Tottenham boss Conte says ‘mental instability’ is costing Spurs

Antonio Conte says the mental instability within his Tottenham squad was to blame for their 3-2 defeat to Southampton.

The Saints scored twice in two minutes late on to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 victory as Mohamed Elyounoussi and Che Adams headed home James Ward-Prowse crosses.

The result is a huge blow to Tottenham’s top-four prospects. Even a draw would have been enough to take Conte’s side above sixth-placed Arsenal but instead, they are left with ground to make up.

“For sure, we have to be disappointed,” Conte said. “They were good but I think we made many, many mistakes, especially with the ball, and I think this type of situation creates a bit of mental instability in my team.

“I have seen the two goals and we conceded two goals with the defensive line had to stay there. We need to be more accurate but I know very well that this season we are going to struggle to get three points and I said this before and I continue to repeat it.

“For sure, I think we are now improving in many aspects but we are still too emotional.

“Against Leicester, we won 3-2 and we were losing 2-1. Today, we were winning 2-1 and we lost 3-2.

“I think on this aspect, we have to improve because if we want to grow as a team and try to be competitive, the first thing we have to improve is to be stable, not up and down, up and down.

“In a team, it’s also important to have players with experience, to manage the situation during the game.

“But I repeat it was a pity because my players they gave 120 per cent and the effort was maximum. I cannot say that I didn’t see the right attitude, or that I didn’t see the right commitment, because I saw the maximum.

“I have to tell thanks to my players because the commitments was top. But then you know you have to improve in many, many aspects – and we have a long, long road in front of us.”