Antonio Conte slams Tottenham players following their defeat at Southampton.

TottenhamTottenham manager Antonio Conte slammed his players, labelling them’selfish’ after a 3-3 draw at Southampton.

Spurs led 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium, thanks to goals by Pedro Porro, Ivan Perisic, and Harry Kane.

The Saints’ first goal came in the first half, when Che Adams equalised at 1-1. In the 77th minute, Theo Walcott made it 3-2, and Ward Prowse saved a penalty for the home side.

The former Chelsea boss blasted his player’s after the game at the post-match press conference, saying they lack ‘spirit’ and ‘heart’.

“I don’t want to talk about tactics; I want to talk about the spirit and heart we put into the pitch,” he said.

“Instead we are losing this characteristic, if you don’t have this in my experience you can lose against these teams – Sheffield United (FA Cup) with younger players, today we are winning 3-1 and feel the perception anything can happen and we’re scared.

“They’re used to it around here. Play not for something important. They do not wish to play under duress.

“They don’t want to play when they’re under pressure. This is Tottenham’s story. The owner has been there for 20 years and they have never won anything. Why?

“Until now, I had tried to conceal the situation. With this attitude and commitment, we can fight for what in this period? For what purpose? “7th or 8th place?”

“We take our work seriously. Tottenham pays us well, both me and the players. We don’t get money to make excuses, lack spirit, or fail to take responsibility.”

“This is intolerable. It’s the first time I’ve seen players like this in my career,” he concluded.

Tottenham are still in contention for a top-four finish, sitting fourth with ten games remaining.