EPL: Conte Criticises Tottenham Players Over Draw Against Lowly Southampton

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte was highly critical of his players after they let slip a 3-1 lead at Southampton, which led to a 3-3 draw and cost the team crucial points in their fight for fourth place in the Premier League.

The Italian called out his team's selfishness, labelling their inability to maintain the lead as "unacceptable."

"For me, it was not a penalty. But the worst situation is what was happening on the pitch.

"What was happening in the last few months? What is happening in my second season" Conte told reporters.

"I think that it's the right moment to speak because I think that after this performance, for me this is unacceptable.

"We are winning 3-1, in control and conceding two goals and Fraser (Forster) made saves.

"It's better to go into the problem, we are not a team. We are 11 players that go into the pitch.

"I see selfish players, players that don't want to help each other and don't put their heart."

Conte's tactics have often been questioned by Tottenham fans, but this time, he turned his frustration towards the players.

"We are 11 players that go into the pitch. I see selfish players, players that don't want to help each other and don't put their heart."

The Tottenham manager had earlier questioned the team's spirit, saying that they lacked the fire and desire needed to improve their performance.

He added that the current situation was worse than last season, and the team's inability to work together was affecting their ability to progress.

"Before today I try to hide the situation and improve the situation with words," he said.

"About tactical and technical, it's one situation, another is the desire, the fire that you need to have in your eyes, your heart.

"You need to have this in every moment.

"This season compared to last, now we are worse in this aspect.

"When you are not a team you cannot improve."

Conte's outburst has sparked speculation that all is not well in the Tottenham changing room, and the manager could be ready to call time on his tenure.

With only two points separating Tottenham from fifth-placed Newcastle United, the team cannot afford any more slip-ups if they hope to secure a Champions League spot for next season.