Ben Davies reveals how he would ‘run through a brick wall’ for Antonio Conte after Chelsea bust-up
Tottenham defender Ben Davies has explained how he and his players would ‘run through a brick wall’ for manager Antonio Conte following the Italian’s red card after he twice squared up to Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel during the sides’ 2-2 draw on Sunday.
The managers were involved in two separate heated exchanges during the game, once when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg equalised for Tottenham and also at the full time whistle after an attempted hand shake.
There have also been reports of swearing from Conte and another exchange between the Spurs boss and Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic in the tunnel after the game, whilst Tuchel deliberately ran past Conte to celebrate Reece James putting his side 2-1 ahead.
Davies, however, via The Sun, has revealed how his manager has the full backing from the squad because of the type of man and manager he is.
Totteham defender Ben Davies (centre) has heaped praise on manager Antonio Conte
Conte was sent off during his side’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Sunday following full time
‘We’re used to seeing that passion from him,’ said Davies. ‘As a person and as a man on the side, you can’t help but want to run through a brick wall for him.
‘He’s animated and he’s very clear in what he wants from his team. He’s very passionate.
‘When he speaks, you can’t help but just sit there and listen. His record speaks for itself. He’s a world-class manager.’
Conte and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel (right) clashed at Stamford Bridge in the derby
The two managers twice got physical in the 2-2 draw and were ultimately sent off
The 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge was headlined by the two clashes between the managers, which will now see them both serve touchline bans.
The clash draw a mixed reaction from pundits and fans, and saw ill-tempered scenes at the end of the game with several players and members of coaching staff getting involved.
Tuchel is also being investigated for post-match comments surrounding referee Anthony Taylor, who the German criticised after the 43-year-old failed to blow for a potential foul on Kai Havertz in the build-up to Hojbjerg’s equaliser.
Spurs’ Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has suggested that neither manager should have seen red
Hojbjerg, whose goal was allowed to stand on VAR because of the supposed foul being in a different phase of play, said of Conte: ‘It’s his personality and something as a player you know he brings. It’s important.
‘I think in this case the officials could have said, “OK, no need for cards in this game” after the finish. And just leave it a bit, you know?
‘I think it’s difficult to comment on decisions but I didn’t think it was necessary for the officials to be giving red cards after the game.’
