday night.

“I am sorry, I am the wrong person to ask about Spurs’ defending because I don’t like this kind of football but that is my personal problem,” Klopp said in his post-match press conference.

“I think they are world-class and I think they should do more for the game.”

Speaking ahead of his side’s North London derby against Arsenal on Thursday, Conte issued a response to Klopp’s recent thoughts on his playing pattern.

“Anyone who knows me, knows very well I want to win every game and I try to transfer this thought to my players,” the ex-Chelsea gaffer stated.

“Jurgen is an intelligent person, he’s very clever. He was a bit frustrated after the game.

“At the same time, for us, for a top coach and for every coach, it’s important to learn that after the game it’s important to be focused on your team, not your opponent.

“To be focused on your opponent means you want to find an excuse or alibi because your job didn’t work or something was wrong.”

As seen on numerous occasions in the past, Klopp has developed a reputation for whining unnecessarily whenever things do not go as planned and the German tactician needs to do better going forward.