Antonio Conte says the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium “has to become a fortress” in future after his side’s edgy win over Burnley in their final home game of the season.
After a ferocious atmosphere from a record crowd in Thursday’s north London derby win over Arsenal, Spurs supporters were in good voice again as Conte’s side beat Burnley 1-0 to leapfrog their rivals into the top four.
Spurs will have Champions League qualification in their hands in their final game of the season at basement club Norwich if Arsenal fail to beat Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Monday night.
“For Tottenham, the fans are vital because you have an amazing stadium so to create an amazing atmosphere in every game is very important," said Conte after Harry Kane’s penalty in first-half stoppage-time settled a tense match against Burnley.
“The fans, if you feel they stay back to you in a strong way, and for sure it’s normal to give much more and also to overcome your real possibility. I think our fans have to play an important role in every game, and this stadium has to become a fortress for Tottenham I think. Because it’s amazing and has the characteristics to become a fortress for Tottenham.”
Spurs had to dig deep to beat relegation-threatened Burnley, who nearly equalised through Ashley Barnes’ rocket, which struck the post, while Nick Pope twice made fine saves to deny Golden Boot-chasing Heung-min Son in the second half.
Hugo Lloris, Pierluigi Gollini, Dejan Kulusevski and Harry Winks were all struck down by a bug before the game, with the Swede not fit enough to start, and Conte was pleased with his side’s fighting spirit.
“It wasn’t easy because yesterday morning the doctor sent me a message that a few players they felt not well and with a stomach problem, vomiting and also fever," he said.
“For this reason, Kulusevski didn’t have a training session, also Gollini, also Hugo. He was not in a perfect condition today, also Winksy.
“Despite this we face the game in the right way and I am so happy because I have seen a team that has improved in many aspects. Now this team is ready to fight in every game.
“It is not simple, it’s not easy to play against us, to face Burnley wasn’t easy. They tested our nerves because for us it was vital to get three points and to have an opportunity to take a place in the Champions League and stay until the end for this big achievement.
“I am very happy because I saw a team that improved a lot step by step and now I think deserves, in the same way like Arsenal, to go for a place in the Champions League but we will see what happens at the end of the season.
“For us another game against Norwich," Conte added. "It won’t be easy, there are no easy games, but I think it was positive for the team, for the players, for the club to fight for something important.
“We had to do our task and to win and get three points and put some pressure on Arsenal. We know very well it is not easy to play against Newcastle and especially when they arrive with the new manager and in a good spell and not an easy game.
“But it will be the same for us in Norwich, and the last game against Everton for Arsenal. For sure I will watch the game because I love football and I want to watch and I want also to suffer.
“But I think it is a big achievement for the last game to have the possibility to take a place into Champions League because I don’t forget our path since November and we will see what happens. I also think Arsenal did a really good job this season because they didn’t play in Europe and now they have a chance to play in the Champions League.”
