Tottenham manager Antonio Conte praised Harry Kane for setting an example for the Spurs star after all of his teammates following Newcastle’s 5-1 defeat.
Kane played a key role although he did not score in the victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which saw his team climb over North London rivals Arsenal to the top four in the Premier League.
The England captain, who has been linked with a move away from Manchester United, said the game was moving in the right direction as his team lost their winners – thanks to a good game in the second half.
Conte said the way Kane played since taking over the club in November was “surprising” – he said he was fighting the habit of famous players ‘sometimes being lazy’.
‘At the end of the game I said it was a shame he didn’t score a goal but he played amazingly and got help,’ ‘Conte said.
‘Having a player like that on your team is very important. He is able to score his goals and chances. I love him as a person.
‘Talented players don’t want to work hard but from the day I got here he was a role model. You think that is normal but it is not. The big players are sometimes lazy and that’s not it. He is a great role model for his colleagues. He encourages us to compete. ‘
Spurs’ back win – lagging behind before scoring five unanswered goals – increased their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
The Conte boys are level on points with Arsenal but ahead of them with a goal difference in the fourth round but the Gunners have a game in hand, and the two will meet again in a conference that is expected to be rescheduled. season week.
The Italian midfielder – who has had a difficult time in charge but has changed his form in recent weeks – believes no other team wants to face Spurs if they look at their current form.
Spurs have won four of their last five Premier League games, and Kane – who has scored 22 goals in 42 appearances for the club – has played a key role in their success.
‘Having more time and more days working with my players really helps,’ said Conte.
‘More training makes the side of the body better. But we can improve.
‘This performance and last performance in this era need to give us confidence.
Yes with the Premier League it is very difficult and anything can happen but it is not easy to play against us now. ‘
