Gabriel Agbonlahor backs Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte after Richarlison outburst
Former Aston Villa ace Gabriel Agbonlahor has backed Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte after Richarlison criticised the Italian manager, and said that the former Inter Milan could and should demote the player to the U18 level as a form of punishment.
The Brazil international was not pleased after the 0-0 draw against AC Milan at home in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. Spurs ended up being eliminated from the competition.
Subsequently, the former Everton star expressed concern over his lack of game time at the North London side. The 25-year-old was on the bench versus the Rosoneri and lamented the lack of opportunities he has had under Conte.
But speaking on talkSPORT (h/t football.london), Agbonlahor, who spent his entire playing career on Villa’s books, blasted Richarlison. The ex-striker has suggested relegating the Brazilian to the U18s.
“He’s come out and said that he’s had a positive moment and Conte’s put me on the bench. His positive moment is two games, zero goals. I don’t get it.
“And if I’m Conte and Conte looks like that sort of manager, I’m sure his boots and kit are in the Under-18s dressing room this morning.”
In the summer of 2022, the 25-year-old was signed by Tottenham. The forward’s arrival evidently added much-needed depth in the number nine position for Spurs.
At the Goodison Park Side, Richarlison was the superstar for many years. He was the talisman of the Toffees season after season. In the previous campaign, the Brazilian played a pivotal role in helping the Merseysiders avoid relegation.
However, since his move to the North London side, the 25-year-old has hardly started any games. In the Premier League, the striker has started just seven matches.
When Richarlison has been given the opportunities, he has shown great tenacity and passion up front. However, the Brazilian has struggled to find the back of the net and contribute much in the attacking third.
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Conte has the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski at his disposal. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the former Everton striker has found minutes on the pitch to be scarce. However, the 25-year-old’s comments were uncalled for and it would have been wiser for him to talk privately with the gaffer.
