Which is why it’s nonsense when he or Stellini says “we didn’t set up to play like that” - because we do! It’s only out of desperation we then show what we’re capable of.
They would expect fast transistion and moving the ball forward at top speed, which is also the Italian way.
The frustration is that he seems to be looking at the defense when he doesn't have to as that isn't the area we currently have an injury crisis. His response to that crisis appears to be to go even more defensive and play to not be beaten until it is late enough in the game that Kulu and/or Lucas can come on. But that isn't pragmatic when Gil is available to play. This line up is basically a message to Gil; playing no one is a better option than playing you.
Moving the ball forward quickly with an overload of defensively minded players? Something isn’t adding up.
Sorry DH the BALL not the player. You don't have to be a forward to move the ball quickly, in fact it's a prime reqesite of a defender to be able to do that surely.
One would hope Conte has been studying the games Liverpool have lost this season and has done his homework on how Liverpool can be beaten.
Yet with the WBs he’s selected, moving the ball forward and with pace isn’t quite what they excel at.
Two of the "usual suspects" lost today, so in a focused/ruthless Spurs manager/squad there would be even more motivation to go for the jugular. Checks starting XI ... sigh ... puts AV match stream into "Roo" mode.
I wanted to have a positive mindset going into this, but I just don't see us creating chances today, Liverpool haven't won away in the league this season, that can't go on, and by 1900 today I expect they will have got that monkey off of their back.
I would doubt the wisdom of sitting back against Liverpool without a single out ball to play on the counter. Kane and Perisic are far too slow for that game plan to work, so unless Conte is planning a high press for the first time in his career, I can't see his logic.
