Conte dismisses Spurs as title contenders as ‘we struggle every time we play a monster’

Antonio Conte insists his Tottenham side can’t be considered title contenders as “every time we played a high level game we struggle”.

Spurs put in another less than convincing display against a fellow Big Six side on Wednesday as they were brushed aside 2-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Despite sitting just four points off the top, Conte believes it’s too early for his side to make a title charge given his short time at the helm.

“Sometimes I listen that we are title contenders and I think we need time,” Conte said.

“In only 10 or 11 months, you cannot pass from ninth place to become the title contenders a year after, especially when you finish 20 points less than the monsters in England,” he added.

Fred and Bruno Fernandes scored the goals as Spurs rarely threatened David De Gea’s goal, and it’s the third time they’ve been second best against a top side, losing 3-1 to Arsenal and securing a fortunate draw against Chelsea.

Conte is aware of his side’s struggles against “high level” teams and says all they can do is keep working to close the gap.

“For sure not a good game for us but I have to be honest and first of all, especially with my players, this was not the first time for us, despite the table being good but every time we played a high level game we struggle,” he said.

“We struggled against Chelsea because we drew after 92 minutes but Chelsea dominated the game and with Arsenal we lost and today against United we lost.

“For sure when the level is high, we are going to struggle. This means we have to continue to work to try to improve, to work on the pitch and to work outside the pitch.

“We can improve, we need to continue to work and for sure it is right with the club also to analyse very well why when we are going to play this type of game where the level is very high we are struggling.”

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