TottenhamAntonio Conte, the head coach, has paid tribute earlier this week to Gian Piero Ventrone (their fitness coach), who passed away at the age of 61.
Conte spoke following Spurs’ 1-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, the first match since Ventrone died.
Spurs and Brighton players had a minute’s applause for Ventrone before kick-off, with the away side wearing shirts in remembrance of the Italian coach to warm up in.
“Honestly, it’s a tough period because what happened is incredible, it’s difficult to explain,” Conte said: “No-one could expect this type of situation about Gian Piero.
“The last time I spoke with him was on Thursday because he had a bit of fever and he asked me to stay at home.
“For Gian Piero, the work was the most important thing in his life. He left many good situations behind in just 10 months. The last three days were a rollercoaster ride for me. The Tottenham environment is a consuming situation. It is a sign that Gian Piero had left something in our hearts.
“I knew him for 30 years because before, I was his player and then we worked together. Based on my experiences with Tottenham, I felt he should stay with me again. It was an important decision for me because I saw the relationship he had with the players. But I will repeat it with all the people in Tottenham.
