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Football London
Football London
Sport
Laurie Martin

Antonio Conte asks Tottenham fans for trust after big Djed Spence decision

Antonio Conte has asked Tottenham fans for their 'trust' amid calls for the Italian head coach to start young wing-back Djed Spence. Many Spurs fans want to see the summer signing get his first start for the club, especially after Emerson Royal was sent off in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday.

Spence has made just one appearance for Tottenham since joining from Middlesbrough in July - and that was as an 89th minute substitute in the 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest in late August. Spence was an unused substitute in the defeat at Arsenal, failing to get onto the pitch despite Royal's red card and Conte making five subs.

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Royal is available to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, but he will face a three-match Premier League suspension after that, which could see Spence's game time increase. But with the likes of Ivan Perisic and Matt Doherty also vying for the right wing-back spot, Conte has hinted that Spence hasn't been selected recently because he's not 'ready'.

"The fans have to be fans," said the Spurs boss. "The fans is the fans, I understand they can think everything but I see every day what happens during the training session.

"I try to do the best for the team. If they trust me, then they trust me, but the choices are mine. If I didn't decide to pick one player it's maybe because he's not ready.

"We are talking about a young player with a good prospect, but I repeat I try to pick the best team. Also Doherty last season played every game. Now I’m not seeing him in the right way to start the game.

"I'm not stupid, I don't want to lose. I try to put the best team, to pick the best team. If they trust me it's ok, if they don't trust me then I'm the coach and I need to take the best decision for Tottenham."

READ NEXT:

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Antonio Conte admits Lucas Moura injury worry after Tottenham star suffers new setback

Every word Antonio Conte said on Emerson Royal, red card, VAR and Tottenham's defeat at Arsenal

Tottenham player ratings: Hugo Lloris blunder, needless Emerson red but Lenglet credit

Arsenal vs Tottenham highlights: Xhaka, Jesus and Partey hand Gunners win as Emerson sent off

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