Tottenham news: Antonio Conte admits not starting Joe Rodon 'maybe a mistake' in Wolves defeat

Sean Fisher
14 February 2022

Antonio Conte recorded three successive league defeats for the first time in his career on Sunday, as his Spurs side were defeated 2-0 by Wolves.

Tottenham now find themselves down in eighth, and are quickly seeing their chances of Champions League football next season evaporate.

Raul Jiminez dealt an early blow, scoring after just six minutes to put the visitors ahead.

Before 20 mintues had even passed, Leander Dendoncker doubled the lead, and Spurs struggled to break down a well-drilled Wolves defence for the remainder of the clash.

Both goals were conceded through poor defending, with Spurs' back three of Davinson Sanchez, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies looking frequently unsure of themselves.

Full-time. pic.twitter.com/4BCs5HSxnS
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 13, 2022

It's not the first time Spurs have looked shaky at the back this season, yet Antonio Conte has consistently fielded a similar defence, leaving £11m signing Joe Rodon on the bench.

The Wales international has made just two appearances this season, and played just 14 times since moving to north London from Swansea in 2020.

Before Christmas, the Italian manager stated he saw Rodon as simply a back-up to Eric Dier, but even when the England defender has been absent, the 24-year-old Rodon has not found a way into the team.

However, following Spurs' disappointing showing against Wolves, Conte has admitted that not fielding Rodon was a potential mistake.

Il capo 👊 pic.twitter.com/NiGD8EztWi
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 11, 2022

Following the final whistle, the 52-year-old said "We are talking about a really good guy. We are talking about a person whose commitment is very high every day.

"But in this moment maybe I make mistakes to pick different players maybe. Maybe. My evaluation is to try to put on the pitch the best players at the moment.

"If I didn't do this then maybe I did different considerations."

With Eric Dier still injured, Rodon will hope to feature in Tottenham's upcoming fixture, although a trip to league leaders Manchester City next Saturday will be no easy return.