Why Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte will not be holding a press conference today ahead of Marseille tie

According to the Mirror, Antonio Conte will not attend today’s (October 31) press conference ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s UEFA Champions League tie against Olympique de Marseille.

The Italian manager was shown a red card against Sporting CP last week when he protested Harry Kane’s goal being disallowed by VAR. The England international scored a 95th-minute goal to hand what looked like priceless three points to Spurs.

It would have meant that Tottenham’s game against Marseille would not have mattered with regard to the Lilywhites’ qualification for the knockout rounds. However, Kane was adjudged to be offside after a lengthy VAR check.

As a result, Conte will not attend the press conference scheduled for Monday and instead pass on his media duties to assistant Cristian Stellini. It’s not unusual for suspended managers to not hold the pressers themselves.

No presser from Conte

Conte is banned from the touchline for the decisive game against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome later this week. A loss here means Spurs are out of the competition.

Reporters would be looking for key information from Stellini such as the injury situation that surrounds Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski. Along with Cristian Romero, the duo was not spotted in Tottenham’s latest training session.

The Sweden international was on the pitch at the Vitality Stadium this weekend when he was doing individual drills before kick-off. But that’s as far as his involvement went that day.

More Tottenham News:

• Tottenham Hotspur receive Dejan Kulusevski injury boost ahead of Marseille tie
• Journo gives verdict on Tottenham star Son Heung-min being linked with a transfer away from Spurs
• Trent Alexander-Arnold draws Tottenham Hotspur ultimatum for Liverpool teammates

Conte’s absence from the touchline could work against us. His charismatic personality and constant shouting keep the players on their toes but it still won’t be an excuse if we cannot get a point away in France.