Conte warns Milan: ‘I’m back’

Conte’s words on the eve of the return match with Milan

Antonio Conte will return to sit on the Tottenham bench after a period of enforced rest post gall bladder surgery. The Spurs coach introduced the return leg of the Champions League round of 16 against AC Milan: “I feel good, it’s important for me to work with my players. Being together, working with the staff, preparing the matches. From a distance I tried to be close to the team anyway, with videos, but being in presence is another thing. I have to thank all my staff and players, being three weeks without a coach is not easy. But now I’m back, I’m happy. Tomorrow’s game is vital. We want to pass the round and we will try. I hope to find a great atmosphere in our stadium, many times our fans have given us the right push to overcome difficult situations. We are playing against the Italian champions, Milan is a very good team.”

“For me I was fine in the first leg, but I definitely underestimated the recovery after the operation. For these reasons, because of my sense of responsibility, I wanted to come back earlier. But I overestimated myself and my physique. Now, however, I am fine, I still have to regain weight, but I have a lot of energy. I will try to transfer it to my players,” Conte continued.

“We live with pressure for these kinds of matches. When you raise the pressure you also raise your level. Last year we were in the Conference. Today we are in the Champions. Tomorrow we have a chance to beat Milan,” concluded the London club’s coach.