Tensions are mounting at Tottenham Hotspur after Richarlison criticised manager Antonio Conte for leaving him out of the starting XI in their crucial Champions League clash against AC Milan.
The Brazilian forward, who joined Spurs on a club-record fee from Everton last summer, spoke out in an interview with TNT Sports following their exit from the competition.
Conte opted to start with Dejan Kulusevski, Heung-Min Son, and Harry Kane instead of Richarlison, despite the 25-year-old being fit and available for selection. Richarlison has struggled for form this season, managing only two goals in all competitions, both of which came in the Champions League group stages against Marseille.
In the interview, Richarlison expressed his frustration with his lack of playing time this season, saying, “Honestly, this season has been shi**y. I want to play. I don’t understand… I was fine, he tested me in the starting XI in training, then he put me on the bench again.”
He also revealed that he had been dealing with injuries throughout the campaign but insisted that he always gave his all when called upon. “I suffered a little with the injury this season. But, when I enter the field, I give my life,” he said.
He also sarcastically suggested that the Italian is going to come up with some other excuse for not playing him against AC Milan. He added: “Let’s see what he (Conte) will say tomorrow, but there are no fools here, I’m a professional, I work every day and I want to play. There are minutes left, time left.”
🎙️ Richarlison after the AC Milan game: "Honestly, this season has been shitty. I want to play. I don't understand… I was fine, he tested me in the starting XI in training, then he put me on the bench again."
✍️ @TNTSportsBR pic.twitter.com/RyOqTVaTyD
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) March 9, 2023
🎙️ Richarlison: "I suffered a little with the injury this season. But, when I enter the field, I give my life. Let's see what he (Conte) will say tomorrow, but there are no fools here, I'm a professional, I work every day and I want to play. There are minutes left, time left." pic.twitter.com/cvDDCPtIsL
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) March 9, 2023
Spurs’ exit from the Champions League has added to the pressure on Conte, who was brought in to lead the club to silverware. With their hopes of winning a trophy this season officially over with the club out of all competitions, the manager will need to find a way to bring the squad together and get them firing again in hope to finish top 4.
The comments are strange coming from the Brazilian given his poor form this season. It also shows the lack of professionalism in Richarlison to publicly slate the manager like that.
Conte is set to leave the club at the end of the season with former manager Mauricio Pochettino the most likely to replace him. Other managers linked with the job include Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has recently claimed that Spurs do not plan on selling Richarlison in the summer. He stated that Tottenham will protect their investment in Richarlison by giving him time to adjust to his new surroundings.
There is no doubt about the quality he possesses and his previous goal scoring record at Everton as well as for the Brazilian national team is a proof of that. Perhaps a managerial change might suit the Brazilian and help him firing in goals again.
