Italian manager Antonio Conte scolded Tottenham forward Richarlison for expressing his frustration over his lack of game time during a Champions League fixture against AC Milan. Richarlison, who had only been given 20 minutes in the match, admitted in a post-match interview that his below-par performance was due to not getting enough minutes on the pitch throughout the season.
Speaking on the YouTube podcast Que Papinho, Richarlison revealed that Conte was unhappy with his comments and spent two hours venting his frustration to the entire squad. The Brazilian player later apologized to Conte for his remarks, acknowledging that he had made a mistake by publicly criticizing his game time. Richarlison stated that Conte’s scolding was a way for the manager to assert his authority.
Conte confirmed Richarlison’s apology during a press conference and acknowledged that the player’s season had not been good, attributing it to injuries. However, just three weeks later, Conte was sacked by Tottenham after an outburst directed at the players and club officials following a 3-3 draw with Southampton in a Premier League fixture. Conte’s tenure at Tottenham lasted for 16 months without winning any significant titles, with the team finishing fourth in the 2022-23 Premier League season.
Richarlison joined Tottenham Hotspur in a record-breaking £60 million transfer deal, with £50 million paid upfront and £10 million in add-ons. However, the Brazilian forward failed to make a strong impression in London, scoring only three goals in 35 appearances across all competitions. His playing time was often hindered by injuries, with a calf injury sidelining him for 24 days in October and a hamstring injury keeping him out of action for 35 days a month later.
In conclusion, Richarlison’s complaint about his game time led to a scolding from manager Antonio Conte, highlighting the tension between the player and the club. Despite his impressive transfer fee, Richarlison struggled to perform consistently for Tottenham, and his time at the club was marred by injuries. Conte’s subsequent sacking further adds to the turmoil at Tottenham, leaving the team without any significant accomplishments during his tenure.
