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Football London
Football London
Sport
Alasdair Gold

Every word Cristian Stellini said about Sarr, Skipp, Gil, Kane and Bissouma injury update

Was it important simply to get through?

The first task is progress and we have to say compliments. Very good game, tough opposition, they played very compact, closed the space and were close to being perfect. We expected this type of game but they were so tough. It was a good game in the FA Cup because when you play a team from League One you expect this. This is good for the game and we enjoy more if we have this type of team.

We had the control of the game for all of the 90 minutes but we didn't create many chances in the first half because they were so compact and we were maybe focused on not to move the ball quickly. In the second half we tried to stretch them and create the space in the middle, with players changing position and it was good for Skippy and Harry to have great chances.

Which of the young players impressed you most?

Not one player in particular because young player, Skippy and Pape, they are so important in our rotation, because last season and the start of this season we used Rodrigo and Pierre a lot and we need reliable players. Also if they're young it's important that we give minutes and rotation and it's a different choice. They were so good today, they moved a lot, they move the ball and I think Pape Sarr, Skippy and Gil they were all so good today.

READ MORE: Tottenham player ratings vs Portsmouth: Harry Kane edges close to record as Sarr and Gil impress

How is Yves Bissouma after pulling out in the warm-up?

It's an injury that came from the last match. Bissouma has an ankle problem. He tried to push himself and we worked to have Bissouma on the pitch, but he was mature to say the truth and he was not 100%. It's very good when the player speaks and tells us they are not 100% and it's better to use a player that is available 100% as Skippy was and he played a good match. We are happy that Bissouma spoke the truth and we could make the right choice.

Will Bissouma be fit for the Arsenal game?

Yeah, absolutely.

Where does Harry Kane rank in the kind of players who can make a difference in matches?

We know very well that this type of player sometimes when the fixture is tough, they maybe need some time to rest, this is not this moment because it is true Harry arrived later than others (from the World Cup) but we don't have many players. Also it is good with this type of player to play this type of game to have possibility to find solutions with team-mates. Harry is amazing, is amazing so when you see Harry play, you feel and enjoy the football.

How are you as a team ahead of this game against Arsenal?

I think we arrive in a good moment, in a good mood for this type of game. It is really a huge game, a north London derby, so nothing to say. It is an important game and we have the team to play this type of game.

Are you impressed by Harry Kane bouncing back since that penalty at the World Cup?

I am not impressed because this is the type of player. He is an amazing player. This is football. If you take a penalty, you can miss but you have to go through the next game. He has the mentality. To be an amazing player, you need to be like Harry.

How is Antonio Conte after yesterday's sad news, does this lift him in some way?

Yeah, probably needed time to be prepared for the game. We had the same Antonio we have for every game so he find the energy every time. He use his mindset to create positive energy also in the tough moments like this. It was important for him to have a bit of rest and create the energy for the team, for himself to be prepared for this game.

How confident are you that Bentancur, Kulusevski and Richarlison will be fit to face Arsenal?

Well, not for all the players we are so confident but we are confident we'll recover someone.

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