Tottenham manager Antonio Conte recently admitted to regretting his decision to bench Harry Kane during their FA Cup defeat to Sheffield United.
Assistant manage Cristian Stellini was in charge of that game and the decision to test Kane was made presumably with the consent of Antonio Conte.
The result was a significant blow to Tottenham’s chances of winning a silverware this season, as they lost the game 1-0 and were knocked out of the competition.
Speaking after his return to the club following his gallbladder surgery ahead of the match against AC Milan, Conte acknowledged that the decision to bench Kane in the FA Cup final was a mistake.
When asked about the decision, Conte said:
“For sure, it wasn’t a good result. We had the possibility to go to the next round and try to fight for a trophy in the FA Cup this season. You know very well the importance of this trophy and you feel this trophy in England. Previously I played two finals of the FA Cup, one won, another lost. To play for this trophy was really important for us. The game was not good for us.”
Conte’s regret is understandable, as the FA Cup is a highly coveted trophy in English football and winning it is seen as a significant accomplishment.
Moreover, Kane is one of the club’s most valuable players and a key figure in their attack. Resting him may have been seen as a risk, especially given the importance of the game.
Tottenham’s only remaining hope for a silverware this season is the Champions League.
They lost the first leg 1-0 to AC Milan and now face the challenge of turning the tie around at home.
While the FA Cup is no longer an option, the Champions League remains an important competition for the club.
