Antonio Conte has hit back at Tottenham forward Richarlison after the Brazil international ‘shushed’ him after scoring in Saturday’s Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest.
The former Everton forward had appeared to open the scoring in the third minute, with his celebration appearing to shush the Italian boss. The goal was ruled out by VAR for an offside, although Spurs ran out 3-1 victors as Harry Kane netted a brace and Heung-Min Son was on the scoresheet.
It came after Conte responded to Richarlison’s explosive television interview, calling the forward’s demands for more game-time "selfish". However, the boss did – perhaps somewhat surprisingly – start the forward for Saturday’s clash at home to Forest.
Richarlison was named as a substitute for Spurs' midweek Champions League exit, with a goalless draw at home to AC Milan sealing their fate after a 1-0 loss at San Siro. After his 20-minute run-out, the former Everton star lamented a "s***" season while making reference to his lack of playing time.
Conte responded to that in Friday’s press conference by saying: "First of all, I watched the interview of Richarlison. He didn't criticise me. He said his season was s***, and he's right. His season has been not good.
"He had injuries, played and scored in the Champions League and then went to the World Cup and then had a serious injury. He's scored no goals for us. I think he was really honest to say his season was not good. His season has not finished yet. If he deserves to play, I'll give him the opportunity."
Have Your Say! Should Conte have selected Richarlison more often for Spurs this season? Tell us what you think here.
Conte was, in that respect, good to his word as he started Richarlison in the clash with Forest. However, when the forward found the back of the net – his mind appeared to be focused on responding to his manager. Conte was asked the question after the match by Sky.
“Honestly, I try to make the best decision every time about our starting line-up,” the Spurs boss reflected. “In this case, I preferred today to start with Richi and to rest Dejan. Against West Ham and Chelsea, I rested Son.
“The problem is that sometimes I don’t understand those who do not understand the importance of rotation. You need to have good players on the bench, because the bench can change the game.
“If you want to aspire to win trophies and to win in the future, then you have to think about and count 16, 17 or 18 players. To make rotations and to change players game by game.
“Many times I see a player who wants to play all the time, but if you play then you have to perform and if you are tired then you do not perform. You might enjoy that you played, but we lost the game.”
