‘I don’t want to lose’: Tottenham’s Antonio Conte’s ruthless response to calls to start Djed Spence

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has come out firing after insistent calls for him to reshuffle his team and give fringe players some minutes on the pitch.

The Lillywhites have lost two of their last three games including the 3-1 thumping by Arsenal in the North London derby last weekend.

Emerson Royal has kept the right wing-back spot despite a £20m investment in Djed Spence from Middlesbrough and Matt Doherty returning to fitness.

Tottenham will take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League tonight with the Italian manager expected to ring the changes for fans who want to see players Bissouma and Doherty given an opportunity in the side.

But Antonio Conte - who won the Premier League title with Chelsea and guided this Tottenham team to Champions League football for the first time in three years - says fans will always be fans.

He told reporters ahead of the  Eintracht Frankfurt game: “The fans have to be fans.

“The fans are the fans, I understand they can think everything but I see everyday what happens during the training sessions.

“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.”

He added: “We are talking about a young player with a good prospect, but I repeat I will 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 don’t trust me, then I’m the coach and I need to make the best decision for Tottenham.”